Lobster Bisque from Red Lobster features a rich, creamy blend of tender lobster meat, aromatic herbs, and smooth tomato base, beautifully garnished with a drizzle of cream and fresh chives, presenting a luxurious and velvety seafood soup.
Equipments
- Large stockpot
- Medium saucepan
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
- Fine mesh strainer or chinois
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Soup bowls
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lobster meat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion
- 2 ribs celery
- 2 medium carrots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 4 cups seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh chives (for garnish)
Using fresh lobster meat is essential to achieve the authentic rich flavor and tender texture in your bisque. The combination of aromatic herbs like thyme, tarragon, and bay leaf adds depth, so ensure you measure them accurately to avoid overpowering the soup. Carefully balancing the tomato paste and brandy contributes to a smooth, savory base that enhances the seafood stock. When cooking, gently simmer rather than boil to preserve the creaminess brought by heavy cream and milk. Your Lobster Bisque from Red Lobster copycat menu will capture the luxurious and velvety experience of the original when these ingredient notes are followed closely.
Instructions
- Prepare and chop all vegetables (onion, celery, carrots, garlic) using chef's knife and cutting board.
- Heat olive oil and butter in large stockpot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots; sauté until softened.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in brandy; carefully ignite to flambé (optional), simmer until mostly evaporated.
- Add seafood stock, bay leaf, paprika, thyme, and tarragon.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Add lobster meat and cook until just heated through.
- Remove bay leaf.
- Using slotted spoon, transfer solids (vegetables and some lobster) to a blender or use an immersion blender in the pot; puree until smooth.
- Return puree to pot if using blender; stir to combine.
- Stir in heavy cream and milk; whisk until well blended.
- Simmer gently for 5-10 minutes (do not boil).
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Strain bisque through fine mesh strainer or chinois for extra smoothness (optional).
- Ladle bisque into soup bowls.
- Garnish with a drizzle of cream and fresh chives before serving.
Substitution
Lobster Bisque from Red Lobster copycat menu recreates the luxurious seafood soup with a creamy tomato base and tender lobster meat. If fresh lobster meat is unavailable, you can substitute with cooked shrimp or crab for a similar seafood flavor, though the texture will differ slightly. Using chicken stock instead of seafood stock will alter the depth of flavor, so incorporating clam juice or fish sauce can enhance the seafood essence. When blending the soup, ensure thorough pureeing to achieve the signature velvety texture, and strain carefully through a fine mesh strainer or chinois to remove any solids. You can adjust the cream and milk ratio to control richness according to your preference.
Tips
Use fresh lobster meat to enhance the bisque's flavor and tenderness. When flambeing with brandy, ensure safety by igniting away from flammable materials and keep the flame controlled. Pureeing the soup carefully avoids lumps, creating that iconic velvety texture you expect from a lobster bisque. Do not boil after adding cream and milk to prevent curdling; instead, simmer gently for a smooth, rich finish.
Nutritions
Lobster bisque from Red Lobster is a nutrient-dense seafood soup rich in high-quality protein from tender lobster meat, which supports muscle repair and immune function. The inclusion of aromatic vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots boosts vitamin and fiber content, aiding in digestion and overall health. Heavy cream and whole milk provide essential fats and calcium, contributing to bone strength and satiety. You can enjoy this luxurious bisque while benefiting from a balanced mix of macronutrients and flavorful herbs that add antioxidants without extra calories.
Storage
To store your Lobster Bisque properly, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months, ensuring to leave space for expansion. When reheating, warm gently on low heat to maintain its creamy texture and prevent curdling.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the brandy with dry white wine or sherry to add a slightly different depth of flavor if preferred. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half to reduce richness while maintaining creaminess. Roasting the vegetables before sauteing enhances their natural sweetness and intensifies the soup's flavor profile. If lobster meat is hard to source, claw or knuckle meat from other shellfish like crab or shrimp can provide a similar texture and taste.
Allergies
Lobster Bisque contains shellfish, which is a common allergen that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Dairy ingredients like heavy cream, whole milk, butter, and olive oil may also trigger allergies or intolerances for some people. Your best option is to check all ingredients carefully and avoid this dish if you have shellfish or dairy allergies.
Why this recipe?
Lobster Bisque from Red Lobster offers a rich, creamy texture infused with perfectly balanced lobster flavor that seafood enthusiasts crave. The bisque's smooth blend of fresh lobster meat, aromatic spices, and a hint of sherry creates a luxurious dining experience that stands out on their menu. Creating your own copycat recipe lets you customize ingredients for personal taste while enjoying this gourmet taste at home. You will appreciate the rewarding process and the authentic taste that rivals Red Lobster's signature bisque.