Ina Garten’s Lobster Bisque is a luxurious and decadent dish that is sure to impress any seafood lover. Made with succulent lobster meat, rich cream, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, this bisque is the epitome of comfort food. The bisque’s silky texture and depth of flavor are sure to transport your taste buds to a seaside paradise. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion dish or just a cozy meal for a cold winter’s night, Ina Garten’s Lobster Bisque is the perfect choice.
Why You’ll Love This Ina Garten Lobster Bisque
- Ina Garten’s Lobster Bisque is a decadent and delicious dish that will delight any seafood lover.
- Made with tender chunks of succulent lobster meat, simmered in a rich and creamy broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices, this bisque is the epitome of comfort food.
- The bisque’s silky texture and depth of flavor will transport your taste buds to a seaside paradise, it’s the perfect dish to impress guests or enjoy a cozy meal on a cold winter’s night.
- Furthermore, this dish is not only delicious but also elegant which makes it perfect for special occasions. With Ina Garten’s Lobster Bisque, you’ll have a luxurious and satisfying meal that you’ll love.
What Is Lobster Bisque?
Lobster Bisque is a type of rich and creamy soup made from lobster meat and seafood stock. It is often seasoned with herbs, spices, and a variety of aromatics such as shallots, onion, and garlic. The soup is typically thickened with a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) and cream is added to give it a velvety texture. Some variations of the bisque may include sherry or cognac for added depth of flavor.
Some recipes may also include vegetables such as carrots and celery. The lobster meat is usually cooked and then the lobster shells are used to make the stock. The stock is then strained and combined with the cooked lobster meat, vegetables, and cream to make the bisque. The soup is then typically served warm and garnished with additional lobster meat.
Ina Garten Lobster Bisque Ingredients
- 2-3 live lobsters (1 1/2-2 pounds each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups fish or chicken stock
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brandy or sherry
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Additional chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How To Make Ina Garten Lobster Bisque
- Start by boiling the lobsters in a large pot of salted water for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the lobsters from the pot and let them cool. Once cool, remove the meat from the lobsters, reserving the shells.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic and sauté for about 10 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the flour and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the fish or chicken stock, stirring constantly.
- Add the lobster shells and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the shells are very fragrant.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the shells and vegetables.
- Return the broth to the pot and stir in the cream, tomato paste, brandy or sherry, thyme, and reserved lobster meat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors are well blended.
- Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Note: If you want a thicker bisque, you can blend some of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender before serving. It’s important to note that as with any recipe, you can always adjust the ingredients to your taste and preference.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh lobsters: Using live lobsters will give you the freshest and most flavorful bisque. However, you can also use cooked lobster meat if you can’t find live lobsters.
- Make your own stock: Using homemade stock will give you a much richer and more flavorful bisque. You can also use store-bought stock, but be sure to choose a high-quality brand.
- Cook the vegetables: Cooking the onions, carrots, celery and garlic until they are soft before adding the flour will give you a richer and more flavorful bisque.
- Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker bisque, you can blend some of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender before serving. You can also add more cream or flour to thicken it.
- Season to taste: Be sure to taste your bisque and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.
- Be creative with the garnish: You can garnish your bisque with chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or chives, or even a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream.
- Serve hot: Lobster bisque is best served warm, so be sure to reheat it before serving if necessary.
What To Serve With Lobster Bisque?
- Crusty bread: A warm and crusty bread, such as a baguette, is a perfect accompaniment to a bowl of lobster bisque. The bread can be used to soak up the rich and creamy broth, making it a delicious addition to the meal.
- Salad: A simple green salad, such as a Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad, makes a great side dish to the bisque. The salad provides a nice contrast to the rich and creamy bisque and it adds a freshness to the meal.
- Grilled or sautéed vegetables: Grilled or sautéed vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini, can add a nice crunch to the meal and provide a healthy balance to the rich bisque.
- Risotto: A creamy risotto, such as a mushroom or Parmesan risotto, makes a great side dish to the bisque. The risotto provides a nice contrast to the bisque and it adds a richness to the meal.
- Pasta: A simple pasta dish, such as linguine or fettuccine with butter and Parmesan cheese, can also be served as a side dish to the bisque. The pasta provides a nice contrast to the bisque and it adds a comforting feel to the meal.
- Crackers or crostini: Crackers or crostini (toasted bread) can be served as an appetizer with the bisque, they add a nice crunch and a great way to enjoy the rich flavors of the bisque.
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your personal taste to decide what to serve with the bisque. These are just a few options to consider.
How To Store Lobster Bisque?
- Refrigerate: Allow the bisque to cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can also freeze the bisque for longer storage. Allow the bisque to cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe plastic bag. The bisque will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
It’s important to note that freezing and reheating may change the texture of the bisque, so it may not be as creamy as when first made. Also, if you add cream to the bisque and you want to freeze it, it’s recommended to leave the cream out and add it to the bisque before serving it.
- Stovetop: The best way to reheat lobster bisque is on the stovetop over low heat. Use a large pot or saucepan, and stir the bisque occasionally to prevent hot spots and to ensure it heats evenly.
- Microwave: You can also reheat lobster bisque in the microwave, but be sure to use a microwave-safe container and stir it frequently to prevent hot spots. Reheat the bisque in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until it is heated through.
- Oven: Another way to reheat lobster bisque is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the bisque in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and place in the oven. Heat the bisque for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.
It’s important to note that reheating the bisque may change the texture of the bisque, so it may not be as creamy as when first made. However, reheating it slowly and stirring it occasionally will help to prevent this.
FAQ Section
Can I make lobster bisque in advance?
It is possible to prepare the bisque in advance and then store it in the refrigerator or freezer until it is time to serve. This allows for more flexibility in the preparation process.
Can I use cooked lobster meat instead of live lobsters?
Yes, you can use cooked lobster meat instead of live lobsters. Cooking lobster is a great way to unlock the sweet and delicious flavor that is packed into its meat. The process of cooking lobster can also make it easier to prepare, as the meat can be easily removed from the shell and used in a variety of dishes.
Can I add cream to the bisque?
It depends on the type of bisque you are making. Some recipes call for cream, while others do not. For example, a traditional lobster bisque may not call for cream, while a cream of tomato bisque may call for cream. You should always consult the recipe you are using to determine if cream should be added to the bisque. Additionally, some recipes may call for a combination of cream and milk to add richness and flavor.
Can I adjust the thickness of the bisque?
Yes, you can adjust the thickness of bisque by removing some of the material from the piece. This can be done by using a pottery wheel or a hand-building technique such as coil or pinch pot construction. If you are using a pottery wheel, you can use a wire cutting tool to carefully trim away excess material while the clay is still wet. If you are using hand-building techniques, you can use a modeling tool to cut away excess material while the clay is still wet. Once the piece is dry, you can use a wire cutting tool, craft knife, or other sharp tool to refine the piece and adjust the thickness.
How do I know when the bisque is done?
Bisque is done when it has reached a creamy, velvety consistency. To check if it is done, you can taste test it, or you can use a thermometer to ensure the temperature of the bisque is between 165-180° F. At this point, the bisque should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it is too thin, continue to cook it for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Ina Garten Lobster Bisque Nutrition Fact
- Calories: 231
- Total Fat: 8.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 48 mg
- Sodium: 736 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21.6 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.4 g
- Sugars: 6.7 g
- Protein: 13.9 g
- Vitamin A: 21.8%
- Vitamin C: 5.3%
- Calcium: 7.7%
- Iron: 9.2%
