Lobster bisque

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Restaurant Quality at Home: Enjoy a high-end dining experience without leaving your house.
  • Rich and Flavorful: The homemade lobster stock infuses the bisque with deep, authentic seafood flavors.
  • Perfect for Special Occasions: Impress guests or treat yourself to a special meal that’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Lobster tails
  • Water
  • Better Than Bouillon Lobster Base (optional for enhanced flavor)
  • Dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Bay leaf
  • Carrots, thinly chopped
  • Celery stalks, thinly chopped
  • Onions, chopped
  • Tomato paste
  • Unsalted butter
  • All-purpose flour
  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Heavy whipping cream

Directions

  1. Boil the Lobster Tails: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the lobster tails for about 7 minutes. Remove the tails and let them cool. Once cooled, extract the meat and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the Lobster Stock: Return the lobster shells to the pot of water. Add Better Than Bouillon Lobster Base (if using), dry white wine, a bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer to create a flavorful stock.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
  4. Create the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously to form a roux, which will help thicken the bisque.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Strain the prepared lobster stock into the pot with the roux and vegetables. Add tomato paste, fresh thyme sprigs, and additional dry white wine. Stir to combine.
  6. Simmer and Blend: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth, achieving the classic creamy bisque texture.
  7. Add Cream and Lobster Meat: Stir in heavy whipping cream and the reserved lobster meat. Allow the bisque to heat through, ensuring the lobster meat is warmed but not overcooked.
  8. Serve: Ladle the hot bisque into bowls and enjoy immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields approximately 5 servings.
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes

Variations

  • Seafood Medley Bisque: Incorporate additional seafood such as shrimp or crab for a more diverse flavor profile.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to introduce some heat to the bisque.
  • Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like tarragon or dill to complement the lobster’s flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat the bisque on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating.
  • Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the cream and tomato paste combination may not reheat well, potentially affecting the bisque’s texture.

FAQs

What is lobster bisque?

Lobster bisque is a creamy, smooth soup made from lobster meat and a flavorful stock derived from lobster shells. It’s known for its rich texture and deep seafood flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked lobster meat?

While pre-cooked lobster meat can be used, making the stock from lobster shells adds depth and authenticity to the bisque’s flavor.

How can I thicken my bisque if it’s too thin?

If the bisque is thinner than desired, create a slurry by mixing equal parts flour and water. Stir this mixture into the bisque and simmer until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Is it possible to make this bisque dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative to make the bisque dairy-free.

What type of wine is best for this recipe?

A dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors of the lobster bisque well.

Can I prepare the bisque in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the bisque a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

What should I serve with lobster bisque?

Lobster bisque pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread, which can be used for dipping. A light side salad can also complement the richness of the soup.

How do I avoid overcooking the lobster meat?

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Lobster bisque


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Description

Lobster bisque is a rich and creamy seafood soup made with fresh lobster, aromatic vegetables, and a velvety smooth broth. This homemade version delivers restaurant-quality flavor, making it the perfect dish for special occasions or an indulgent meal at home.


Ingredients

  • 2 lobster tails
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tbsp Better Than Bouillon Lobster Base (optional)
  • ½ cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 carrots, thinly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, thinly chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  • Boil Lobster Tails: Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Cook the lobster tails for about 7 minutes. Remove, let them cool, extract the meat, and set it aside.
  • Prepare Lobster Stock: Return the lobster shells to the same pot. Add lobster base (if using), wine, bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes, then strain and set aside.
  • Sauté Vegetables: In another pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté until softened.
  • Create Roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly to make a thick paste.
  • Combine Ingredients: Slowly pour in the strained lobster stock while stirring. Add tomato paste, thyme, and additional wine. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy.
  • Finish with Cream and Lobster Meat: Stir in heavy cream and lobster meat. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, ensuring the lobster is warmed through.
  • Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • For extra richness: Add an additional tablespoon of butter before serving.
  • To enhance flavor: Let the bisque sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  • For a spicier bisque: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: French

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star