For seafood lovers, Lobster Oscar is the ultimate indulgence. This lavish dish combines succulent lobster with tender steak and is bathed in a rich creamy sauce. But what exactly is Lobster Oscar and how did it become such a coveted meal? Let’s explore the history ingredients, and preparation of this decadent seafood specialty.
A Brief History of Lobster Oscar
Lobster Oscar has its origins in a dish known as Veal Oscar which was created in 1897 to honor Sweden’s King Oscar II. The king was known to love poached veal topped with crab meat and coated in a buttery béarnaise sauce. Over time, the dish evolved to substitute lobster for the crab meat and the veal was sometimes replaced with filet mignon.
The name “Oscar” stuck as restaurants developed variations showcasing different proteins all blanketed in the iconic rich sauce. Modern Lobster Oscar features sweet lobster tail meat that pairs wonderfully with the salty savoriness of a grilled steak. When napped in a luscious hollandaise, tarragon-infused béarnaise or another emulsified butter sauce, you have a seafood feast truly fit for a king!
The Components of Classic Lobster Oscar
So what exactly goes into making this exquisite dish? Here are the key ingredients:
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Lobster Tail – The highlight of the dish. Usually a 6-8 oz fresh Maine lobster tail split lengthwise.
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Steak – Most often filet mignon or beef tenderloin, grilled medium-rare.
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Asparagus – 2-3 slender spears add color and texture.
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Emulsified Butter Sauce – Usually hollandaise or béarnaise sauce. Provides rich flavor.
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Garnish – Some versions add crabmeat, caviar, or lemon wedges as a finishing touch.
The combination of tender lobster, savory steak, and luscious butter sauce is what makes Lobster Oscar so craveworthy. The asparagus spears and garnishes provide complementary flavors and textures to round out the dish.
How to Prepare Lobster Oscar
If you want to prepare this restaurant-quality meal at home, here is an overview of the cooking process:
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Cook lobster – Boil, grill or broil lobster tail until opaque and firm. Season with spices like Old Bay.
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Grill steak – Choose a tender cut like filet mignon. Grill to medium-rare doneness.
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Make hollandaise sauce – Whisk egg yolks and butter into an emulsion. Season with lemon juice and cayenne.
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Blanch asparagus – Briefly boil or steam asparagus until bright green and tender-crisp.
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Assemble dish – Place grilled steak on plate. Top with lobster tail and asparagus. Drizzle hollandaise over the top.
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Garnish (optional) – Add crabmeat, caviar, sliced truffles, or tarragon sprigs for extra elegance.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here is a more detailed step-by-step guide on how to make Lobster Oscar at home:
Prepare Ingredients
- 4 x 6-8 oz fresh Maine lobster tails
- 4 x 6-8 oz filet mignon steaks, about 1 inch thick
- 8 oz (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 lemons
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb)
- 4 egg yolks
- Chopped tarragon, paprika, cayenne, salt, and white pepper
Make Hollandaise Sauce
- Heat butter until melted and keep warm.
- Whisk egg yolks with 2 tsp lemon juice for 2 mins until thickened.
- Gradually whisk in melted butter until thick and creamy.
- Whisk in tarragon, 1⁄2 tsp lemon juice, and season with salt and cayenne.
- Keep sauce warm while preparing remaining ingredients.
Cook Lobster and Steak
- Split lobster tails lengthwise. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill lobster flesh-side down over direct high heat until opaque, about 5 mins.
- Pat steaks dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Grill steaks 4-5 mins per side for medium-rare doneness. Rest 5 mins before serving.
Blanch Asparagus
- Snap off tough ends of asparagus.
- Bring salted water to a boil. Add asparagus and blanch 1-2 mins until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Shock in ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry.
Plate the Dish
- Place grilled steak on warm plate.
- Top with lobster tail and asparagus spears.
- Drizzle hollandaise sauce over lobster.
- Garnish with lemon wedge and tarragon if desired.
With these detailed instructions, you can create a restaurant-quality Lobster Oscar at home your guests will love. The rich, elegant flavors make this dish perfect for special occasions and celebrations.
Pairing Lobster Oscar with the Perfect Wine
A decadent dish like Lobster Oscar deserves an equally excellent wine pairing. Here are some of the best wines to serve with this seafood specialty:
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Chardonnay – A rich, oaky Chardonnay has enough weight and texture to stand up to the buttery sauce.
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Sauvignon Blanc – The lively acidity cuts through the richness while complementing the tarragon.
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Sparkling Wine – Bubbles and acidity refresh the palate between indulgent bites.
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Rosé Champagne – Elegant with flavors of strawberry, brioche, and minerals.
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Pinot Noir – Earthy cherry and mushroom notes work well with steak and lobster.
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Merlot – Choose a lighter style with bright fruit and soft tannins.
Look for wines with good acidity as they will cut through the indulgent butter sauce and refresh the palate. Dry whites or lighter reds around 13% alcohol provide an ideal balance for this dish.
Where to Order Lobster Oscar
If you want to experience excellent Lobster Oscar but don’t want to tackle the cooking at home, order it at one of these fine dining seafood restaurants:
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Legal Sea Foods – Multiple locations across the East Coast. Known for their high quality seafood.
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Eddie V’s Prime Seafood – Upscale chain with locations across the U.S. Elegant atmosphere.
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Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – Texas and southeast U.S. Specialize in fresh seafood.
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Ocean Prime – Upscale steak and seafood chain. Locations across the U.S.
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Bonefish Grill – Casual seafood chain with locations nationwide. Creative menu.
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Portland City Grill – Iconic Portland restaurant with amazing views. Excellent seafood.
Call ahead to confirm availability, as Lobster Oscar is a popular special dish that may need to be ordered in advance. Come hungry and be prepared for an extraordinary meal!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lobster Oscar
What type of lobster is best for Lobster Oscar?
The best lobster for Lobster Oscar is fresh Maine lobster. The tails have the perfect sweet flavor and tender texture. Frozen lobster tails are acceptable if high quality. Avoid rock lobster which has less meat.
What steak works best with Lobster Oscar?
Filet mignon is the traditional choice, prized for its tender texture. New York strip, ribeye, or beef tenderloin also pair wonderfully. Look for a quality cut with good marbling.
What sauce is typically served with Lobster Oscar?
Hollandaise and béarnaise sauce are most commonly served. The creamy emulsified butter provides rich flavor and moisture that complements the lobster beautifully.
What ingredients are in hollandaise sauce?
Hollandaise is made by slowly whisking melted butter into egg yolks to form an emulsion. Lemon juice, salt, cayenne, and sometimes tarragon add flavor.
What wine pairs best with Lobster Oscar?
Look for wines with high acidity like Sauvignon Blanc, sparkling wines, and lighter style Pinot Noirs and Merlots. The acidity balances the rich butter sauce.
How long should you cook lobster tails?
For a 6-8 oz lobster tail, cook for 5-7 minutes either boiling, steaming, grilling, or broiling until the meat is opaque. Take care not to overcook or the meat will become tough.
Can you make Lobster Oscar ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the components right before serving. Cooked lobster and steak are best served immediately. The hollandaise sauce may break if held too long.
Is Lobster Oscar served at Red Lobster?
Unfortunately Lobster Oscar is not regularly on the Red Lobster menu. However, you may find some locations offer it seasonally as a special or limited-time dish. Call your local restaurant to inquire about availability.
Lobster Oscar brings together indulgent, luxurious flavors for a truly special meal. With fresh, high-quality ingredients and careful preparation, you can create an elegant dish worthy of fine dining right at home. Surprise your significant other with this sensational surf and turf meal for their next birthday or anniversary!