VCreamy Lobster Bisque

Creamy lobster bisque is a rich, velvety soup made with fresh lobster, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of flavorful seasonings. This elegant dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. The bisque is infused with a deep seafood essence, complemented by a luscious cream base that enhances its luxurious texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality dish: This bisque is as good as—or better than—what you would find in a fine dining restaurant.
• Rich and flavorful: Made with lobster shells, heavy cream, and aromatic ingredients, this bisque boasts an incredible depth of flavor.
• Perfect for special occasions: Whether for a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or a romantic meal, this soup impresses every time.
• Customizable: You can tweak the thickness and seasoning to suit your preference.
• A great way to use lobster shells: Instead of discarding the shells, they contribute to a homemade seafood stock that forms the base of the bisque.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh lobster (whole or tails)
• Butter
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Brandy or cognac
• Dry white wine
• Fish or seafood stock
• Heavy cream
• Bay leaf
• Thyme
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper
• Cornstarch or flour (for thickening, optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Lobster: Cook the lobster by boiling or steaming it until the shells turn bright red. Remove the meat and set aside. Keep the shells for making the stock.
2. Make the Lobster Stock: In a large pot, melt butter and sauté the lobster shells with onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until fragrant. Add tomato paste, then deglaze the pot with brandy and white wine. Pour in seafood stock, add herbs and seasonings, and simmer for about 30–40 minutes. Strain the mixture, discarding the solids.
3. Prepare the Bisque Base: In a clean pot, melt butter and add a little flour or cornstarch for thickening. Stir in the strained lobster stock and let it simmer for a few minutes.
4. Blend for Smoothness: Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to purée the soup until smooth. Strain it again for an ultra-creamy texture if desired.
5. Add the Cream and Lobster Meat: Stir in heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne for a slight kick. Add the chopped lobster meat and let it warm through without boiling.
6. Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 50 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for some heat.
• Extra Creamy: Use a combination of heavy cream and half-and-half for a lighter but still rich texture.
• Herbaceous Flavor: Add fresh tarragon or parsley for a more aromatic touch.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate leeks or fennel for additional depth in flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the bisque.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Due to the cream content, freezing is not recommended as it may cause separation. However, you can freeze the bisque before adding the cream and then mix in fresh cream when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

FAQs

How do I thicken my lobster bisque?

You can use flour, cornstarch, or reduce the soup longer to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I use frozen lobster meat?

Yes, but fresh lobster provides the best flavor. If using frozen, ensure it is fully thawed before adding it to the bisque.

What can I substitute for brandy or cognac?

You can use sherry, white wine, or even omit the alcohol altogether if preferred.

Can I make this bisque ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Reheat gently before serving.

Why is my bisque grainy?

Overcooking cream or improper blending can lead to graininess. Straining the soup after blending can help achieve a smoother texture.

What should I serve with lobster bisque?

A crusty baguette, garlic bread, or a light salad pair well with this rich soup.

Can I make lobster bisque without alcohol?

Yes, simply omit the brandy and wine or replace them with extra seafood stock.

Is lobster bisque healthy?

While delicious, it is high in calories due to the cream and butter. Using half-and-half or reducing the butter can make it lighter.

Can I use lobster shells from a previously cooked lobster?

Yes, as long as they have been stored properly, they will still add great flavor to the stock.

How can I make my bisque more flavorful?

Roasting the lobster shells before making the stock enhances their flavor. Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the dish.

Conclusion

Creamy lobster bisque is a luxurious and comforting dish that showcases the rich flavors of lobster in a velvety, well-seasoned broth. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a gourmet meal at home, this bisque delivers exceptional taste and texture. With its smooth consistency, deep seafood essence, and elegant presentation, this dish is sure to impress every time

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

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Description

This Creamy Lobster Bisque is a rich, velvety seafood soup made with tender lobster, aromatic spices, and a touch of cream. A luxurious dish perfect for special occasio

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lobster tails, cooked and chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups seafood broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Sauté onions and garlic in butter until soft.
• Add seafood broth, paprika, and lobster. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Blend until smooth, then stir in cream.
• Simmer for 5 more minutes, season, and serve hot.

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Notes

• Use fresh lobster for the best flavor.
• Garnish with parsley and paprika for extra color.