Lobster Thermidor: A Decadent French Classic

If you're looking to impress your guests at a special occasion, lobster thermidor is a classic French dish that is sure to do the trick. This dish features succulent lobster meat cooked in a rich wine sauce, stuffed back into the lobster shell, and browned to perfection.

The sauce is typically a mixture of egg yolks and brandy, served with an oven-browned cheese crust, typically Gruyère.

Lobster thermidor is a dish that requires a bit of preparation, but the end result is well worth the effort. You'll need to cook the lobster meat, prepare the sauce, and stuff it back into the lobster shell before broiling it to create a crispy cheese crust.

While this dish may seem intimidating, with a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Lobster thermidor is a classic French dish that is perfect for special occasions.
• The dish features succulent lobster meat cooked in a rich wine sauce and topped with an oven-browned cheese crust.
• While lobster thermidor requires some preparation, the end result is well worth the effort.

The Basics of Lobster Thermidor

Selecting Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious lobster thermidor, selecting high-quality ingredients is key. You'll need fresh lobster meat, butter, shallots, salt, pepper, flour, mustard, fresh tarragon, Parmesan cheese, and Gruyère cheese.

Make sure your ingredients are fresh and of the highest quality possible to ensure the best flavour.

Preparation Techniques

To prepare your lobster thermidor, you'll start by cooking your lobsters. Once they're cooked, remove the meat from the shells and set it aside.

Next, you'll want to make a creamy sauce using butter, flour, milk, mustard, and fresh tarragon.

Once your sauce is ready, add your lobster meat to the sauce and stir until everything is well combined.

To finish your lobster thermidor, you'll want to stuff the lobster shells with the lobster and sauce mixture. Top the mixture with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and Gruyère cheese.

Finally, bake your lobster thermidor in the oven or grill until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.

Cooking and Serving

Creating the Filling

To create the filling for your Lobster Thermidor, start by removing the cooked lobster meat from the shells and chopping it into small pieces. You can use a grill or oven to cook the lobster meat to your desired level of doneness.

Next, sauté some finely chopped shallots and garlic in a pan until they are soft and fragrant. Add some sliced mushrooms and continue to cook until they are tender. Pour in some white wine, cognac or brandy and let it reduce slightly.

Add some heavy cream, egg yolks, mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pan and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Stir in some grated cheese, chopped tarragon, and parsley.

Finally, add the chopped lobster meat to the pan and stir until it is coated in the creamy sauce.

Final Touches and Presentation

Once the filling is ready, it's time to assemble and cook your Lobster Thermidor.

Preheat your grill or oven to a high temperature.

Spoon the filling back into the lobster shells and sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese. Place the lobster shells onto a baking tray and bake in the oven or grill until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley before serving. Your Lobster Thermidor is now ready to be enjoyed as a luxurious dinner party dish or a special treat for a romantic meal.

Pair your Lobster Thermidor with a glass of white wine for the perfect indulgent meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prepare a classic lobster thermidor?

To prepare a classic lobster thermidor, you will need to cook the lobster and make the stock the day before you plan to serve this dish.

Then, you will need to prepare the sauce by mixing cream, cheese, and cognac. After that, you will need to sauté mushrooms and onions and add them to the sauce.

Finally, you will need to mix the lobster meat with the sauce and bake it in the oven until it is golden brown. For more details, check out this recipe.

What ingredients are in a traditional lobster thermidor sauce?

A traditional lobster thermidor sauce is made with a blend of cream, cheese, and cognac. It also contains sautéed mushrooms and onions. For more information on the ingredients used in this dish, check out this recipe.

Where did lobster thermidor originate?

Lobster thermidor originated in France in the late 19th century. It was named after a play called Thermidor, which was written by Victorien Sardou. The dish became popular in the United States during the early 20th century. For more information on the history of this dish, check out this source.

What distinguishes lobster thermidor from lobster newburg?

The main difference between lobster thermidor and lobster newburg is the sauce. Lobster thermidor is made with a creamy sauce that contains cheese and cognac, while lobster newburg is made with a sherry cream sauce. For more information on the differences between these two dishes, check out this source.

Can you recommend a simple lobster thermidor recipe for beginners?

If you are a beginner and want to try making lobster thermidor, we recommend this recipe. It is simple and easy to follow, and it produces a delicious dish that will impress your guests.

Is it possible to purchase ready-made lobster thermidor sauce?

Yes, it is possible to purchase ready-made lobster thermidor sauce.

However, we recommend making your own sauce, as it will taste much better and will be more authentic.

If you are short on time, you can try this source for ready-made sauce.