Description
This Ina Garten-inspired Lobster Bisque is creamy, elegant, and surprisingly simple. Featuring homemade lobster stock, velvety cream, and perfectly tender lobster meat, this restaurant-quality soup is perfect for entertaining or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Lobster Stock:
- Lobster shells from 2 lobsters (about 1½ lbs each)
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 6 cups water
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- For the Bisque:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 2 tbsp dry sherry (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add lobster shells, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté 5–7 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
- Deglaze with white wine, scraping the bottom. Add water, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Strain and discard solids.
- In the same pot, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add flour and whisk constantly for 2–3 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in strained stock. Simmer 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in heavy cream, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Keep heat low.
- Add lobster meat and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Stir in sherry if using.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, a swirl of cream, or a dash of paprika.
Notes
Use fresh lobster shells for a deeply flavorful stock. Avoid boiling once cream or lobster meat is added to maintain a smooth texture. The stock can be made ahead for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx 1 cup)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 200mg