Difficulty Level: Advanced
Why it’s great for your cooking channel: Lobster Thermidor is a show-stopping dish that will captivate your audience with its sophistication and rich flavors. It offers an opportunity to demonstrate advanced cooking techniques such as poaching lobster and making a béchamel sauce, making it a compelling addition to your channel.
Description: Lobster Thermidor is a decadent French dish featuring lobster meat cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a hint of mustard and cognac, then broiled to perfection. It’s an elegant and luxurious meal perfect for special occasions.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serving size: Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 2 live lobsters (about 1 1/2 pounds each)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup cognac or brandy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 egg yolks
Instructions:
Cook the Lobsters:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lobsters and cook for about 8-10 minutes until they turn bright red.
- Remove the lobsters from the water and let them cool slightly.
- Once cooled, split the lobsters in half lengthwise and remove the meat from the claws, tail, and knuckles. Reserve the shells.
Prepare the Lobster Meat:
- Chop the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the white wine and cognac, and cook until reduced by half.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, cooking until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the Gruyère cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Beat the egg yolks and stir them into the sauce.
Combine Lobster and Sauce:
- Preheat your broiler to high.
- Mix the chopped lobster meat into the sauce until well coated.
Fill the Lobster Shells:
- Place the reserved lobster shells on a baking sheet.
- Spoon the lobster mixture back into the shells, mounding slightly.
Top with Cheese and Broil:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each filled lobster shell.
- Place under the broiler until the cheese is melted and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve immediately with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Final Thoughts: Lobster Thermidor is the epitome of gourmet dining, bringing a touch of French elegance to your table. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly complements the delicate lobster meat, making each bite a luxurious experience. This dish not only highlights the exquisite flavors of lobster but also provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase culinary skills, making it a perfect feature for your channel.