Lobster Bisque
Lobster Bisque is a luxurious French-inspired creamy soup blending the sweetness of fresh lobster meat with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and smooth cream. It offers a comforting, velvety texture and rich flavor that make it perfect for special occasions or a cozy gourmet treat. This recipe is elegant yet simple, providing a nourishing and indulgent seafood bisque experience.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Lobster and Stock Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh lobster meat
- Shells and claws from 2 lobsters
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Cream and Finish
- Prepare the Lobster Stock: Roast the lobster shells and claws in the oven to deepen their flavor. Then simmer them gently with chopped onion, celery, carrots, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, tomato paste, and white wine for about 45 minutes to create a fragrant, rich lobster stock that forms the soup’s flavorful foundation.
- Sauté the Aromatics: While the stock simmers, heat butter and olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots and sauté until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma, building a savory base for the bisque.
- Strain the Stock and Blend: Remove the lobster shells and herbs from the stock. Slowly pour the hot stock into the sautéed vegetables. Use an immersion blender to puree everything until smooth and silky, creating the signature creamy bisque texture.
- Add Lobster Meat and Cream: Fold in the tender fresh lobster meat and gently stir in the heavy cream. Warm the soup carefully until just heated through to preserve the creaminess and delicate lobster flavor, avoiding boiling to maintain texture.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and a touch of paprika. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream for an elegant, gourmet presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh lobster meat and shells when possible for the best depth and sweetness of flavor.
- Simmer the stock gently without boiling to allow flavors to develop fully.
- Blend thoroughly using an immersion blender or food processor for a smooth, velvety bisque.
- Add cream at the end and warm gently to prevent curdling.
- Experiment with herbs such as parsley, tarragon, or chives to personalize the flavor.
- For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
- Dairy-free options include substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk.
- Roasted red peppers or additional seafood like crab or scallops can enhance the bisque.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; remove cream before freezing for best texture.
- Reheat gently on low heat, adding cream or stock if thickened.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: lobster bisque, creamy lobster soup, French seafood soup, gourmet bisque, lobster soup recipe, comfort food, seafood bisque