Creamy Lobster Bisque (Printable version)
Luxurious bisque featuring tender lobster meat in a rich, creamy broth with sherry and herbs.
# What You'll Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 2 whole lobsters (about 1.5 lbs each) or 14 oz cooked lobster meat
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 small carrot, finely chopped
05 - 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ Liquids
08 - 1/2 cup dry sherry
09 - 4 cups seafood or fish stock
10 - 1 cup heavy cream
→ Herbs & Spices
11 - 1 bay leaf
12 - 1/2 tsp paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For Serving
15 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley
16 - Lemon wedges
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lobsters for 8 to 10 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Remove meat from tails, claws, and knuckles; chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve shells for stock.
02 - Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, sautéing until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until slightly caramelized.
04 - Add reserved lobster shells, bay leaf, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Pour in sherry and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping browned bits from the pan.
05 - Add seafood stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes to develop flavor.
06 - Remove and discard lobster shells and bay leaf. Puree the soup base until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender in batches.
07 - Return the pureed soup to the pot, stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Gently incorporate chopped lobster meat and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through.
08 - Ladle the bisque into bowls. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- This bisque feels like a velvet hug with every spoonful, a secret luxury you can easily recreate at home.
- The balance of seafood richness and delicate spices makes it a dish that became an instant favorite for special occasions.
02 -
- Roasting the lobster shells before simmering adds an unbeatable depth to the bisque that you won’t want to skip.
- Using an immersion blender right in the pot saves time and reduces mess, making the process easier and more enjoyable.
03 -
- Don’t rush the simmering step; it’s where all the complexity develops, and patience truly pays off.
- The secret to that silky texture lies in blending the soup base thoroughly before adding cream—smooth and velvety is the goal.