When it comes to leftover lobster meat, there’s no need to waste it. With 27 delicious and creative recipe ideas at your disposal, you can turn that excess into a culinary masterpiece. From classic dishes like Lobster Bisque and Lobster Mac and Cheese, to simple yet satisfying options like Cold Lobster Salad, the possibilities are endless. And if you’re looking for something truly unique, recipes #9 and #13 are absolute must-tries.
The key to cooking lobster is understanding its size and adjusting your cooking time accordingly. Whether you grill, boil, steam, poach in butter, or bake it, making sure you get it just right is crucial. For boiled lobsters, a one-pound crustacean requires 6 minutes of cooking time, while a 2-pound lobster needs 11 minutes. A 3-pound lobster takes approximately 13 minutes to boil. Steaming adds an extra two minutes to these times.
With leftover lobster meat in hand, the only limit is your imagination and culinary skills. So why not get creative and turn that excess into something truly special? Start cooking and discover a whole new world of flavors!
Lobster Pasta
One more creative way to repurpose leftover lobster meat is by whipping up a creamy pasta dish that’s sure to impress. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make. Simply combine cooked pasta with a rich, garlicky sauce for a match made in heaven. And don’t forget the finishing touches – a sprinkle of fresh parsley and chives adds a bright, refreshing note to this indulgent dish.
For an added bonus, you can also use leftover lobster in a Creamy Stuffed Shells recipe that’s just begging to be tried. Just skip ahead to the lobster prep and add your cold leftover lobster to the mix – it’s a game-changer.
Lobster Bisque
When it comes to repurposing leftover lobster, one popular option is crafting a rich and creamy soup that’s deeply rooted in French cuisine. The dish typically features crustaceans like lobster as the main attraction.
To create this indulgent treat, you’ll need to set aside the shells for use in the broth. As such, be sure to freeze them alongside the lobster bisque, ensuring they’re readily available for your next culinary endeavour.
Lobster & Vegetable Scrambled Eggs
Indulge in the luxury of a high-end breakfast experience by crafting this delectable scrambled eggs recipe. The combination of juicy tomatoes and nutritious spinach brings an array of flavors to the plate, elevating the dish to new heights. To take it to the next level, the incorporation of cream cheese and milk ensures a fluffy texture that will leave you craving more. With its rich and satisfying taste profile, this recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Lobster Spaghetti Carbonara
In a creative spin-off from the classic carbonara, this adaptation retains its creamy essence while incorporating unexpected twists. The star of the show becomes the leftover lobster pieces, cleverly substituting for traditional bacon. Meanwhile, grated parmesan adds a rich and satisfying finish to this indulgent dish.
Skillet Lobster Mac & Cheese
No roundup of leftover lobster recipes would be considered comprehensive without incorporating this standout dish. This indulgent twist on macaroni and cheese injects a touch of sophistication by introducing the rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch of lobster. The added texture and depth provided by the crustacean elevate the classic comfort food to new heights.
The combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey jack cheeses yields a creamy, velvety sauce that’s further enhanced by the versatility of using any cheese you prefer. For an added layer of complexity, consider topping with a crunchy breadcrumb mixture before serving, which not only adds texture but also amplifies the overall flavor profile.
New England Seafood Chowder
While lobster bisque has its creamy counterpart in this decadent seafood soup, the two share more than just their rich and hearty profiles. Like its sibling, this recipe relies on reserved shells or the cooking liquid from boiling lobsters to create a robust broth. This time around, however, you’ll be adding a medley of seafood, potatoes, and crispy bacon to craft an indulgent dish that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Lobster Omelet
When exploring creative ways to utilize leftover lobster meat, another delectable option comes to mind. To craft this egg dish, attention to detail is crucial, as you’ll want to carefully cook the eggs to achieve a silky, intact omelet texture. The combination of fluffy eggs, succulent lobster, and a tangy Ponzu sauce, finished with a sprinkle of spring onion and pepper flakes, results in a truly memorable culinary experience.
