Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Lobster Thermidor with Cognac Cream Sauce

Lobster Thermidor with Cognac Cream Sauce


Description

An elegant French classic featuring succulent lobster meat in a rich cognac cream sauce, topped with golden cheese and served in the shell – perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners at home!

Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 2-4


Ingredients

Scale

For the Lobsters:

  • 2 live lobsters ( pounds each)
  • Salt for boiling water

For the Cognac Cream Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 shallots, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cognac or brandy
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup fish stock or clam juice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and white pepper to taste

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup Gruyère cheese, grated
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the lobsters: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add lobsters headfirst and cook for 8-10 minutes. Remove and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Prepare lobster shells: Split lobsters lengthwise. Remove all meat from tails, claws, and knuckles. Clean shells thoroughly and set aside. Chop lobster meat into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the roux: In a heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, cooking until translucent. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until golden.
  4. Add liquids: Remove pan from heat and carefully add cognac. Return to heat and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in wine and fish stock, then cream. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Finish the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks. Temper by slowly adding ½ cup hot sauce to yolks while whisking. Pour mixture back into sauce, whisking constantly. Add mustard, tarragon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook gently until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Do not boil.
  6. Combine and fill: Fold lobster meat into sauce. Spoon mixture into cleaned lobster shells, mounding slightly.
  7. Add topping: Mix cheeses with breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle generously over filled lobster shells.
  8. Broil: Place filled shells on a baking sheet. Broil 6 inches from heat for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  9. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes:

  • For best results, bring all dairy ingredients to room temperature before starting.
  • If sauce becomes too thick, thin with a little warm cream or stock.
  • The filled lobsters can be prepared several hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to broil.
  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage Tips:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven until warmed through. The sauce may separate slightly upon reheating – whisk gently to recombine.