Easy Creamy Lobster Bisque for Brunch

A creamy soup with lobster and heavy cream

A warm Lobster Bisque is the ideal brunch option after a celebration. Lobster bisque is light but filling, perfect to start the day.

Lobster bisque recipe

Lobster bisque is a smooth, creamy soup from France. It features a flavorful base from lobster shells, cream, and spices. Unlike chunky soups or chowders, bisques have a velvety consistency.

A bowl of creamy lobster bisque is perfect for brunch

This lobster bisque has a luxurious texture and deep flavor. It is often served as an elegant starter on special occasions like Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Here is how to make a creamy lobster bisque:

A creamy soup with lobster and heavy cream

Traditional Creamy Lobster Bisque

A luxurious French soup featuring tender lobster meat in a rich, creamy broth. This classic bisque combines sweet lobster with aromatic vegetables and heavy cream for a silky-smooth texture.
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Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lobsters shell-on
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup brandy or cognac
  • 4 cups fish or seafood stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Boil the lobsters in a large pot of salted water until the shells turn bright red and the meat is opaque.
  • Remove the lobster meat from the shells, chop it into chunks, and set aside. Keep the shells for later.
  • In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes until it's well incorporated.
  • Pour in the brandy or cognac, stirring to deglaze the pot and release any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
  • Add the fish or seafood stock and the reserved lobster shells. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  • Remove the lobster shells and discard. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth or you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
  • Return the soup to low heat, stir in the heavy cream, and add the chopped lobster meat. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the lobster is heated through.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 16gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
Keyword healthy recipes, homemade soup, lobster bisque, soup recipe
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How to store

To properly store creamy lobster bisque, follow these guidelines:

  • To short-term store this bisque:
    • Cool bisque completely
    • Store in refrigerator
    • Keeps fresh: 3-4 days
  • Long-term store:
    • Freeze the lobster bisque
    • Use freezer-safe container
    • Freezer life: 1-2 months
  • Reheating Tips:
    • Heat on low-medium to prevent cream curdling
    • Stir frequently

Pairing suggestions

Creamy lobster bisque pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods and drinks. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Drink Pairings

  1. Cocktails
    • The herbal notes in a gin or vodka martini work as a perfect palate cleanser. It balances the rich flavors of the bisque.
    • Rhubarb Smash brings a bright, refreshing contrast.
    • Natalie’s Swizzle complements lobster’s sweet, buttery taste.
  2. Wine
    • White Wines:
      • Chablis Premier Cru complements shellfish.
      • Meursault enhances creaminess.
      • Sancerre cuts through richness.
    • Sparkling:
      • Vintage Champagne adds a celebration factor.
      • Crémant de Loire is a budget friendly alternative.
      • Blanc de Blancs is a clean, crisp complement.
    • Alternative Pairings:
      • Fino Sherry is a traditional Spanish approach
      • Viognier brings aromatic complexity
      • Aged White Rioja gives unique oxidative notes

Food Pairings

  • Crusty bread, breadsticks, or a warm baguette are ideal for dipping into the bisque. They add crunch and enhance the experience.
  • Lobster roll is a classic match. It mirrors the lobster flavors and brings a new texture.
  • Seafood salad balances the richness of bisque without overpowering it.
  • Croutons or toast points are a great option.
  • Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or cherry tomatoes provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the bisque

Variations

Variations of creamy lobster bisque offer a delightful range of flavors and textures.

  1. American Northeastern Style incorporates tomatoes for a slightly tangy flavor and rosy hue. It also features herbs like tarragon or dill for heartier flavor with generous pieces of lobster meat.
  2. Regional Versions:
    • The Mediterranean version uses saffron for color and flavor. This bisque swaps butter for olive oil and adds bright citrus notes from lemon or orange zest.
    • Creole Lobster Bisque is Louisiana style. It adds a spicy twist with the “holy trinity” of bell peppers, celery, onions, and a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
    • Asian Style: uses lemongrass, ginger, and coconut milk for an exotic flavor. It contains Thai basil and coriander for aroma.
  3. Dietary Restrictions:
    • The dairy-free version uses coconut cream.
    • Low-calorie one reduces cream content.
    • Vegan bisque uses the heart of palm or king oyster mushrooms. It uses vegetable stock and coconut cream for a creamy texture.
  4. Lobster and Corn Bisque combines the sweetness of corn and lobster.
  5. Lobster and Seafood Bisque combines lobster with crab, shrimp, or scallops. This bisque offers a rich, layered taste.
  6. Smoky Version uses smoked paprika or roasted lobster shells for an earthy, rich flavor.

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