Classic Lobster Bisque

By
Kathy Kingsley
Kathy Kingsley
Kathy Kingsley
A former bakery owner, Kathy Kingsley is a food writer, recipe developer, editor, and author of seven cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/9/21
Classic lobster bisque recipe

​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
Prep: 45 mins
Cook: 60 mins
Total: 105 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
163 Calories
12g Fat
7g Carbs
6g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 163
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 16%
Saturated Fat 7g 37%
Cholesterol 51mg 17%
Sodium 402mg 17%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 6g
Vitamin C 5mg 23%
Calcium 47mg 4%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 375mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This rich and creamy lobster bisque will make a heavenly entrée or can be served in smaller portions as a first course. Dry sherry and lobster make a natural flavor pairing, and here they come together in perfect harmony. See below for tips on cooking the perfect lobster. 

Ingredients

  • 3 (1 1/4-pound) lobsters, steamed

  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • 1/2 cup shallot, or onion, chopped

  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped

  • 1/2 cup dry sherry, plus extra for serving

  • 4 cups fish stock, or clam juice

  • 4 cups water

  • 2 clove garlic cloves

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1/4 cup tomato paste

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for lobster bisque
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  2. Twist the claws and tails off of the lobsters.

    Twist claws
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  3. Remove and discard the green tomalley and organs from the bodies, reserving the shells.

    Remove and discard tomalley
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  4. Remove the meat from the claws and tails, reserving the shells.

    Remove meat
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  5. Coarsely chop the lobster meat, transfer to a bowl, and cover and chill until ready to use.

    Chop lobster meat
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  6. Chop the lobster shells into smaller pieces.

    Chop lobster
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  7. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large pot.

    Melt the butter
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  8. Add the shallots and celery and cook, stirring often, until softened.

    Add shallots
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  9. Add the lobster shells and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until lightly browned.

    Add lobster shells
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  10. Add the sherry and cook, stirring occasionally, until it almost all has evaporated.

    Add sherry and cook
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  11. Stir in the fish broth and water, and add the garlic and bay leaves.

    Stir in fish broth
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  12. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil.

    Cover with lid
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  13. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 40 minutes.

    Reduce heat
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  14. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl, discarding the solids. Wipe the pot clean.

    Strain
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  15. In the clean pot, whisk together the tomato paste, cornstarch, and 1/2 cup of the lobster broth.

    Whisk
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  16. Once the mixture is blended, gradually pour in the remaining broth and whisk until blended.

    Whisk the sauce
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  17. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to medium-low.

    Bring to a boil
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga 

  18. Stir in the cream, tarragon, and chopped lobster pieces (reserving a few of the larger pieces for garnish). Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Stir in spices
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  19. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the lobster meat is thoroughly heated.

    Simmer
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  20. Ladle the bisque into shallow bowls, top with the reserved lobster pieces, and serve with extra sherry (for stirring into the soup), if desired. 

    Ladle into bowls
    ​The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

How to Steam a Lobster

  1. To steam the lobsters, choose a kettle large enough to generously hold them. Add about 1 quart of water mixed with 2 tablespoons salt. The water should be about 2 inches deep. Bring the water to a boil.

  2. Add the lobsters, cover, and steam for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shells are bright red and the antenna pulls out easily.

  3. Using a large pair of tongs, remove the lobsters to a large bowl or platter and let cool until they can be handled.