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 (1½ 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine and fill: Fold lobster meat into sauce. Spoon mixture into cleaned lobster shells, mounding slightly.
- Add topping: Mix cheeses with breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle generously over filled lobster shells.
- 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.
- 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.