Oven-Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese
Expanding on my initial lobster mac and cheese endeavor, I’m excited to share another indulgent recipe that elevates this comfort classic. This time, I’ll be drawing inspiration from celebrated cookbook author Ina Garten, who whips up a sophisticated Mac & Cheese using cavatappi pasta and the nutty goodness of Gruyere. To make it even more alluring, she portions out individual servings in charming ovenware dishes.
Building on this rich foundation, a perceptive commenter suggested substituting crushed Ritz crackers for the traditional breadcrumbs, adding an extra layer of indulgence to the dish.
Garlicky Zucchini Noodles With Leftover Lobster
For the low-carb enthusiasts seeking a noodle-like culinary experience without compromising their dietary restrictions, this dish is an absolute game-changer. By swapping traditional pasta for spiralized zucchini, you can indulge in a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s not only delicious but also friendly to your carb-conscious lifestyle.
Lobster Cakes
For anyone who’s passionate about crab cakes, this recipe is sure to delight! The perfect combination of crunchy exterior and tender interior makes it an ideal choice for both starters and main courses. Whether you’re in the mood for a light bite or a satisfying meal, this dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad on the side.
Lobster & Bacon Tacos With Old Bay Crema
If you’re a fan of the simplicity and flavor of fish and shrimp tacos, but are looking for something a bit more elevated, then this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. By incorporating some crispy bacon, this dish strikes just the right balance between sophistication and casual charm.
Lobster Alfredo
Looking to add another delicious leftover lobster recipe to your repertoire? This dish is a great option, offering a lighter and less creamy take on traditional pasta dishes. One of its standout features is the ability to be customized to suit individual tastes. Want to give it an extra kick? Simply sprinkle some pepper flakes on top for an added layer of spiciness.
Lobster Soup
Not everyone may share a passion for the indulgent flavors and textures of chowder or bisque. For those seeking a slightly lighter yet still satisfying option, a tomato-based soup offers an appealing alternative. The key to achieving a rich and hearty texture in this type of soup is to use lobster shells to create a flavorful stock, just as with the other soups on this list.
Lobster Roll
When it comes to repurposing leftover lobster, many people turn to creative recipes that minimize waste. One such approach involves transforming the seafood into a unique salad, which is then stuffed into hot dog buns. This particular recipe diverges from traditional brown butter or simple lobster rolls found at most establishments, as it incorporates mayonnaise, chives, and lemon for added flavor and texture.
BLT & Lobster Panini
While traditional lobster rolls may not be your cup of tea, consider indulging in an equally delightful alternative. This delectable sandwich boasts the perfect harmony of smoky bacon and succulent lobster, ensuring a doubly satisfying experience.
Despite the absence of a panini press, you can still achieve a crispy toasted finish by cooking this sandwich in a skillet.
Mango Avocado & Lobster Toast
While traditional sandwiches may feature multiple layers of ingredients between two slices of bread, open-faced toasts offer a delightful twist by featuring the filling on top of a single slice. When it comes to selecting the perfect crusty bread for this type of toast, the options are endless. For smaller, bite-sized pieces, a classic French baguette is an excellent choice, providing a sturdy base for your toppings.
Alternatively, if you prefer larger slices, sourdough or ciabatta can be used to create a more substantial foundation for your Mango Avocado and Lobster Toast.
Lobster Rolls (With Lighter Mayo)
A alternative take on classic lobster rolls, perfect for those who prefer their seafood sans creaminess. This version ditches the mayonnaise in favor of a lighter, fresher flavor profile. The addition of diced celery provides a satisfying crunch, while a squeeze of lemon juice injects a tangy brightness, elevating this dish to new heights.
