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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously to form a roux, which will help thicken the bisque.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
PrintLobster bisque
- 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