Lobster is the ultimate ingredient for creating a special, romantic meal. Its tender, sweet meat and luxurious flavor make any dinner feel celebratory, whether it’s for a date night, anniversary, or just a fancy weekend treat. These 11 easy lobster recipes show that you don’t need to be a professional chef to make a stunning lobster dinner at home.
From garlic butter lobster tails and creamy lobster pasta to lobster risotto and lobster-stuffed mushrooms, these dishes are designed to impress while keeping the cooking process manageable. Each recipe highlights lobster’s natural flavor and pairs it with simple, complementary ingredients, making it perfect for a cozy dinner for two.
Whether you prefer baked, grilled, or pan-seared lobster, these recipes offer a range of styles to suit every taste. You’ll find options for quick 30-minute dinners, indulgent dishes with creamy sauces, and even lighter preparations that feel elegant but aren’t heavy.
With these 11 easy lobster recipes, you can create a romantic dining experience at home that rivals your favorite seafood restaurant. Pair your meal with a crisp white wine, a fresh salad, or some buttery garlic bread, and you’ve got an unforgettable dinner that’s perfect for any special occasion.
Chef John’s Lobster Thermidor
Here’s an iconic special occasion dish. Chef John uses a nice light sauce for his lobster thermidor rather than the thick, cheesy sauce that was popular in the ’80s. “Lobster is sweet and rich tasting on its own, so the lighter sauce makes so much sense,” says Chef John. “And what’s even better, you can prep these ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when your guests arrive!”
Deviled Lobster Tails
Easy to make, these deviled lobster tails are simply broiled with a spicy mix of mayonnaise, tarragon, sriracha sauce, and lemon juice. Chef John offers a note on buying lobster tails in the market: “If they’re not frozen, they’ve been frozen and then thawed. So, bypass the ‘fresh’ for the frozen, which are fresher.”
Lobster Mornay Sauce
This rich, creamy lobster and mushroom sauce recipe is a seafood lover’s dream. “It’s very simple to make, and you can substitute crab or shrimp for the lobster. I use all three when we are craving seafood. Serve over rice or pasta.”
Chef John’s Lobster Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese goes upscale. “You can actually prep these ahead and bake before that romantic dinner,” says Chef John. “You probably want to take them out and let them warm up for 30 minutes before baking. By the way, only bake these until the tops are browned and the inside is just hot.”
Beef Tenderloin Stuffed with Lobster
Here’s an impressive surf and turf option. A beef tenderloin filet is stuffed with lobster, then cooked in wine, garlic, and butter. “I made this dish for my honey on Valentine’s Day and it was wonderful,” says ABC Cook. “I do a lot of cooking, and this meal was so simple to prepare and still enjoy the evening — a must try!”
Orange-Scented Grilled Lobster Tails
Orange zest, ground ginger, and aromatic bitters are the intriguing secret ingredients here. “I actually double the marinade if making it for just my husband and I as we love it so much,” says KerriJ. “We pair the lobsters with a simple green salad, crusty bread, melted butter in heated ramekins for dipping, and a bottle of cold Chardonnay.”
Sous Vide Butter-Poached Lobster Tails
Here’s a special way to cook lobster tails. You’ll need a sous vide cooker attached to the pot. The result is succulent, perfectly cooked lobster meat. “Lobster tails turn out delicious when cooked sous vide,” says Bren. “A feast for a special dinner or Valentine’s day.”
Champagne Lobster
Champagne always offers instant elegance. Here, you’ll steam lobsters over simmering champagne seasoned with onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. “An AWESOME recipe!” raves Georgianna. “This is not a sauce, however; it’s an aromatic steam that gently flavors the lobster meat!”
