Go Back

Lobster Bisque

This is a rich, creamy soup that's perfect when you want to make something fancy without spending all day in the kitchen. The key is making your own lobster stock - it takes the same time as the bisque and makes all the difference.
Print Pin
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

~6 cups

  • 1 large onion halved
  • 2 stalks celery halved
  • 1 carrot halved
  • 3 cloves garlic smashed
  • 5 peppercorns
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Lobster shells as many as you can fit
  • Water to cover

Bisque (~8-10 servings)

  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • ~1 cup celery about 8 stalks, diced
  • ~1 cup carrots about 4 medium, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • Salt and white pepper to taste
  • 1 sprig fresh tarragon or 1 tsp dried
  • ~1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup dry sherry
  • 6 cups lobster stock
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 tsp sherry vinegar
  • ~1 lb cooked lobster meat cut into chunks
  • Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions

  • Make lobster stock by combining shells, vegetables, and aromatics in a pot. Cover with water, boil then simmer 25-30 minutes. Strain and reserve 6 cups.
  • Melt butter in Dutch oven. Sauté onion, celery, carrots, and garlic until soft, about 10 minutes.
  • Add tarragon, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne. Stir in flour until no white streaks remain.
  • Deglaze with white wine and sherry. Add lobster stock, thyme, bay leaf. Simmer 25 minutes.
  • Remove herbs. Puree soup completely smooth using immersion blender.
  • Return to heat. Stir in cream and sherry vinegar. Adjust seasoning.
  • Divide lobster meat in serving bowls. Ladle hot bisque over meat. Garnish with chives.

Notes

Can make stock ahead and freeze up to 6 months. Soup should coat back of spoon but pour easily.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below & let me know!