Lobster Bisque
Lobster bisque is a rich and creamy soup known for its luxurious flavors and velvety texture. Made from fresh lobster, the dish typically starts with a broth created from lobster shells, aromatics like onions, celery, and carrots, and a splash of white wine or brandy for depth. The mixture is simmered to extract the seafood’s essence, then strained to create a smooth base. Heavy cream is added for richness, along with seasonings like thyme and bay leaves, enhancing the bisque’s overall flavor. Often finished with chunks of tender lobster meat and a drizzle of sherry or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, lobster bisque is a comforting, indulgent treat, perfect for special occasions or as an elegant starter. If you like this recipe, try out my Copycat Chicken and Gnocchi Soup recipe as well!
Why You’ll Love This Lobster Bisque Recipe
People love lobster bisque for its rich, indulgent flavor and smooth, creamy consistency that create a truly luxurious dining experience. The deep, aromatic essence derived from simmered lobster shells infuses the soup with a distinct seafood richness, while the heavy cream adds a luscious texture. Each bowl is often dotted before serving, with tender pieces of lobster, providing a sweet and savory contrast. This dish exudes sophistication and warmth, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or a comforting treat at home. For seafood enthusiasts, the combination of flavors in lobster bisque is nothing short of exquisite.
Key Ingredients
- Lobster: Fresh lobster tails or whole lobsters (including shells for broth).
- Aromatics: Onion, celery, and carrots (often called mirepoix).
- Garlic: Minced for added flavor.
- Tomato Paste: For depth and richness.
- White Wine: Adds acidity and enhances the seafood flavor.
- Fish Stock or Seafood Broth: Forms the base of the bisque.
- Heavy Cream: For a rich, velvety texture.
- Herbs: Bay leaves, thyme, and sometimes tarragon for added flavor.
- Spices: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or paprika for warmth.
- Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and enhancing richness.
Optional garnishes might include chopped chives, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of sherry.
Lobster Bisque
Ingredients
- 1 whole lobster
- 1/2 lb shrimp chopped
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 stalk celery sliced
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup chives
- 3 tbsp salt
- 3 tbsp black pepper
Instructions
- Remove tail and claws of lobster and place in pot with the water and salt. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Let it steep for 10 minutes.
- While lobster is steeping, in a pot saute the onion, carrot, and celery over med- high heat until onion is translucent. Then add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove lobster from water, and add the water and wine to the tomato paste mixture. Add bay leaves and lower heat to medium low. Let soup reduce for about 20 minutes. Deshell lobster meat and set aside.
- Once soup is reduced, blend mixture until smooth. Return to pot, add heavy cream, lobster meat, shrimp, and black pepper. Let shrimp cook through and its ready to serve! Serve each bowl with chives.
