Mary Berry Lobster Tail Thermidor

Nigella Langoustine Paella

Mary Berry Lobster Tail Thermidor is made with lobster tails, white wine, fish stock, double cream, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan. This recipe creates a rich and elegant seafood dish perfect for special occasions. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and serves 2.

Mary Berry Lobster Tail Thermidor Ingredients

For the Lobster and Garnish:

  • 2 raw lobster tails, fresh or frozen
  • 55g (2oz) lamb’s lettuce, to serve
  • 2 lemon wedges

For the Sauce:

  • Large knob of butter
  • 1 banana shallot, finely chopped
  • 75ml (2½fl oz) white wine
  • 75ml (2½fl oz) fish stock
  • 75ml (2½fl oz) pouring double cream
  • 1 level tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp freshly chopped chives
  • 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
  • 20g (¾oz) Parmesan, finely grated

How To Make Mary Berry Lobster Tail Thermidor

  1. Boil Lobster Tails: Thaw lobster if frozen, then boil in salted water for 7 minutes. Cool, remove the flesh, and cut into bite-size pieces.
  2. Make the Sauce Base: Melt butter in a pan, fry shallot for a few minutes, then add white wine and fish stock. Reduce by half.
  3. Finish the Sauce: Add double cream, reduce again by half, then remove from heat. Stir in mustard, chives, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add Lobster to Sauce: Mix the lobster pieces into the sauce.
  5. Grill the Thermidor: Preheat grill to medium-high. Spoon the mixture into lobster shells, top with Parmesan, and grill for 8–10 minutes.
  6. Serve: Arrange on plates over lamb’s lettuce and add lemon wedges.
Nigella Langoustine Paella
Nigella Langoustine Paella

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t Overcook Lobster: Boil just until pink and opaque to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Pre-Thaw Properly: If using frozen lobster, thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Grill Placement Matters: Keep shells a few inches from the heat to avoid burning.
  • Serve Immediately: For best texture and flavor, serve right after grilling.

What To Serve With Lobster Tail Thermidor

This rich lobster dish pairs beautifully with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a light salad. Crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes also complement the creamy sauce.

How To Store Lobster Tail Thermidor

Refrigerate: Best served fresh. If needed, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day and reheat gently.
Freeze: Not suitable for freezing, as the sauce and lobster texture will be compromised.

Lobster Tail Thermidor Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Sodium: 400mg

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked lobster?

Yes, but reduce cooking time in the sauce to avoid overcooking.

What’s a good substitute for fish stock?

Use a light chicken stock or vegetable broth if needed.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prepare the sauce and lobster up to 6 hours ahead, then grill before serving.

Is it okay to skip the Parmesan topping?

The Parmesan adds a golden crust, but you can skip or replace it with breadcrumbs.

Mary Berry Lobster Tail Thermidor

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 25 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 40 minutesServings:2 servingsCalories:420 kcal Best Season:Available

Description

A luxurious dish of lobster tails in a creamy wine and herb sauce, finished under the grill for a bubbling golden crust.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Boil lobster in salted water 7 min, remove meat, chop, season.
  2. Fry shallot in butter; add wine and stock, reduce.
  3. Add cream, reduce again; stir in mustard, herbs, lobster.
  4. Fill shells with mix, top with Parmesan, grill 8–10 min.
  5. Serve on lettuce with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Ensure lobster is thawed completely before cooking.
  • Reduce the sauce slowly for best flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd under the grill.
  • Prepare lobster and sauce ahead; grill just before serving.