Name: Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups Arborio rice; 8 oz cooked lobster meat, chopped; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for finishing); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small shallot, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup dry white wine (optional); 4 cups warmed chicken or seafood stock; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto is a luxurious, creamy, and flavorful dish that turns a simple risotto into something truly special. With tender chunks of lobster, rich lemon-infused butter, and a perfectly creamy risotto base, it’s the kind of meal I make when I want to impress—or just treat myself to something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together elegance and comfort in one bowl. The risotto is creamy and rich, the lemon butter adds brightness, and the lobster brings that sweet, buttery seafood flavor that makes each bite feel indulgent. It’s perfect for special occasions, but easy enough for a cozy night in when I want to elevate dinner without too much fuss.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Arborio rice
Cooked lobster meat, chopped
Unsalted butter
Olive oil
Shallots, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Dry white wine
Chicken or seafood stock, warmed
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Grated parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Salt and pepper

directions

I start by warming my stock in a saucepan over low heat and keeping it warm throughout the cooking process.
In a large skillet or saucepan, I heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium heat, then sauté the shallots and garlic until soft and fragrant.
I add the Arborio rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the grains in oil.
I pour in the white wine and stir until it’s absorbed.
I begin adding the warm stock, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to absorb before adding the next. This process takes about 20 minutes.
When the rice is just tender and creamy, I stir in the chopped lobster meat and let it heat through.
I add the remaining butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
I stir until everything is creamy and well combined, then serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so dinner is ready in about 40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of cream for an even richer risotto, or toss in a handful of peas for color and sweetness. I’ve also used shrimp or scallops in place of lobster when I want to switch it up. For extra lemon flavor, I sometimes stir in a spoonful of lemon curd or a dash of white balsamic vinegar.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the risotto gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. I avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the rice and overcook the lobster.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster?

Yes, I often use frozen lobster meat when fresh isn’t available. I just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before adding it in.

What’s the best rice for risotto?

Arborio rice is ideal because it has the right starch content to create that signature creamy texture. I don’t recommend substituting it.

Do I have to use wine?

Wine adds depth, but I’ve skipped it before and used extra stock instead—it still turns out delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Risotto is best served fresh, but I’ve prepped the ingredients ahead to save time. If I reheat, I stir in a bit of broth to restore the texture.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the stock and cheese are GF-certified.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto is the kind of dish that turns dinner into something memorable. It’s rich, bright, and comforting—all at the same time. Whether I’m making it to celebrate or simply indulging in a weeknight treat, this risotto always delivers creamy perfection with every bite.