Are you a seafood lover looking to indulge in a decadent dish? Look no further than Lobster Oscar.
This dish is a variation of the classic Veal Oscar, which was named after a Swedish king who loved its ingredients. Instead of veal, Lobster Oscar features succulent lobster meat, topped with an emulsified butter sauce and served with two fresh asparagus spears.
It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests. But what exactly goes into making this luxurious meal? Let’s dive in and find out.
What Is Lobster Oscar?
Lobster Oscar is a seafood dish that consists of fresh Maine lobster meat, topped with an emulsified butter sauce and served with two asparagus spears. The dish is a variation of the classic Veal Oscar, which was originally made with sautéed veal cutlets topped with crab or lobster meat and a butter sauce.
To make Lobster Oscar, the lobster tail is removed from the shell and seasoned with blackening spice. It is then placed into a pan with lemon water and cooked in a preheated oven until done. The filet mignon or beef tenderloin is seasoned with salt and pepper, seared in a pan, and then cooked in the oven until the desired temperature is reached.
Once the steak and lobster are cooked, they are plated together. The steak is placed on a hot plate, topped with three pieces of asparagus, and then the lobster tail is added on top. Finally, the emulsified butter sauce (such as Béarnaise or Hollandaise) is poured over the lobster.
The History Of Veal Oscar And Its Evolution Into Lobster Oscar
Veal Oscar, the dish that inspired Lobster Oscar, was first served on September 18, 1897. It was named in honor of Sweden’s King Oscar II, who was known to be particularly fond of its ingredients. The original version of Veal Oscar consisted of sautéed veal cutlets topped with crab or lobster meat and an emulsified butter sauce like Béarnaise or Hollandaise. The dish was traditionally garnished with two white asparagus spears.
Over time, Veal Oscar has evolved and been adapted into different variations. In modern times, it is often made with steak instead of veal. Additionally, some versions of the dish use other types of seafood like shrimp or scallops instead of crab or lobster.
Lobster Oscar is a more recent variation of the classic dish that features fresh Maine lobster meat instead of veal or another type of meat. The lobster is seasoned with blackening spice and cooked in the oven before being plated with the steak and asparagus. The emulsified butter sauce is then poured over the lobster to complete the dish.
Despite its evolution and variations, Veal Oscar remains a popular dish in many Italian restaurants and is often served at weddings. Lobster Oscar has also become a popular seafood option for those who want to enjoy the flavors of the classic dish with a twist.
The Key Ingredients Of Lobster Oscar
The key ingredients of Lobster Oscar are fresh Maine lobster, asparagus spears, and an emulsified butter sauce. The lobster is the star of the dish and should be of even weight to ensure even cooking. The asparagus spears are typically blanched or steamed before being added to the dish.
The emulsified butter sauce is a crucial component of Lobster Oscar. It is typically made with egg yolks, butter, lemon juice, and a touch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. The sauce should be kept warm until ready to serve to prevent it from breaking.
In addition to these key ingredients, blackening spice may be used to season the lobster tail before cooking. Salt and pepper are used to season the steak before searing and cooking in the oven. Some variations of Lobster Oscar also include salad shrimp or crab meat.
When all these ingredients come together, they create a decadent and luxurious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or romantic dinner.
How To Prepare Lobster Oscar At Home
If you’re looking to try your hand at making Lobster Oscar at home, here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
– 4 fresh Maine lobster tails
– 4 filet mignon steaks or beef tenderloin
– Blackening spice
– Salt and pepper
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 4 egg yolks
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Pinch of cayenne pepper
– 2 tablespoons chopped tarragon
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Begin by preparing the emulsified butter sauce. In a blender or food processor, blend the egg yolks until smooth. Add the lemon juice and blend for several seconds. With the blender on, slowly drizzle in the melted butter. Turn off the blender and add in a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper. Whip it again until combined. Finally, add the chopped tarragon and pulse. Set aside.
3. Remove the lobster tails from their shells and season with blackening spice.
4. Place the seasoned lobster tails into a pan with 6 ounces of lemon water and cook in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until done.
5. Season your filet mignon steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
6. Heat a pan with oil and sear your filet mignon steaks for 3 minutes undisturbed on both sides until a nice color is achieved.
7. Move your filet mignon steaks into the preheated oven and cook until desired temperature is reached.
8. While the steak is cooking in the oven, roast the asparagus in another pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 5 to 10 minutes.
9. Once everything is cooked, plate your dish by placing the steak on a hot plate, top it with three pieces of asparagus, then add the lobster tail on top of the steak.
10. Pour béarnaise sauce over the lobster tail and serve.
With these simple steps, you can create a delicious Lobster Oscar dish that will impress your guests at your next dinner party or special occasion.
Pairing Suggestions For Lobster Oscar
Pairing wine with Lobster Oscar can be a challenge because it is a dish that combines the heaviness of beef with the delicate nature of seafood. Therefore, it is important to find a wine that provides a middle ground for both.
For red wine lovers, a Pinot Noir or a light-bodied Merlot can be a good choice. The fruity and earthy notes of these wines complement the sweetness of the lobster and balance the richness of the butter sauce. For those who prefer white wine, a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc can be an excellent option. The crisp acidity and citrusy flavors of these wines complement the asparagus and the butter sauce, while also cutting through the richness of the dish.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try pairing Lobster Oscar with a sparkling wine or champagne. The effervescence of these wines cleanses the palate between bites and enhances the flavors of both the steak and the lobster.
Aside from wine, Lobster Oscar also pairs well with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. The earthy flavors and textures of these vegetables complement the richness of the dish and add a touch of freshness to each bite. A zesty green salad or tomato couscous salad can also be a great side dish to balance out the richness of the steak and lobster.
Where To Find The Best Lobster Oscar In Your Area
If you’re a seafood lover and looking for the best Lobster Oscar in your area, there are a few restaurants that stand out. One of the top choices is Ruth’s Chris Steak House, which is known for its high-quality steaks and seafood.
At Ruth’s Chris, the Lobster Oscar is made with a 8-ounce lobster tail, which is broiled to perfection and topped with lump crabmeat and asparagus. The dish is then drizzled with a delicious hollandaise sauce that perfectly complements the flavors of the lobster and crab.
Another great option for Lobster Oscar is Paddlefish, located in The Landing area of Disney Springs. This restaurant serves up a Whole Maine Lobster that is cooked to perfection and served with corn and new potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Guests can also enjoy beautiful water views while dining inside a large ship docked on Lake Buena Vista.
For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is a great choice. Their Lobster Oscar features a 8-ounce lobster tail topped with jumbo lump crabmeat and asparagus, all served on a bed of sautéed spinach. The dish is then finished with a rich béarnaise sauce that adds the perfect touch of flavor.
No matter which restaurant you choose, be sure to indulge in this decadent seafood dish for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
