Seafood Bisque with Lobster and Shrimp Recipe

Seafood Bisque with Lobster and Shrimp is the epitome of elegant comfort food. This luxurious, creamy soup is rooted in classic French cuisine and is known for its rich depth of flavor, velvety texture, and indulgent seafood essence. Traditionally served in fine dining restaurants, bisque is made by slowly building layers of flavor—from aromatic vegetables and seafood shells to cream and delicate seasonings.

This homemade version brings restaurant-quality results to your kitchen. Sweet lobster meat, tender shrimp, and a silky, well-seasoned broth come together in a bisque that feels special enough for celebrations yet comforting enough to enjoy at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns simple seafood into something truly luxurious. The deep, savory base paired with the natural sweetness of lobster and shrimp creates an unforgettable flavor. It’s also incredibly satisfying to make—slowly building the bisque and finishing it with cream feels like a rewarding culinary experience.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful
• Restaurant-quality soup made at home
• Perfect for special occasions or holidays
• Elegant yet comforting
• Impressive without being overly complicated

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45–50 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 420–480 kcal
• Course: Appetizer / Main Course
• Cuisine: French / Seafood

Ingredients

For the Bisque Base

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ¼ cup dry white wine or brandy
• 3 cups seafood stock (or fish stock)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Seafood & Finish

• 200 g (7 oz) cooked lobster meat, chopped
• 200 g (7 oz) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped

Cooking Directions

1. Sauté aromatics and vegetables.
2. Build flavor with tomato paste and spices.
3. Deglaze with wine or brandy.
4. Simmer with seafood stock.
5. Blend until smooth.
6. Add seafood and cream.
7. Simmer gently and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened.
2. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste:
   Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor.
3. Deglaze:
   Pour in white wine or brandy, scraping the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
4. Add Stock:
   Add seafood stock, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Blend:
   Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, blend in batches.)
6. Add Seafood:
   Return soup to low heat. Add shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes until pink and opaque. Stir in lobster meat.
7. Finish with Cream:
   Stir in heavy cream and gently warm for 3–5 minutes. Do not boil.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve in warm bowls with crusty bread
• Garnish with extra lobster pieces or herbs
• Pair with a crisp white wine
• Serve as a starter for an elegant dinner

Recipe Tips

• Use high-quality seafood for best flavor.
• Do not boil after adding cream.
• Blend thoroughly for ultra-smooth texture.
• Adjust spice level to taste.

Variations

Crab and Shrimp Bisque

Replace lobster with crab meat.

Cream-Free Bisque

Use cashew cream or coconut milk instead of dairy.

Spicy Seafood Bisque

Increase cayenne or add chili oil.

Extra-Luxury Bisque

Add a tablespoon of butter just before serving.

Tomato-Forward Bisque

Increase tomato paste and add crushed tomatoes.

Freezing and Storage Time

Storage

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2–3 days.

Freezing

• Freeze without cream for up to 2 months.
• Add cream after reheating for best texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Immersion blender or countertop blender
• Knife and cutting board
• Ladle

Conclusion

Seafood Bisque with Lobster and Shrimp is a luxurious, comforting dish that brings fine-dining elegance to your home kitchen. With its rich, velvety texture and delicate seafood flavor, this bisque is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something truly indulgent. One spoonful is all it takes to fall in love.