Maine Lobster Stew Recipe: How to Make Lobster Stew
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Nov 9, 2024 • 2 min read
Learn how to make lobster stew using homemade stock and Maine lobster.
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What Is Lobster Stew?
Lobster stew is a dish consisting of lobster meat, vegetables, and other types of seafood such as clams, scallops, and mussels, served in a flavorful broth. In New England, a region known for lobster, there are many different ways to prepare lobster stew.
Lobster Stew vs. Lobster Chowder vs. Lobster Bisque: What’s the Difference?
A lobster chowder is a type of seafood stew usually thickened with heavy cream, crushed oyster crackers, or a roux. The terms "chowder" and "stew" are sometimes used interchangeably, but a chowder is always thick, while a stew may be thin. Lobster bisque is an entirely different category: While a bisque may contain the same ingredients as a chowder or stew, it is purréed before serving so that it is perfectly smooth.
3 Tips for Making Lobster Stew
Follow these tips to make the most of this simple yet rich stew:
- 1. Make a lobster stock. You can make a flavorful lobster stock using lobster shells. Some seafood shops and lobster pounds will also sell lobster stock. If you can't get your hands on lobster shells or stock, you can use water to make the stew.
- 2. Make the stew ahead. You can make lobster stew a day ahead. Simply refrigerate the stew in an airtight container, and reheat the stew in a large pot over low heat.
- 3. Cook the lobster yourself. You can use store-bought pulled lobster to make lobster stew, but for the best flavor, order lobsters directly from Maine. Steam the lobsters and use the leftover shells to make rich stock.
Maine Lobster Stew Recipe
makes
prep time
20 mintotal time
55 mincook time
35 minIngredients
- 1
In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
- 2
Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened but not brown, about 8 minutes.
- 3
Add the potato, lobster stock, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- 4
Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 5
Let it simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- 6
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
- 7
Add the lobster meat and sauté until warm, about 2 minutes.
- 8
Add the lobster meat to the stew and deglaze the pan with sherry.
- 9
Add the sherry mixture and light cream to the stew.
- 10
Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 11
To serve, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with a spoonful of cream (if desired) and a sprinkling of chives.
- 12
Serve with crusty bread.
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