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Homemade Lobster Bisque

Helen T. Patterson
A rich and creamy lobster bisque with layers of flavor from fresh vegetables, herbs, white wine, and lobster stock.
Silky smooth and luxurious, this soup is surprisingly simple to make at home and perfect for serving on special occasions or as an elegant starter.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main, Soup
Cuisine French-Inspired Seafood
Servings 8

Equipment

  • 1 large stockpot (for stock)
  • 1 large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (for bisque)
  • 1 sharp chef’s knife
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 pair kitchen shears (for lobster shells)
  • 1 Fine-Mesh Strainer
  • (1) Wooden spoon
  • 1 immersion blender (or high-speed blender)
  • 8 soup bowls (for serving)

Ingredients
  

For the Lobster Bisque

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 5 stalks celery diced
  • 3 medium carrots diced
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • Salt to taste
  • White pepper to taste
  • 1 sprig fresh tarragon or ¾ teaspoon dried tarragon
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • ⅓ cup dry sherry or cream sherry
  • 6 cups lobster or shellfish stock see below
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar or white/red wine vinegar
  • 10 ounces lobster meat cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped (optional garnish)

For the Lobster or Shellfish Stock

  • 1 large onion halved
  • 2 stalks celery halved
  • 1 carrot halved
  • 3 garlic cloves smashed
  • 5 whole peppercorns
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Lobster shrimp, or crab shells (as many as available)
  • Water enough to cover

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Vegetables: Start by thoroughly washing all your vegetables.
    Dice the yellow onion, celery stalks, and carrots into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
    Mince the garlic finely so it releases its flavor into the bisque. Set these aside in a bowl, ready for sautéing.
    Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process smoother and stress-free.
  • Sauté Aromatics for Depth: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
    Once it’s fully melted and slightly foamy, add the diced onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic.
    Season lightly with salt and a pinch of white pepper.
    Stir frequently and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant but not browned.
    This step develops the foundational flavor of your bisque.
  • Build Flavor with Herbs and Spices: Add the fresh tarragon (or dried if using), tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the sautéed vegetables.
    Stir continuously until the tomato paste is fully incorporated and begins to deepen in color.
    The paprika and cayenne will subtly enhance the bisque’s warmth and complexity, while the tarragon adds a fresh, slightly anise-like note.
  • Create a Roux for Creaminess: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and spices.
    Stir thoroughly for 2–3 minutes until the flour is fully absorbed and slightly toasted.
    This step is crucial as it thickens the bisque later while adding a subtle nutty undertone.
    Make sure there are no clumps of flour; every bit should coat the vegetables evenly.
  • Deglaze with Wine and Sherry: Pour in the white wine followed by the dry sherry.
    Increase the heat to medium-high and stir continuously until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the mixture starts to thicken.
    Deglazing with wine and sherry lifts the browned bits from the bottom of the pot, intensifying the flavor.
    This step adds a subtle acidity and complexity that balances the richness of the cream.
  • Add Lobster Stock and Simmer: Slowly pour in the prepared lobster or shellfish stock, followed by the thyme sprig and bay leaf.
    Season lightly with additional salt and white pepper.
    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are completely tender.
    This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and creates a luxurious, seafood-rich base.
  • Blend to Silky Perfection: Remove the thyme sprig and bay leaf carefully.
    Using an immersion blender, blend the bisque directly in the pot until perfectly smooth.
    If using a regular blender, work in batches and blend until silky.
    For an extra refined texture, pass the blended bisque through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any remaining solids.
    The goal is a completely smooth, velvety soup without any graininess.
  • Finish with Cream and Vinegar: Return the smooth bisque to low heat.
    Stir in the heavy cream gradually, followed by the sherry vinegar.
    Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or white pepper as needed.
    The cream adds richness, while the vinegar brightens the flavors, giving the bisque a balanced, elegant finish.
  • Prepare the Lobster Meat: While the bisque simmers, cut the cooked lobster meat into bite-sized chunks.
    Reserve a few pieces for garnish. If using frozen or pre-cooked lobster, ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before adding it to the soup.
    Gently fold the lobster into the bisque just before serving to warm it without overcooking.
  • Serve and Garnish Elegantly: Warm your serving bowls in a low oven or microwave to help keep the bisque hotter for longer.
    Ladle the bisque into each bowl, ensuring an even distribution of lobster chunks.
    Sprinkle with reserved lobster meat and a touch of fresh chopped chives for color and a mild oniony note.
    Serve immediately for the best flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Always use fresh, high-quality lobster meat for the best flavor, but frozen pre-cooked lobster works well if fresh is unavailable.
  • Prepping all ingredients before cooking (mise en place) ensures a smooth workflow and prevents overcooking delicate components.
  • Sautéing vegetables until softened but not browned helps maintain a sweet, mellow base without bitterness.
  • When blending hot liquids, use caution: vent your blender lid slightly or use an immersion blender to avoid splatters.
  • The bisque can be customized in thickness; adding a small flour slurry gradually allows control without over-thickening.
  • Warming bowls before serving helps maintain the soup’s temperature longer, especially for formal presentations.