Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Lobster Bisque, a classic seafood soup that combines tender lobster meat with a velvety, aromatic broth. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner, this bisque is sure to impress with its elegant taste and smooth texture. Let’s create this sophisticated dish together!
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white grape juice (or water)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Cook the Lobster Tails: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the lobster tails and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the shells are bright red and the meat is opaque. Remove the lobster tails and let them cool. Once cooled, remove the meat from the shells and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Reserve the shells.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Base: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it starts to brown slightly. Gradually whisk in the seafood or chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Flavor: Add the tomato paste, white grape juice (or water), paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the reserved lobster shells. Cook for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Blend the Bisque: Remove the lobster shells from the pot. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
- Finish the Bisque: Return the pureed soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and add the chopped lobster meat. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the lobster bisque into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a touch of brightness.
How to Prepare
The secret to a perfect Lobster Bisque lies in its rich and creamy texture, enhanced by the delicate flavors of lobster and aromatic vegetables. Cooking the lobster tails first ensures they are tender, while using the shells in the broth adds depth to the soup. Blending the soup until smooth creates a velvety texture, and adding cream gives it a luxurious finish. For the best presentation, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen lobster tails? Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- What can I serve with Lobster Bisque? This bisque pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and crusty bread or garlic toast.
- Can I make this bisque ahead of time? Yes, you can make the bisque a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove before serving.
- How can I make this bisque spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to give the bisque a little kick.
- Can I use other seafood in this recipe? Absolutely! You can substitute or add shrimp, crab, or scallops for a delicious variation.