Delicious Maine Lobster Stew Recipe to Try Today
Picture yourself sitting by the coast, watching the waves roll in as you savor a warm and hearty bowl of Maine lobster stew. There’s no doubt that there’s something special about this combination of fresh seafood, rich cream, and fragrant seasonings. A bowl of this stew is comfort food at its finest – both indulgent and satisfying.
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I can tell you that nothing impresses guests quite like a homemade lobster dish. And while it may seem intimidating at first, I’m here to share a tried-and-true recipe for Maine Lobster Stew that will have everyone raving about your cooking skills.
With its succulent chunks of lobster meat, creamy texture, and savory flavor, this Maine Lobster Stew is sure to become a staple recipe in your culinary repertoire. So let’s dive in, and I’ll show you step-by-step how to make this delicious dish that will leave everyone with full bellies and happy hearts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, I’ll tell you now, this Maine Lobster Stew recipe will make your taste buds sing. The taste of this stew is unbeatable and the rich flavor will leave you wanting more. Trust me when I say that you’ll love this recipe because it’s a dish that will impress anyone who tries it.
First of all, let’s talk about the star ingredient: Maine Lobster. You can’t go wrong with fresh lobster meat in a stew recipe. It adds a touch of luxury to any dish and elevates the whole experience. But don’t worry if you’re new to cooking lobsters, the recipe offers clear instructions on how to cook your live lobsters perfectly so that you can extract their sweet, juicy meat.
Moving on to the base of the stew, our two cups of milk and two cups of heavy cream give it a creamy texture that is guaranteed to blow your mind. The combination adds just enough richness to make every bite worthwhile without being too heavy for those warm summer evenings.
What’s more, our recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of dry sherry. Now, I know what some might say – sherry in a lobster stew? But trust me when I say that it works wonders in bringing all the flavors together and adding an edge that distinguishes this dish from every other seafood chowder or bisque soup recipe out there.
So why will you love this recipe? Because it’s uniquely delicious as well as easy enough for any home chef to cook up a potful with simple ingredients! If you’ve never cooked up some fresh Maine lobster meat at home yet, this is the perfect way to start. And if you are already familiar with making lobster chowder, then amp up your appreciation for the catch with our Maine Lobster Stew Recipe!
Ingredient List
For anyone looking for a rich and flavorful dish, Maine lobster stew recipe is an excellent option. Before jumping right into creating this dish, let’s first consider the ingredients needed. To make this stew, you’re going to need:
- Lobsters: Live lobsters (1 1/2 pounds to 3/4 lb. per person) are the star of this dish. The meat extracted from the lobsters will be used for making the stew.
- Butter: This recipe calls for a sizable amount of butter, with several tablespoons used throughout the cooking process.
- Heavy cream: A must-have ingredient for any hearty stew is heavy cream. This recipe calls for both 2 cups of milk and 2 cups of heavy cream.
- Dry sherry: For additional depth of flavor and aroma, dry sherry adds a touch of sweetness and nutty taste.
- Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground black pepper add flavor to the stew as desired.
Making a large pot of this creamy main course soup often involves simmering just part of each Maine lobster with aromatics like onion, carrot, and celery until cooked through-yield brings you about one-third more soup than using just the lobster bodies but adds even more richness.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients to make this delicious Maine Lobster Stew, let’s get started!
Step 1: Cook the Live Lobsters
Before we start making the stew, it’s important to know how to cook live lobsters. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, and then add some sea salt. Drop your live lobsters into the pot and cover tightly with a lid. Cook for around 10-12 minutes per pound for the first pound, and then around 3 additional minutes per pound thereafter. Once they’re cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool. Separate the lobster meat from the shell, including the claws and tails.
Step 2: Prep your Work Area
The next step is simple – take a deep breath and gather all your ingredients at your work area, checking that you have each one measured exactly.
Step 3: Melt Butter in Saucepan
Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and melt 8 tablespoons or 1/2 cup of butter in it, until it turns slightly brown.
Step 4: Add Lobster Bodies in Pot
Add in the lobster bodies (liquids or juices) while stirring continuously with a wooden spoon over low heat till they turn bright red.
Step 5: Clean Lobster Meat
Remove the meat from the shells of lobster claws and tails because you want only delicious lobster meat in our stew.
