Whole Stuffed Lobster is a luxurious and indulgent dish that makes a perfect special-occasion meal. The lobsters are typically split in half, with the meat removed from the tail and claws and combined with a savory stuffing, often made with breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and sometimes crab or shrimp for added richness. The stuffed lobster halves are then baked until golden and bubbling, with the stuffing soaking up the lobster’s natural juices, creating a flavorful and succulent dish.
I first made Whole Stuffed Lobster for a celebratory dinner, and it was an unforgettable experience! The tender lobster meat paired with the savory stuffing is a true treat, and every bite feels like a special indulgence. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable the stuffing can be—you can add ingredients like parmesan, lemon zest, or even beef bacon for extra flavor. Whether for a holiday meal, romantic dinner, or festive gathering, Whole Stuffed Lobster is sure to impress!
Perfect for:
- Special occasions
- Elegant dinner parties
- Romantic dinners
- Holidays
- Seafood lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Whole Stuffed Lobster will become your favorite dish:
- Exquisite Flavor: The delicate lobster meat paired with the savory stuffing is a flavor combination that will delight your taste buds.
- Impressive Presentation: A whole lobster stuffed and baked is a stunning dish that will be the highlight of any meal.
- Perfectly Cooked Lobster: The lobster meat is tender and juicy, cooked just right to bring out its natural sweetness.
- Crispy Stuffing: The breadcrumb stuffing adds a crunchy contrast to the soft lobster meat, creating a perfect balance of textures.
- Lemon and Herb Infused: The stuffing is made with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon, infusing the lobster with a refreshing, aromatic flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: With a few simple steps, you can prepare this gourmet dish at home.
- Customizable Stuffing: You can easily adjust the stuffing with your favorite herbs, spices, or even cheese for a personalized touch.
- Showstopper Dish: Serve this dish at your next dinner party and watch it become the centerpiece of your meal.
- Low-Carb Option: This dish is naturally low in carbs, making it a great option for those on a keto or low-carb diet.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a holiday feast, this stuffed lobster is a versatile and memorable dish.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 500-600 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
For the Lobster:
- 2 whole lobsters (1.5 to 2 lbs each)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Lobster: Fresh, tender lobster meat is the star of the dish, offering a sweet and rich flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: The base of the stuffing, providing texture and the perfect absorption for the aromatic flavors.
- Herbs and Lemon: Fresh parsley, green onions, and lemon zest enhance the flavor profile with a refreshing and herby touch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth to the stuffing, complementing the lobster’s sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Lobster:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Lobster: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lobsters and cook for 8-10 minutes until they are bright red and fully cooked. Remove them from the water and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Lobster Shell: Once cooled, use kitchen shears to cut down the top of the lobster shell and carefully remove the lobster meat. Be careful to keep the shell intact for stuffing.
- Remove the Lobster Meat: Gently pull the lobster meat from the shell, taking care not to break the shell. Chop the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Prepare the Stuffing:
- Cook the Stuffing: In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, green onions, and parsley, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine with Breadcrumbs: Add the breadcrumbs to the pan, stirring to coat them with the butter and herbs.
- Mix in Lobster Meat: Add the chopped lobster meat to the breadcrumb mixture, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stuff the Lobster:
- Fill the Shell: Spoon the lobster and breadcrumb mixture into the empty lobster shells, packing it tightly.
- Top with Butter: Drizzle the stuffed lobster with melted butter and season with a little salt and pepper.
Bake the Lobster:
- Bake: Place the stuffed lobsters on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the stuffed lobster with lemon wedges on the side.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Whole Stuffed Lobster:
- With a Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the lobster.
- With Garlic Butter: Serve with extra garlic butter for dipping.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, carrots, or potatoes make a great side dish.
- For Special Occasions: Serve as a main course at romantic dinners, anniversaries, or holidays.
- On a Dinner Plate: Present the lobster on individual plates for a sophisticated presentation.
- With French Fries: For a fun, casual twist, serve with crispy French fries.
- With a Butter Sauce: Drizzle extra melted butter over the lobster for added richness.
- As a Shared Dish: For a communal meal, serve the lobsters on a large platter for sharing.
- With Fresh Herbs: Garnish with additional parsley or tarragon for a burst of color.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Lobster: For the best flavor, choose fresh lobsters, ideally from a local fishmonger or seafood market.
- Stuffing Variations: Experiment with adding crab meat, shrimp, or different cheeses to the stuffing for a unique twist.
- Perfect Lobster Cooking: Don’t overcook the lobster when boiling to ensure it remains tender and juicy.
- Butter Infusion: You can infuse the butter with garlic, herbs, or lemon zest for an extra layer of flavor.
- Freezing Lobster: If you’re not using the lobsters right away, you can freeze the lobster meat and stuffing separately until you’re ready to cook.
Recipe Variations
- Crab Stuffed Lobster: Replace the lobster meat in the stuffing with crab meat for a delicious variation.
- Cheese Lovers’ Lobster: Add more types of cheese to the stuffing, such as Gruyère or cheddar.
- Spicy Stuffing: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a bit of heat.
- Lobster Newberg Style: Add a bit of brandy and eggs to the stuffing for a classic Newberg twist.
- Vegetarian Stuffing: Use a mixture of wild rice, mushrooms, and spinach for a vegetarian version of the stuffing.
- Beef Bacon Stuffed Lobster: Add crispy beef bacon to the stuffing for a smoky flavor.
Special Equipment
- Kitchen Shears: For cutting open the lobster shells.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the stuffed lobsters.
- Small Pan: For sautéing the garlic, onions, and herbs.
- Pastry Brush: To drizzle melted butter over the lobsters.
- Serving Platter: For an elegant presentation of the stuffed lobsters.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen lobster?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. - Can I make the stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. - How long does the stuffed lobster last?
The stuffed lobster is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Can I grill the stuffed lobster instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling the lobster adds a smoky flavor and is a great alternative to baking. - How do I know when the lobster is fully cooked?
The lobster shell should be bright red, and the stuffing should be golden and crispy. - Can I freeze stuffed lobster?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed lobster before baking it. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. - Can I substitute the breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use crushed crackers, panko, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs. - Can I make this dish without cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free option if needed. - How do I prevent the lobster from drying out?
Make sure not to overcook the lobster. Keep an eye on the stuffing and lobster while baking. - Can I use lobster tails instead of whole lobsters?
Yes, you can use lobster tails, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Whole Stuffed Lobster is the epitome of luxury and flavor, offering a perfect balance of sweet lobster meat and savory, herb-infused stuffing. This elegant dish will elevate any special occasion or dinner party, leaving a lasting impression on your guests. With a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this indulgent, show-stopping meal and savor the incredible flavors of lobster and fresh herbs!