Lobster bisque is a classic French soup that is rich, creamy, and flavorful. Made with lobster stock, cream, and brandy, it is a dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. This article provides two recipes for lobster bisque: a traditional version and a modern version with a few twists.
The traditional lobster bisque recipe starts with a flavorful lobster stock made from lobster shells and vegetables. The stock is then simmered with lobster meat, cream, and brandy until it is thick and creamy. The modern lobster bisque recipe uses a combination of lobster stock and fish stock for a lighter flavor. It also adds a touch of saffron and Pernod for a more complex flavor profile. Both recipes are delicious and sure to impress your guests.
LOBSTER BISQUE
A quick and easy homemade lobster stock is the base for this rich, creamy soup. Each bowl is finished with buttery, succulent lobster meat and delicate fennel fronds.
Provided by Riley Wofford
Categories Food & Cooking Soups, Stews & Stocks Soup Recipes
Time 2h45m
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Stock: In a large pot lined with a steamer basket, bring 1 inch salted water to a boil. Steam lobster tails, top-side down, until just cooked through and tails curl under, 6 to 8 minutes for small tails and 8 to 10 minutes for large. Transfer to a plate and let cool. When cool enough to handle, use kitchen shears to cut through underside of tails. Remove meat from shells; reserve shells. Run a paring knife along back of each tail and remove vein. Cut meat into bite-size pieces; cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add shells and cook until fragrant and deep red in color, about 4 minutes. Add fish stock, wine, and 6 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, skimming impurities from surface, until reduced to 6 cups, 40 to 45 minutes. Strain stock into a large liquid-measuring cup or heatproof bowl. Wipe out pot. (Stock can be stored in airtight containers in the freezer up to 3 months.)
- Bisque: In same pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add fennel, onion, and garlic and season with salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, paprika, and cayenne; cook 1 minute. Add brandy, sherry, and strained lobster stock; season generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer 30 minutes. Remove thyme and bay leaf.
- Working in batches, puree soup in a blender until smooth. Return soup to pot. Let cool 15 minutes. Whisk together cream and cornstarch, then stir into bisque. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring, until thickened slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add lobster meat and cook until just warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour soup into bowls and serve, topped with lobster, fennel fronds, and a squeeze of lemon, if desired. Soup can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 days.
LOBSTER BISQUE
This bisque is the best chance for a home cook to shine. Adapted from the recipe of the Carlyle's executive chef, James Sakatos, it contains one of the great kitchen cheats of all time: a method for imparting rich creaminess that in a lesser establishment would come from a roux of butter and flour or a handful of cornstarch. You may end up using it all the time.
Provided by Sam Sifton
Categories dinner, lunch, soups and stews, appetizer, main course
Time 2h45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Fill a large pot with 1/2 inch of water. Stir in 2 teaspoons kosher salt and bring the water to a boil. Add the lobsters, cover with a tight-fitting lid and return the water to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle boil and cook the lobsters until they are bright red, about 12 minutes. Remove the lobsters, reserving the liquid. When the lobsters have cooled slightly, place them in a bowl and remove the meat from the claws and tail, again reserving any liquid that comes out of the shells. Chop the meat and refrigerate. Roughly chop the shells into small pieces and reserve, along with all the lobster remains.
- Swirl the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the vegetables and herbs. Sweat until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes, then increase the heat to medium-high and add the lobster shells and remains. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, then add the tomato paste and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the sherry, then ignite or cook until the alcohol has evaporated. Add fish stock and 1 cup of the lobster-cooking liquid. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, for 1 hour.
- Strain the broth through a colander, pressing down hard on the solids to extrude as much liquid as possible. Wipe out the pot and pour in the broth. Add the rice and cook for at least 30 minutes, or until the grains are cooked to extreme softness.
- Blend the bisque in a food processor or blender, then pass through a fine sieve, again pressing down hard on what solids remain. Add the cream and bring to a low simmer. Add the chopped lobster meat, let it heat through, then season to taste with salt and cayenne.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 502, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 31 grams, Fat 31 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 19 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 890 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Use fresh lobster if you can. It will give your bisque the best flavor. - If you don't have fresh lobster, you can use frozen lobster. Just be sure to thaw it completely before using it. - Don't overcook the lobster. It should be cooked just until it is opaque. - Use a good quality seafood stock. It will make a big difference in the flavor of your bisque. - Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. You can add a variety of herbs and spices to your bisque to create a unique dish. - Serve your bisque with a garnish of fresh herbs, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream.Conclusion:
Lobster bisque is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion. It is also surprisingly easy to make. With a little planning, you can have a delicious lobster bisque on the table in no time.
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