Steps 6 & 7: Blend Other Ingredients Together
Blend flour (1/4 cup) with melted butter (8 tablespoons) in another small saucepan over low heat, whisking continually until smooth. Then mix cream (2 cups) with milk (6 cups) in another bowl.
Step 8: Create Creamy Base
Slowly pour mixed cream and milk into your pot over medium heat . Stir in flour mixture from other saucepan until smooth . Make sure to keep stirring as it cooks for around 25-30 minutes.
Step 9: Add Lobster Meat
Afterward, add in the reserved lobster meat, sherry wine (1 cup), add sea salt & pepper to taste, stir well together on low heat until everything thickens up nicely.
Now you have two choices; serve immediately while hot or allow it to cool before reheating later. Garnish with fresh herbs if preferred before serving hot with some crusty bread.
Enjoy this soup as an appetizer to show off your culinary prowess at any dinner party!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to shake things up with your Maine Lobster Stew? Whether you want to switch up the ingredients or add a twist, there’s a variety of different substitutions and variations you can make to create your own unique lobster stew.
1. Swap out the heavy cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try substituting the heavy cream with half and half or whole milk. This will give your stew a thinner consistency but still retain that creamy taste.
2. Add some spice: Want to kick things up a notch? Add some heat by throwing in some green curry paste or red pepper flakes. This will give your lobster stew an extra zingy, satisfying flavor.
3. Make it bisque: Lobster Bisque soup is a long-standing favorite at Jordan Pond House, and for good reason! This variation elevates the dish by using lobster meat and shells for added depth of flavor while adding tomatoes, dry sherry, and cognac for extra richness.
4. Go with seafood chowder: If you’re looking to create an even heartier seafood-based dish, Seafood Chowder is the way to go! Remember to include fresh Maine clams, shrimp and scallops simmered until tender.This impressive treat is one that guests won’t soon forget.
5. Play around with serving styles: Turn your lobster stew into something unique by serving it in individual ramekins or even bread bowls! Try garnishing with crispy bacon pieces or chives for that final finishing touch.
Remember, there’s no wrong way to make Maine Lobster Stew! Experimentation is key when it comes to cooking – so don’t be afraid to throw in your own personal twists and turns to create a dish that perfectly suits your own taste preferences!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to Maine Lobster Stew, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to serving and pairing. First and foremost, the best way to enjoy this dish is with a warm, crusty bread or sourdough bread on the side. This will help soak up all the delicious broth and ensure that no drop goes to waste.
Additionally, if you’re looking for the perfect beverage pairing, we recommend something bold and full-bodied. A Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir would be excellent choices to complement the richness of this stew. However, if you’re not much of a wine drinker, you could always opt for a cold beer instead. An IPA or pale ale would be just as tasty.
Finally, don’t be afraid to serve some additional sides alongside your Maine Lobster Stew. A green salad with a light vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad would both add a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the stew. Steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots or broccoli would also make an excellent accompaniment.
In summary, when serving Maine Lobster Stew, make sure you have plenty of bread on hand and consider serving alongside some salad or veggies. And when it comes to drinks, remember that a bold wine like Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice to pair with this rich and comforting stew.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Many people shy away from making maine lobster stew because it seems too daunting or time-consuming, but fear not! This recipe is entirely make-ahead friendly and can be reheated with ease. You can even store it in the freezer for up to three months.
To make ahead, prepare the stew as instructed and let it cool to room temperature. Next, transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.
When ready to serve, reheat your stew in a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the stew is too thick when reheating, you can remedy this by adding more milk or cream to achieve your desired consistency.
For those who want to store their maine lobster stew for longer, freezing it is an excellent option. Begin by allowing the stew to cool completely before ladling into portion-sized containers. Leave at least one inch of space between the stew and the container’s lid to allow for expansion during freezing.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen maine lobster stew, place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw, then reheat in a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat as per usual.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the flavors of this rich and creamy maine lobster stew recipe all year round, whether cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering with friends and family.
Tips for Perfect Results
When cooking Maine Lobster Stew, there are certain tips I always follow for perfect results. Here are some of my tried and tested tips:
Firstly, use live lobsters as fresh as possible. It may be tempting to buy pre-cooked lobsters or lobster meat, but the flavor won’t be as rich and savory as using live lobsters.
