Lobster Bisque from Scratch

Seafood Lobster Bisque

This rich and creamy lobster bisque combines delicate lobster meat with seafood stock and a blend of aromatic herbs, creating a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 cups seafood stock
• 4 whole lobster tails
• 2 tablespoons butter
• medium white onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• cup cream sherry
• cup uncooked white rice
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• teaspoon cayenne pepper
• cup heavy cream
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Pour 4 cups of seafood stock into a large pot and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the lobster tails and cook until the flesh is opaque, about 5 minutes. Remove the tails from the pot, reserving all the broth. Shell the lobster meat and set it aside.
2. In another pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Saut the vegetables until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and saut for an additional 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the cream sherry and allow it to reduce by half, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Next, pour in the reserved seafood stock, followed by the uncooked rice and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
6. Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to blend the soup mixture until smooth and creamy.
7. Add the tomato paste, fresh tarragon, salt, thyme, pepper, paprika, and cayenne to the soup. Stir well, then let the bisque simmer over medium-low heat for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the bisque takes on its signature pinkish-orange color. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
9. Ladle the bisque into serving bowls and top each with a generous amount of lobster meat.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.