Name: Lobster Bisque Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 lobster tails (each about 6 ounces); 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 stalks celery, finely chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bay leaf; Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 5 to 6 cups seafood stock; 1½ cups dry white wine; ½ cup heavy cream; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

There is something truly magical about a perfectly made Lobster Bisque Soup Recipe that warms the soul and delights the palate. This luxurious, creamy soup balances the deep, sweet flavor of lobster with a rich, velvety broth, making it an elegant yet comforting choice for any occasion. Imagine tender chunks of lobster swimming in a beautifully smooth soup that carries subtle herbal notes and just the right amount of wine and cream. Whether you’re craving a gourmet dinner at home or planning to impress guests, this Lobster Bisque Soup Recipe is a timeless classic that you’ll want to make again and again.

A creamy orange soup fills a speckled white bowl, smooth in texture and topped with small green herb pieces scattered softly on the surface. In the middle, there is a curved piece of lobster meat with a red and white color, partially submerged in the soup. A sprig of dark green rosemary lies alongside the lobster, adding contrast and detail. A dark spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, partially dipped into the soup. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is what makes this Lobster Bisque Soup Recipe truly shine. Each component is simple but essential, lending the soup its incredible texture, vibrant color, and complex flavor. Let’s walk through the essentials that will bring this dish to life.

Lobster tails (4 tails, about 6 ounces each): The star ingredient, offering sweet, succulent lobster meat that defines this bisque.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the vegetables evenly.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Contributes richness and depth to the base flavors.
Small yellow onion, diced (1): Builds a savory foundation with its natural sweetness.
Celery stalks, finely chopped (3): Adds a gentle crunch and fresh notes to balance the creaminess.
Carrots, peeled and finely chopped (2): Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon): Impart a subtle earthiness that complements the seafood.
Fresh rosemary leaves (1 teaspoon): Enhance the broth with herbal aroma and flavor.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning, bringing out every note beautifully.
Garlic cloves, minced (4): Add warmth and a mild pungency that rounds out the flavor.
Tomato paste (3 tablespoons): Intensifies the broth’s color and adds a touch of acidity.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the soup to a luscious consistency.
Seafood stock (5 to 6 cups): Creates the rich liquid base that fully develops the bisque’s flavor.
Dry white wine (1½ cups): Brings complexity and bright notes that elevate the dish.
Bay leaf (1): Infuses a subtle herbal depth during simmering.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Adds the signature velvety finish to the bisque.
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Provides a fresh, color-contrasting touch when serving.

How to Make Lobster Bisque Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Lobster Tails

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and adding the lobster tails. Boil for about 4 to 5 minutes until the shells turn a bright red, signaling they are perfectly cooked. If you’re using frozen lobster tails, they may require an extra minute or two. Once cooked, remove the tails and set them aside to cool, so you can easily remove the meat later. This step ensures your lobster stays tender and juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the lobster cools, heat olive oil and butter together in a heavy soup pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, celery, and carrots until they soften and release their natural sweetness, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Add fresh thyme and rosemary, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the herbs’ flavor. This blend of aromatics is the backbone of your bisque’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Tomato Paste, and Flour

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it briefly so it doesn’t burn—about 20 seconds. Then mix in tomato paste, coating all the vegetables and letting it cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors and give the soup a rich reddish hue. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for an additional minute, which helps to thicken the bisque beautifully without a grainy texture.

Step 4: Build the Broth

Pour in the seafood stock and dry white wine, stirring to combine everything into a harmonious broth. Toss in one bay leaf for an additional layer of herbal flavor. Bring it all to a simmer and let it cook gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process melds the flavors and softens the vegetables further so they can easily be blended later.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Remove the bay leaf then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s luxuriously smooth. If you want, you can use a regular blender or food processor, but be sure to blend in batches to avoid any spills and to get an even texture. This creamy consistency is what makes the bisque so indulgent and silky.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Lobster Meat

Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and chopped lobster meat. Warm everything through over low heat for about 5 minutes so flavors meld perfectly, but be careful not to overcook the lobster to keep it tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.

How to Serve Lobster Bisque Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with smooth orange lobster bisque soup, showing a thick creamy texture. In the center, there is a curved piece of bright red lobster meat resting partially submerged. A fresh green rosemary sprig lies diagonally across the soup, with small bits of green herbs sprinkled around the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance both the flavor and presentation, sprinkle the bisque with chopped fresh parsley just before serving. The parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery note and a pop of lovely green color that contrasts beautifully against the creamy soup.

Side Dishes

Lobster bisque pairs wonderfully with light, crusty bread or classic French baguette slices, perfect for dipping. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette brightens the meal and balances the rich bisque without overwhelming the delicate lobster flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner, serve the bisque in small bowls or cups as an appetizer. You can also drizzle a little extra cream or a few drops of lobster oil on the surface for a professional touch. Garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers can elevate the visual appeal, turning this soup into an unforgettable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lobster bisque keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

This bisque freezes well, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Note that texture may slightly change upon thawing due to the cream, but reheating gently can restore its creamy richness.

Reheating

Reheat lobster bisque on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Avoid boiling the soup to preserve the luxurious texture and tenderness of the lobster meat. Adding a splash of cream or stock when reheating can help refresh the soup’s consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this Lobster Bisque Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen lobster tails work well, though they might need an extra minute or two in the boiling water to cook through. Just be sure to thaw them properly for the best texture and flavor.

Is there a substitute for the seafood stock?

If you don’t have seafood stock on hand, a good-quality fish or clam broth can work as a substitute. You can also enhance vegetable stock with a splash of clam juice for a similar depth of flavor.

Can I make this bisque dairy-free?

Yes, you can omit the heavy cream or swap it with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version, though the flavor will be slightly different. The bisque will still be creamy and delicious.

What type of white wine is best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works beautifully. Choose a wine you enjoy drinking since its flavor will be present in your bisque.

How thick should the bisque be?

The ideal bisque is silky and smooth, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still ladleable. The flour and cream help achieve this richness without it becoming too heavy or gloopy.

Final Thoughts

Making this Lobster Bisque Soup Recipe at home is not only rewarding but also an opportunity to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Its wonderful balance of sweet lobster, fragrant herbs, and creamy texture is sure to make it a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t hesitate to try it for your next special meal — every spoonful promises comfort, elegance, and a touch of luxury.