Delicious Lobster Bisque

Delicious Lobster Bisque, a decadent soup that blends the delicate sweetness of lobster with aromatic vegetables and creamy textures. This recipe begins by cooking lobster tails to tender perfection, then utilizes their shells to create a deeply flavorful broth infused with onion, celery, carrots, and garlic.

Tomato paste adds depth, while a blend of vegetable broth, milk, and heavy cream ensures a luxurious consistency. Seasoned with bay leaves, thyme, and paprika, the bisque simmers to meld all flavors before blending to a silky smoothness. For those seeking added richness, a cornstarch slurry can be stirred in for thickening.

Finished with succulent pieces of lobster meat and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this bisque is a perfect showcase of elegance and taste, ideal for any special occasion or a comforting meal at home.

Delicious Lobster Bisque

Ingredients:

2 lobster tails

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup tomato paste

3 cups vegetable broth

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the Lobster: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the lobster tails and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the shells are bright red and the meat is opaque. Remove the lobster tails from the water and let them cool. Once cooled, remove the meat from the shells and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. Reserve the shells.

Prepare the Broth: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add Tomato Paste and Shells: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Add the reserved lobster shells, vegetable broth, milk, heavy cream, bay leaves, dried thyme, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Remove the Shells: Remove the lobster shells and bay leaves from the pot. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.

Thicken the Bisque (Optional): If you prefer a thicker bisque, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the bisque has thickened.

Add Lobster Meat: Stir in the chopped lobster meat and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley.

Notes:

Lobster Preparation: Start by boiling the lobster tails until the shells turn bright red and the meat is opaque, about 5-7 minutes. Let them cool, then remove the meat from the shells and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Reserve the shells for making the broth.

Building Flavor with Vegetables: Sauté finely chopped onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step forms the aromatic base of the bisque.

Adding Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly, enhancing the depth of flavor in the bisque.

Creating the Broth: Add vegetable broth, milk, heavy cream, bay leaves, dried thyme, and paprika to the pot along with the reserved lobster shells. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Blending the Bisque: Remove the lobster shells and bay leaves from the pot. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.

Thickening the Bisque: For a thicker consistency, stir in a cornstarch-water mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the bisque has reached your desired thickness.

Incorporating Lobster Meat: Stir in the chopped lobster meat and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the lobster meat to maintain its tender texture.

Seasoning: Season the bisque with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are balanced and harmonious.

Serving: Ladle the warm bisque into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use lobster meat instead of whole lobster tails?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked lobster meat instead of whole lobster tails.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is heated through.

Can I substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if you prefer.

It may alter the flavor slightly but will still produce a delicious bisque.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute for heavy cream.

The bisque may be slightly less rich but will still be creamy.

Can I omit the tomato paste?

Tomato paste adds depth and color to the bisque, but you can omit it if you prefer a lighter-colored bisque.

The flavor will be slightly different.

How can I make the bisque gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot instead of flour.

Ensure all other ingredients, including the broth, are gluten-free.

Can I freeze lobster bisque?

Yes, you can freeze lobster bisque.

Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

What can I serve with lobster bisque?

Lobster bisque pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.

It also makes a luxurious appetizer before a seafood dinner.

How long will lobster bisque keep in the refrigerator?

Lobster bisque will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Can I make lobster bisque ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the bisque ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.

Add the lobster meat just before serving to maintain its texture.

What can I use instead of bay leaves?

If you don’t have bay leaves, you can omit them or use a small amount of dried thyme or parsley for added flavor.