This Easy Lobster Bisque is a rich and creamy seafood soup, perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in. Made with tender lobster meat and a flavorful base, it’s a luxurious dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant Yet Simple: A restaurant-quality dish you can make at home.
• Luxuriously Creamy: Perfect for when you’re craving something indulgent.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of lobster, aromatics, and herbs creates a deeply satisfying taste.
• Impress Guests: Ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.

Ingredients

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

Bisque:

• 4 lobster tails
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1¼ cups dry white wine or sherry
• 4 cups lobster stock or seafood stock
• ¾–1 cup heavy cream

Garlic Butter Lobster Meat:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cayenne pepper to taste

Directions

Make the Bisque:

1. Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, thyme, tarragon, bouillon powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
3. Thicken the Base: Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring well. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in wine or sherry, stirring constantly until the liquid thickens.
5. Add Stock: Stir in lobster stock and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Lobster Meat:

1. Cook the Lobster Tails: Boil lobster tails in salted water until bright red, about 5 minutes. Remove the meat from the shells and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Garlic Butter Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, chopped lobster meat, salt, and cayenne. Cook until the lobster is opaque and warmed through.

Blend and Finish the Bisque:

1. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
2. Add Cream: Return the soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
3. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls, top with garlic butter lobster meat, and garnish with fresh tarragon.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
• Shrimp Substitute: Use shrimp or crab if lobster isn’t available.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative.
• Vegetable Additions: Add diced potatoes or corn for more texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the bisque without the cream for up to 2 months. Add the cream after reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

2. What type of wine is best for bisque?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works well.

3. Can I skip the blending step?

Blending is essential for the smooth texture of bisque, but you can leave it slightly chunky if preferred.

4. Is there a substitute for lobster stock?

Seafood or fish stock is a good substitute, or you can use chicken stock for a milder flavor.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the soup base in advance and add cream and lobster meat before serving.

6. How do I ensure the soup isn’t too thick?

Add extra stock or cream to adjust the consistency.

7. Can I use pre-cooked lobster?

Yes, add pre-cooked lobster meat at the end to avoid overcooking.

8. What’s the best way to serve lobster bisque?

Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

9. Is lobster bisque gluten-free?

Substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

10. How do I enhance the lobster flavor?

Roast the lobster shells before making the stock to intensify the flavor.

Conclusion

Easy Lobster Bisque is the perfect dish for seafood lovers looking for a sophisticated yet simple recipe. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and tender lobster meat, this bisque is sure to impress at any dinner table. Serve it warm and savor every luxurious spoonful!

 

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