Luxurious Lobster Bisque with Creamy Brandy Finish
This decadent lobster bisque is rich, velvety, and full of deep seafood flavor. With tender chunks of lobster and a hint of brandy, it’s the perfect showstopper for any special meal.
🛒 Ingredients (Servings: 4)
- 2 lobster tails (about 8 oz each), split and meat removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup brandy or cognac
- 2 cups seafood stock or fish stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- Optional garnish: fresh chives or parsley, crème fraîche
🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook Aromatics:
🧅 In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer.
2️⃣ Tomato Paste & Brandy:
🍅 Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Carefully pour in the brandy and cook for another 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
3️⃣ Add Stock & Simmer:
🥣 Add seafood stock, bay leaf, and thyme. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove bay leaf after simmering.
4️⃣ Blend the Base:
🔄 Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender) to puree the soup base until smooth. Return to low heat.
5️⃣ Add Lobster & Cream:
🦞 Stir in the lobster meat and butter. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until lobster is cooked through. Stir in heavy cream and heat gently without boiling. Season with salt and white pepper.
6️⃣ Serve:
🥣 Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with chopped chives or parsley and a dollop of crème fraîche if desired.
🛍️ Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Lobster Bisque
- 🦞 Seafood Stock – A rich base is key to depth of flavor.
- 🍶 Brandy or Cognac – Adds a touch of elegance and complexity.
- 🔪 Immersion Blender – Makes pureeing soups silky smooth.
- 🥄 Stainless Steel Saucepan – Perfect for simmering delicate bisques.
- 🥛 Heavy Cream – For that luscious finish.
- 🌿 Dried Thyme – A little herb goes a long way.
💡 Helpful Tip:
For extra lobster flavor, simmer the empty shells in the stock before starting the soup. Strain and use that enhanced broth for a bisque that truly wows.