Decadent Lobster Bisque (Print-Friendly Version)

Velvety lobster bisque with garlic butter and tender lobster tails for rich, bold flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 4 fresh or thawed lobster tails, shells reserved
02 - ½ lb shrimp or clams (optional substitution)

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

03 - 1 medium onion, chopped
04 - 2 carrots, chopped
05 - 2 celery stalks, chopped
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 pinch lemon zest

→ Dairy

08 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
09 - 1 cup heavy cream

→ Liquids

10 - ½ cup dry white wine
11 - 4 cups water

→ Pantry

12 - 2 tbsp olive oil
13 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
14 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
15 - ½ tsp sea salt
16 - ½ tsp black pepper
17 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
18 - ½ tsp smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning
19 - 1 bouillon cube
20 - Fresh tarragon, for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lobster tails, cover, and cook until bright red. Remove and cool.
02 - Remove lobster meat from shells once cooled and chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve shells and juices.
03 - Return shells to pot with 4 cups water and simmer with aromatics for 30 minutes to extract flavor, then strain.
04 - Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a pan. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until soft. Stir in garlic, bouillon cube, sea salt, and black pepper.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour and stir continuously until fully absorbed.
06 - Pour in white wine and simmer until reduced by half. Add lobster stock and simmer until thickened and flavors meld.
07 - Remove from heat and blend soup until smooth. Return to pot and stir in heavy cream.
08 - Melt remaining butter in a skillet and sauté minced garlic until aromatic. Add chopped lobster meat, season with cayenne, sea salt, and black pepper, and sauté for 1 minute until warmed through.
09 - Stir three-quarters of the lobster meat into the bisque. Serve hot in bowls, topping each with remaining lobster meat and fresh tarragon.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Caramelizing tomato paste enhances natural sweetness and depth.
02 - Use cold-water lobster tails for sweeter, more tender meat.
03 - Add lemon zest just before serving to brighten the flavor.

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