Authentic Lobster Bisque Recipe – Creamy, Rich & Flavorful

Lobster bisque is a luxurious and creamy seafood soup that is rich in flavor and perfect for a special occasion. This classic French dish is known for its smooth, velvety texture and deep seafood essence, making it a favorite among seafood lovers. Made with fresh lobster, aromatic vegetables, a splash of brandy, and a hint of cream, this bisque is an elegant appetizer or main course.

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Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply craving a bowl of gourmet soup, this homemade lobster bisque recipe will bring the flavors of fine dining right to your kitchen. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare an indulgent, restaurant-quality bisque from scratch.

Nutrition & Instructions

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 450 kcal
• Cuisine: French
• Course: Soup

Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Active Time: 40 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Equipment Needed:

• Large stockpot
• Strainer or fine sieve
• Blender or immersion blender
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Ladle

Ingredients:

For the Lobster Stock:

• 2 lobster tails (about 1 lb total)
• 4 cups seafood or chicken stock
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ¼ cup brandy or cognac
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Bisque:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the lobster tails and cook for 3–4 minutes until the shells turn bright red.
2. Remove the lobster tails and let them cool. Once cool enough to handle, crack open the shells and remove the meat. Chop the meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3. Reserve the shells for the stock to maximize flavor.

Step 2: Make the Lobster Stock

1. In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the lobster shells and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, and cook for another 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the white wine and brandy, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
5. Add the seafood or chicken stock, bay leaf, and thyme. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 25 minutes to develop deep flavors.
7. Strain the stock through a fine sieve, discarding solids. Set aside the liquid stock.

Step 3: Make the Bisque

1. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until translucent.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a light roux.
3. Slowly pour in the reserved lobster stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream, whole milk, and paprika. Stir well.
6. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the bisque until smooth.

Step 4: Add the Lobster Meat

1. Add the chopped lobster meat to the bisque and cook for 3–5 minutes until heated through.
2. Stir in lemon juice for brightness and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Remove from heat and let rest for 5–10 minutes to enhance flavors.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

1. Ladle the bisque into bowls.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley.
3. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Lobster Bisque

• Use fresh lobster tails for the best flavor. Frozen lobster can be used, but fresh is always preferable.
• Don’t skip the brandy or cognac—it enhances the bisque’s depth of flavor.
• Blend well to achieve the classic smooth, creamy consistency.
• For extra richness, add an additional tablespoon of butter before serving.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a gourmet touch.

Conclusion

Making lobster bisque at home may seem intimidating, but with this step-by-step lobster bisque recipe, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your kitchen. This creamy and flavorful bisque is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent. Serve it with a warm baguette or a side of garlic butter shrimp for a complete seafood feast. Enjoy!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.