Gordon Ramsay’s Lobster Thermidor is a luxurious French-inspired dish featuring tender lobster meat in a creamy, cheesy mustard sauce, broiled to golden perfection. This dish is a restaurant-quality classic, perfect for special occasions or an elegant seafood dinner.
What is Gordon Ramsay Lobster Thermidor?
Gordon Ramsay’s Lobster Thermidor is a decadent seafood dish where lobster meat is cooked in a creamy, brandy-infused sauce, then returned to the lobster shell, topped with cheese, and broiled until golden and bubbly. The sauce is a rich blend of Dijon mustard, cream, egg yolk, and Gruyère cheese, enhancing the natural sweetness of the lobster.

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Why You’ll Love Gordon Ramsay Lobster Thermidor
- Rich, creamy sauce – A perfect mix of mustard, cream, and cheese.
- Tender, flavorful lobster – Poached to perfection for a juicy texture.
- Elegant and impressive – A show-stopping dish for special occasions.
- Authentic French flavors – A balance of brandy, Dijon mustard, and Gruyère.
- Golden, cheesy crust – Broiled until bubbly and crisp.
Ingredients Needed for Gordon Ramsay Lobster Thermidor
For the Lobster:
- 2 lobsters (1.5 lbs each), cooked and halved
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup brandy or cognac
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ cup Gruyère cheese, grated (or Parmesan)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Gordon Ramsay Lobster Thermidor
Prepare the Lobster:
- Remove the lobster meat – Carefully take the lobster meat out of the shells and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Keep the shells intact for serving.
Make the Creamy Thermidor Sauce:
- Sauté shallots and garlic – In a pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté shallots and garlic until soft.
- Flambé with brandy – Add brandy or cognac and let it reduce. (For flambé, carefully ignite the brandy and let the flames die down.)
- Add cream and mustard – Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Incorporate the egg yolk – Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolk to create a creamy, velvety texture.
- Stir in cheese and lobster meat – Mix in half the Gruyère cheese and the chopped lobster, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Assemble and Broil the Lobster:
- Fill the lobster shells – Spoon the creamy lobster mixture back into the shells.
- Top with cheese – Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the top.
- Broil until golden – Place under a broiler at 450°F (230°C) for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Best Sides to Serve with Gordon Ramsay Lobster Thermidor
- Garlic butter asparagus – A light and flavorful side.
- Truffle mashed potatoes – A creamy, luxurious pairing.
- Crispy French baguette – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Steamed green beans – Adds freshness and balance.
- Lemon butter rice – A fragrant, citrusy side.
Pro Tips for the Best Gordon Ramsay Lobster Thermidor
- Use fresh lobster for the best flavor – Live lobsters yield the most tender meat.
- Flambé for deeper flavor – The brandy adds a rich, caramelized note.
- Don’t overcook the lobster – It should stay tender and juicy.
- Broil carefully – Keep an eye on the cheese to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately – Lobster Thermidor is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Lobster Thermidor
- Make it spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Try a different cheese – Parmesan or cheddar can be used instead of Gruyère.
- Use seafood mix – Combine lobster with shrimp or scallops.
- Add mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms give an extra depth of flavor.
- Make it gluten-free – Use a cornstarch slurry instead of egg yolk to thicken the sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Lobster Thermidor
- Store in an airtight container – Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven for best results – Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep the texture intact.
- Avoid microwaving – It can make the lobster tough.
- Freeze before broiling – Assemble and freeze for up to 1 month, then broil when ready to serve.
FAQs
What is the best cheese for Lobster Thermidor?
Gruyère is the traditional choice for Lobster Thermidor due to its nutty, rich flavor and excellent melting properties. Parmesan or cheddar can also be used as alternatives.
Can I make Lobster Thermidor without brandy?
Yes, you can substitute white wine or chicken broth for brandy. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, just increase the cream and mustard slightly to maintain flavor depth.
How do I prevent Lobster Thermidor from becoming too dry?
Avoid overcooking the lobster by gently reheating it in the sauce before broiling. Broil just until the cheese is melted and golden to keep the dish moist and tender.
Can I prepare Lobster Thermidor in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and broil just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Gordon Ramsay’s Lobster Thermidor is a rich, indulgent, and flavorful dish, combining tender lobster meat with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a golden-broiled topping. Whether for a special occasion or an elegant seafood dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its luxurious taste and stunning presentation. Try it today and enjoy a fine dining experience at home!
PrintGordon Ramsay Lobster Thermidor – Rich, Creamy & Indulgent
Gordon Ramsay’s Lobster Thermidor is a decadent seafood dish where lobster meat is cooked in a creamy, brandy-infused sauce, then returned to the lobster shell, topped with cheese, and broiled until golden and bubbly. The sauce is a rich blend of Dijon mustard, cream, egg yolk, and Gruyère cheese, enhancing the natural sweetness of the lobster.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 2 lobsters (1.5 lbs each), cooked and halved
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup brandy or cognac
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ cup Gruyère cheese, grated (or Parmesan)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Lobster:
- Remove the lobster meat – Carefully take the lobster meat out of the shells and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Keep the shells intact for serving.
Make the Creamy Thermidor Sauce:
- Sauté shallots and garlic – In a pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté shallots and garlic until soft.
- Flambé with brandy – Add brandy or cognac and let it reduce. (For flambé, carefully ignite the brandy and let the flames die down.)
- Add cream and mustard – Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Incorporate the egg yolk – Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolk to create a creamy, velvety texture.
- Stir in cheese and lobster meat – Mix in half the Gruyère cheese and the chopped lobster, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Assemble and Broil the Lobster:
- Fill the lobster shells – Spoon the creamy lobster mixture back into the shells.
- Top with cheese – Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the top.
- Broil until golden – Place under a broiler at 450°F (230°C) for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.