Bring a taste of New England to the dinner table with the classic seafood dish, lobster pie. This beloved classic dates back to the 1800s and gained its popularity because of its rich flavors and pure comfort. This creamy seafood pie tastes like the ocean and is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. The tender lobster meat, decadent sauce, and crispy topping make the lobster pie more than just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you straight to New England.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to create the perfect lobster pie at home. From selecting the freshest lobster to crafting the creamiest pie filling, this step-by-step recipe will help you prepare an unforgettable dish that will impress family and friends. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or new to cooking lobster, this recipe will break down the process into simple, manageable steps. We will also explore different variations of lobster dishes and provide useful tips to make your cooking experience seamless.
Ingredients List and Description
Page Contents
To make a delicious Lobster Pie, you’ll need the following key ingredients, along with some convenient substitutions for flexibility:
- 1 lb. Par-Cooked Lobster Meat: Par-cooked lobster makes sure the meat stays tender when baking, so it’s easier to get the perfect texture. It also saves time compared to starting with raw lobster. You can also use live lobster for the freshest taste. Look for lobster that is sustainably sourced, like our Homarus americanus hard shell Maine grade A lobster, to keep it fresh and tasty. You can also make this simple lobster recipe even easier by using our cooked lobster meat that contains claws, knuckles, and tail meat.
- 1/2 Cup Ritz Crackers, Crushed: These buttery crackers make a crunchy topping that goes well with the creamy lobster filling.
- 1/4 Cup Oyster Crackers, Coarsely Crushed: Adds more texture and a light flavor to the topping, making the dish even crunchier.
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, Melted: Helps hold the cracker topping together and adds a rich, buttery taste, and golden brown color.
- 1 tbsp Dry Sherry: Adds a bit of sweetness and makes the lobster filling more flavorful.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Seasons the lobster and bring out its natural flavors without being too strong.
- 1/2 tbsp Parsley: Adds a fresh taste and some color to balance the rich flavors.
Substitutions for Lobster Pie
If you don’t have par-cooked lobster, you can use live lobster by boiling it for about 5-7 minutes before adding it to the pie. Make sure to check out our guide on how to boil lobster, and how to steam lobster.
How to Make Lobster Pie: Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Lobster Meat: If using par-cooked lobster, ensure it is fully thawed. Cut the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces. If using live lobster, boil or steam it briefly until just cooked, then remove the meat from the shell.
o Tip: To keep lobster tender, avoid overcooking it in the cream mixture. The right method, such as steaming or careful sautéing, helps maintain the lobster’s tenderness and prevents it from becoming tough. - Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly and achieves a golden, crispy topping.
- Prepare the Topping: Next, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers and oyster crackers. In a separate bowl whisk together the melted butter, sherry, and black pepper. Finally, pour the butter and sherry mixture over the crackers and toss to combine. The texture will be like wet sand.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the lobster meat evenly into a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the top.
- Bake the Lobster Pie: Place the assembled lobster pie in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
o Tip: Check the pie halfway through baking. If the topping is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. - Let It Rest: Once baked, remove the lobster pie from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm. Lobster pie pairs well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I Store Lobster Pie?
Yes, you can store lobster pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, use an oven set at 300°F (150°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the topping soggy.
Why is Lobster Cooked in Butter?
Lobster is cooked in butter to enhance its natural sweetness and keep the meat tender and juicy. Butter adds richness and prevents the lobster from drying out, resulting in a succulent, flavorful dish. The result is a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect for dishes like lobster pie.
How Do You Cook Lobster Meat Out of the Shell?
To cook lobster meat out of the shell, start by boiling or steaming the lobster just enough to loosen the meat from the shell. Once cooled, remove the meat carefully from the shell using kitchen shears or your hands. The lobster meat can then be sautéed in butter over medium heat until fully cooked. This method ensures the meat stays tender and absorbs all the rich flavors, making it ideal for use in a lobster pie.
What is the Easiest Way to Cook Lobster?
The easiest way to cook lobster is to steam it. Steaming helps retain the natural flavor and moisture of the lobster without overcooking it. Simply place the lobster in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover. Steam for about 8-10 minutes per pound. Steaming is also preferred when preparing lobster for dishes like lobster pie, as it allows for tender, juicy meat that’s easy to incorporate into the recipe.
Do You Bake or Boil Lobster?
For lobster pie, the lobster meat is typically pre-cooked by either boiling or steaming. Baking comes into play after assembling the pie. Once the lobster meat is prepared and combined with a creamy filling, the entire lobster pie is baked to achieve a golden, crisp topping. This combination of boiling or steaming followed by baking gives the pie its signature rich and savory flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lobster Pie
- How to Adjust Recipe for Dietary Restrictions: This recipe can be made both gluten free as well as dairy free. To make gluten free lobster pie, replace the crackers with the same amount of your favorite crushed gluten free crackers. To make this recipe dairy free, use plant based butter and all oyster crackers in place of the dairy butter and butter crackers.
- Preventing a Watery Lobster Pie: To prevent your lobster pie from becoming too watery, make sure that your lobster is fully defrosted and drained. make sure to pat the lobster meat dry before adding it to the filling. You’ll also want to pat the lobster meat dry prior to adding it to your casserole dish.
- Adding Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, sauté the lobster meat briefly with garlic before adding it to the filling. This will infuse the meat with an aromatic, savory note that enhances the overall dish.
- Best Way to Cook Lobster for Lobster Pie: Steaming is preferred as it helps retain moisture and flavor, keeping the lobster tender. Boiling is also an option but be careful not to overcook, as it can lead to tougher meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, frozen lobster meat is a convenient option that works perfectly for this lobster pie recipe.
Lobster pie pairs well with fresh, light side dishes that balance its richness. Some great options include a green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed vegetables.
Reheat lobster pie in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes. This ensures the lobster stays tender and the cracker topping remains crispy without overcooking.
Keep an eye on the pie during the last 10 minutes of baking. If the topping starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil until the pie is fully baked.
Make sure to pat the lobster meat dry before mixing it into the filling.
A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the richness of the lobster and buttered cracker topping.
The lobster meat should be opaque and white, with no translucent or gray areas. It should have a tender texture, not rubbery or tough.
Ingredients like garlic, fresh lemon juice, herbs like chives, dill, or parsley, or even a bit of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor of your lobster pie.
Easy Lobster Pie Recipe for Land Lubbers
Bring a taste of New England to the dinner table with the classic seafood dish, lobster pie. This beloved classic dates back to the 1800s and gained its popularity because of its rich flavors and pure comfort.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound lobster meat, thawed or parboiled
- 1/2 cup Ritz or butter crackers, crushed
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
- 1/4 cup oyster crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Lobster Meat: If using par-cooked lobster, ensure it is fully thawed. Cut the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces. If using live lobster, boil or steam it briefly until just cooked, then remove the meat from the shell.
o Tip: To keep lobster tender, avoid overcooking it in the cream mixture. The right method, such as steaming or careful sautéing, helps maintain the lobster’s tenderness and prevents it from becoming tough. - Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly and achieves a golden, crispy topping.
- Prepare the Topping: Next, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers and oyster crackers. In a separate bowl whisk together the melted butter, sherry, and black pepper. Finally, pour the butter and sherry mixture over the crackers and toss to combine. The texture will be like wet sand.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the lobster meat evenly into a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the top.
- Bake the Lobster Pie: Place the assembled lobster pie in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
o Tip: Check the pie halfway through baking. If the topping is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. - Let It Rest: Once baked, remove the lobster pie from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm. Lobster pie pairs well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
