Decadent Langostino Lobster Bisque is a luxurious, velvety soup made with tender langostino meat, rich cream, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of sherry for depth. This restaurant-quality dish brings the indulgent taste of seafood bisque to your home kitchen with surprisingly simple preparation, perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful
- Uses langostino tails, a tender and affordable alternative to lobster
- Surprisingly easy and quick to make at home
- Elegant enough for holidays, dinner parties, or romantic dinners
- Can be made ahead of time and reheated for convenience
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound cooked langostino tails (thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
- 1/2 cup dry sherry
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring, for another minute.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Slowly add the sherry, stirring to deglaze the pot. Gradually add the seafood stock while stirring. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes.
- Blend the Base: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer in batches to a blender.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add Langostino Tails: Gently stir in the langostino meat and heat through for 2–3 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Swap langostino with lobster, shrimp, or crab meat
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version
- Add a splash of brandy or cognac for a deeper flavor profile
- Serve with a crusty baguette or homemade croutons for dipping
Storage/Reheating
- Store bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently
- Avoid boiling the bisque while reheating to prevent separation
- Freeze cooled bisque for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating
FAQs
What are langostino tails?
Langostinos are small, lobster-like crustaceans with sweet, delicate meat, often used as a more affordable alternative to lobster.
Can I use frozen langostino tails?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the bisque.
What’s the best stock to use?
Seafood stock enhances the flavor, but good-quality chicken stock works if seafood stock isn’t available.
Is it necessary to blend the soup?
Blending creates a smooth, luxurious texture, but you can skip blending if you prefer a chunkier soup.
Can I make this bisque without alcohol?
Yes, you can omit the sherry, though it adds wonderful depth. Add a little extra seafood stock to replace the liquid.
How can I thicken the bisque?
If you prefer a thicker bisque, add an extra tablespoon of flour when sautéing the vegetables or reduce the soup slightly longer after blending.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just use a large enough pot and adjust simmering times slightly if needed.
What’s the difference between lobster and langostino?
Langostino meat is smaller and slightly firmer than lobster, but it has a very similar sweet flavor.
How do I prevent the langostino from becoming rubbery?
Add the langostino at the end and heat just until warmed through—overcooking can make the meat tough.
What sides go well with lobster bisque?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or a glass of crisp white wine pairs beautifully with this decadent soup.
Conclusion
Decadent Langostino Lobster Bisque is a luxurious, rich, and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your family or guests. With tender langostino meat, creamy broth, and subtle seasonings, it’s the perfect comfort food for chilly nights or special celebrations. Easy enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for a dinner party—this bisque is a must-try!
Print
Decadent Langostino Lobster Bisque
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and creamy Langostino Lobster Bisque featuring tender langostino meat, aromatic vegetables, and a luxurious blend of cream and sherry for an indulgent seafood experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked langostino tails, thawed if frozen
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups seafood stock or fish broth
- 1/2 cup dry sherry
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to form a roux; cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in seafood stock and sherry, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or blend in batches carefully.
- Return the bisque to the pot (if needed) and stir in heavy cream, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add langostino tails and cook over low heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in fresh thyme and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Ladle bisque into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Do not overcook langostino tails, as they can become rubbery.
- For an extra luxurious bisque, add a splash more sherry just before serving.
- Use lobster stock for a deeper flavor if available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 110mg