Secondly, when cooking the lobsters, bring water to a rolling boil, then add the lobsters and cover tightly. Allow 10-12 minutes per pound for the first pound and 3-5 minutes for each additional pound (up to 5 pounds).
Thirdly, for a heartier stew, try including the lobster tomalley and coral (the green and red parts inside the body) in your stew recipe. These can add a boost of flavor to the dish.
When making the stew itself, I recommend using a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution. Start by melting butter over low heat before slowly adding milk and heavy cream. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent scorching.
Once you add the lobster meat, cook it over medium heat until it’s fully heated through. Don’t overcook the lobster meat as it can become tough and chewy.
Finally, when serving Maine Lobster Stew, I recommend pairing it with crusty bread or crackers to soak up all that delicious broth. It also pairs well with a light salad or vegetable side.
By following these tips and incorporating your own personal touches, you’ll have a delectable and flavorful Maine Lobster Stew that will impress any guest at your party.
FAQ
Before wrapping up this article, let’s take a moment to address some frequently asked questions about this Maine Lobster Stew Recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or new to cooking with lobsters, these FAQs will provide you with the necessary information and tips to ensure a successful outcome. Read on to learn more.
What ingredients are in lobster stew?
Lobsters are a type of sea creature that belongs to the crustacean family. They have elongated bodies with strong muscular tails and are predominantly found in the ocean floor’s crevices or burrows. Among their five pairs of legs, three of them consist of claws, with the first set being notably larger than the others.
How to cook Maine lobster?
To cook Maine lobsters, start by bringing a pot of water to a vigorous boil. Carefully place the lobsters in the pot using tongs to avoid any accidents. Cover the pot securely and let the water return to a rolling boil. Lower the heat to a steady boil and begin timing the lobsters. For every pound of lobsters, let them steam for 9 minutes, then add 4 minutes for each additional pound.
How do you cook lobster so it’s tender?
To cook lobsters, fill a pot with water and heat until it reaches a rolling boil. Place the lobsters into the pot, making sure their head goes in first. Cover the pot tightly and quickly return the water to a boil. From here, you will need to keep track of cooking time. A good rule of thumb is to steam the lobster for 7 minutes per pound for the first pound. If you’re cooking more than one lobster, add an additional 3 minutes of cooking time per pound for each additional lobster.
Which cooking method is best for lobster?
When it comes to preparing whole, live lobsters, steaming is the ideal method of cooking for various reasons. Not only does steaming help in avoiding the likelihood of overcooking, but it also ensures that the cook time is reduced and the process of removing the lobsters from the pot is effortless. To begin, ensure that the pot you use is large enough to accommodate your lobsters.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, the recipe for a classic Maine Lobster Stew that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. With fresh maine lobsters as the star ingredient, this stew is creamy, rich and full of flavor.
By following our step-by-step instructions and incorporating our helpful tips and recommendations, you can create a truly delicious dish. From making sure you have high-quality lobsters to properly cooking them to adding just the right amount of butter, heavy cream and dry sherry, every step is crucial for perfect results.
And with plenty of variations and substitutions available, you can easily adapt this recipe to your liking. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers and pair it with your favorite wine or beer for a memorable meal.
So why not add some Maine Lobster Stew to your menu for your next party? It’s an indulgent treat that is well worth the effort. Trust me, your guests will be begging you for seconds!
Maine Lobster Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 fresh lobsters (reserve cooking liquid from lobsters)
- 6 -8 tablespoons butter
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 quart whole milk
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Boil the lobsters for about 18 minutes.
- Place cooked lobsters on several platters to cool and catch the juices.
- After they are cool; pick the meat from them.
- Remove the tomalley (green liver) and the roe (coral) if it is found.
- After all the meat is picked out, saute the tomalley and roe in 2 tablespoons butter in a heavy cooking pot for three minutes.
- Add more butter and some of the lobster meat into the pot.
- Repeat this until all the lobster meat has been sauted for five to ten minutes.
- Add the cream, the reserved lobster juice from the platters, and the milk.
- Simmer BUT DO NOT BOIL uncovered on low heat for an hour or two (remember take care not to boil).
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Make this a day ahead to enhance the flavor and you'll be glad you did.
- NOTE: A rule of thumb for figuring amounts--4-5 ounces of meat per person; 1/2 stick butter per person; 1 cup half and half per person.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!