Leftover Lobster Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes, often considered a humble staple, can be surprisingly elevated with the right twist. In this case, a luxurious addition transforms the dish into a culinary masterpiece. By combining lobster shells with mashed potatoes during the boiling process, the resulting flavor profile is nothing short of extraordinary. The infusion of seafood essence adds depth and complexity to an otherwise straightforward plate of spuds, making it a standout in any meal.
Keto-Friendly Lobster Patties
For those looking to reduce their carb intake, here’s a recipe that’s sure to please. Unlike traditional lobster patties that rely on breadcrumbs for crunch, this dish takes a different approach.
In place of breadcrumbs, crushed pork rinds bring a satisfying texture to the rounds. Some might say it’s a indulgent twist, but we’re calling it ‘sinfully delicious’!
Cold Lobster Salad
Crunchy celery stalks take center stage in this refreshing cold lobster salad, perfectly balanced by the brightness of chives and lemon. The dish is elevated by an abundance of succulent lobster, which remains the star of the show thanks to straightforward seasoning.
Spicy Lobster & Shrimp Pasta
One often overlooked aspect of leftover lobster tail is its potential for creative application, particularly when it comes to the shells themselves. A crucial step in harnessing the power of these shells is creating a rich and flavorful seafood stock that’s bursting with character. When done correctly, this stock can be the backbone of a truly exceptional dish, much like the pasta recipe that showcases its versatility by infusing the lobster flavor throughout.
With the right technique, you can unlock the full potential of your leftover lobster tail and create something truly remarkable.
Keto Seafood Chowder
Indulge your taste buds in the ocean’s essence as you savor each bite of this delectable seafood medley. A harmonious blend of clams, shrimp, lobsters, and crispy bacon greets your palate with every spoonful.But what truly sets this chowder apart is an unexpected yet brilliant twist: coconut milk takes the place of traditional cream, imbuing the dish with a unique flavor profile that diverges from its more familiar counterparts.
Thai-Style Lobster & Herb Salad
Indulge in the rich flavors of Asia with this delectable salad, featuring succulent lobster, savory dried shrimp, and crunchy palm nuts. The sweetness of fresh sweet basil adds a bright and refreshing touch. For those who prefer milder heat, feel free to omit the Thai bird chilies – simply adjust to taste. Whether you’re in the mood for brunch or a healthier night in, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Head to your local Asian market with this easy-to-follow grocery list and get ready to toss together a dish that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Lobster Stock
When we discussed the incredible potential of using lobster stock in soups and stews, I’m sure many of you were eager to learn how to create this rich and flavorful liquid. To help you bring your dishes to the next level, here’s a recipe for making lobster stock from scratch, utilizing only water as its base.
Butter Lobster Risotto
For a truly decadent meal, try combining your leftover lobster with a rich and creamy risotto. This unique dish boasts a velvety buttery flavor profile, with the absence of vegetables allowing the subtle sweetness of the lobster to shine through. To add an extra layer of sophistication, finish the dish by sprinkling shaved Parmesan cheese across the top. Just before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives for a burst of vibrant color and a touch of freshness.
Lobster Benedict
Imagine starting your day with a breakfast twist that combines the richness of lobster with the classic comfort of eggs benedict. This innovative take on the beloved brunch staple swaps out traditional ingredients for leftover lobsters, expertly incorporated into the creamy hollandaise sauce. The result is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, where succulent lobster mingles with poached eggs, toasted English muffins, and crispy ham.
It’s a decadent morning treat that will leave you craving more.
Lobster Quiche
For a versatile leftover lobster dish that’s perfect for any time of day, this quiche is a must-try. The best part? You can make the pie crust from scratch using your favorite recipe or opt for a convenient store-bought version. This recipe may only require leftover lobster meat, cheese, and eggs, but feel free to elevate it with additional ingredients like peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for added flavor.
For inspiration on what to serve alongside this quiche, be sure to check out CookingChew’s comprehensive list of side ideas.
The bottom line
Indulge in the rich flavors and textures of lobster without sacrificing a single morsel of this precious seafood delicacy.
