
Classic Lobster Bisque
A rich and creamy lobster bisque with a velvety texture and deep seafood flavor.
20 mins
Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
4
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 live lobsters (1.5 lbs each)
- 4 cups seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dry sherry
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Nutrition Facts
Instructions
Prepare the lobsters: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add lobsters and cook for 8 minutes. Remove and let cool, then remove meat from shells, reserving both meat and shells.
Make the stock base: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add lobster shells and sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
Deglaze and simmer: Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in sherry to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Add seafood stock, bay leaf, and thyme. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Strain and thicken: Strain the stock through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on solids. Discard solids. In a clean pot, melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in strained stock.
Finish the bisque: Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until thickened (about 5 minutes). Reduce heat, stir in cream and lobster meat. Heat through but do not boil.
Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread.
Chef's Tips
- Lobster Prep: For easier handling, chill lobsters in freezer for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Shell Flavor: Crush shells slightly before sautéing to release more flavor.
- Texture Tip: For ultra-smooth texture, blend bisque with an immersion blender before adding lobster meat.
- Sherry Substitute: Use brandy or white wine if you don't have sherry.
- Storage: Bisque keeps well refrigerated for 2 days - flavors improve over time.