A Luxurious Meal for Beginners Recipe
This Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto is a luxurious yet approachable meal perfect for beginners. Creamy Arborio rice combined with tender lobster meat, accented by fragrant lemon zest and juice, enriches the dish with bright and savory flavors. Butter and Parmesan finish the risotto with a silky, decadent texture, making it an elegant choice for special dinners or impressing guests.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups seafood or chicken broth, warmed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 8 oz cooked lobster meat, chopped (about 1 tail or 2 small claws)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Sauté the Shallot and Garlic: Heat a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Once the butter melts and coats the pan bottom, add finely diced shallot and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
- Toast the Rice: Add Arborio rice and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the grains, coating them in the oil and butter. This releases starch essential for the creamy risotto texture.
- Add the Broth Gradually: Begin adding warm broth by ladlefuls (about ½ cup at a time), stirring constantly and letting the rice absorb the liquid completely before adding more. Continue this process for 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and tender with a slight bite in the center.
- Finish with Lemon, Butter, and Parmesan: Turn off heat and stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter until melted. Add grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest; stir well until smooth and combined. Gently fold in chopped lobster meat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the risotto and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Optionally, add an extra sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright citrus finish. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use seafood broth for a more intense lobster flavor or chicken broth for a milder taste.
- If lobster isn’t available or preferred, shrimp or scallops can be substituted.
- Stirring constantly while adding broth helps release starch for optimal creaminess.
- Serve immediately as risotto thickens as it cools.
- Adjust salt and pepper carefully since Parmesan adds saltiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto, creamy risotto, lobster recipes, seafood risotto, Italian main course, elegant dinner recipe