Lobster Bisque

Lobster Bisque is a rich and indulgent dish that combines tender lobster meat with a velvety smooth base, perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something truly comforting. With homemade lobster stock, fresh ingredients, and a simple cooking process, this easy version of lobster bisque is ready in just one hour. It’s a luxurious meal that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy Lobster Bisque is packed with flavor, combining the sweetness of fresh lobster with the richness of a creamy bisque base. The homemade lobster stock is the key to its deep, savory taste, while the vegetables add a comforting texture. The addition of cayenne pepper provides a subtle warmth, perfectly balancing the creamy richness. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just want to enjoy a comforting bowl of soup, this bisque is sure to delight.

Ingredients

Lobster:

• 2 (1.5-2 lb) lobsters

Lobster Stock:

• Shells from 2 lobsters

• 3 tablespoons salted butter

• 1 lemon (juice)

• 3 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns

• 6 whole garlic cloves

• 4 cups water

• 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Bisque:

• 3 tablespoons salted butter

• 1/2 white onion, diced

• 1 shallot, minced

• 4 red potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 cup chopped carrots

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup whole milk

• 3/4 cup heavy cream

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Lobster:
   Steam the lobster and remove the meat. Place the lobster meat in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use. Reserve the shells in a large bowl for the lobster stock.

2. Make the Lobster Stock:
   In a Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the lobster shells and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to release their flavors.

   Add the juice of the lemon, bay leaves, peppercorns, garlic cloves, sea salt, and water to the Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:
   While the stock is simmering, dice the onion, mince the shallot and garlic, and peel and dice the potatoes and carrots. Set aside.

4. Strain the Lobster Stock:
   Once the stock is ready, strain it through a mesh strainer into a bowl. Discard the solids and set the stock aside.

5. Make the Bisque:
   In the same Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced shallot, carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, cayenne pepper, and sea salt. Stir to combine, then cook for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.

   Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute.

6. Combine the Bisque:
   Pour in the strained lobster stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes.

7. Blend the Bisque:
   Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to blend the vegetables until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches.

8. Finish the Bisque:
   Return the pot to medium-low heat, stir in the milk and heavy cream, and cook for another 3 minutes. Add the lobster meat and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.

9. Serve:
   Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh chives and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative to make the bisque dairy-free.

• Add Vegetables: For more texture, consider adding corn or celery to the bisque during the cooking process.

• More Lobster: For a more luxurious bisque, you can add extra lobster meat to the soup when serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Lobster bisque can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a bit of milk or broth to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen lobster works just as well as fresh lobster for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the lobster before steaming.

Can I make the lobster stock ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the lobster stock ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I substitute the potatoes in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute potatoes with other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips if you prefer a different flavor.

Can I make this bisque without an immersion blender?

If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender to puree the bisque in batches. Just be careful when handling hot liquids.

Can I use store-bought lobster stock instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought lobster or seafood stock for convenience. However, making your own stock enhances the flavor and gives the bisque a richer taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this lobster bisque is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure that any added seasonings or broths are gluten-free.

How do I make this bisque creamier?

For an even creamier texture, you can add more heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half. You can also add a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.

Can I use other seafood instead of lobster?

Yes, you can substitute lobster with shrimp, crab, or scallops for a different but equally delicious seafood bisque.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the bisque completely before storing.

Conclusion

Lobster Bisque (Easy!) is a luxurious, flavorful, and creamy soup that’s perfect for any special occasion or when you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of indulgence. With tender lobster meat and a smooth, velvety base, it’s the perfect balance of rich flavors. And best of all, it’s ready in just an hour, making it surprisingly easy to prepare. Garnish with fresh chives and smoked paprika, and enjoy this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home!

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