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

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:

Traditional Creamy Lobster Bisque
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
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
- 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.
- 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
- White Wines:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lobster and Corn Bisque combines the sweetness of corn and lobster.
- Lobster and Seafood Bisque combines lobster with crab, shrimp, or scallops. This bisque offers a rich, layered taste.
- Smoky Version uses smoked paprika or roasted lobster shells for an earthy, rich flavor.