Lobster Bisque

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is lobster healthy?

  Besides being a New England favorite, lobster is a lean source of protein and provides several vitamins and minerals—including vitamin B12, copper, zinc, selenium and iodine. It also contributes to your omega-3 intake, providing EPA and DHA. Lobster is fairly high in sodium—a 3-ounce portion of cooked lobster meat will give you about 20% of your day’s worth. It’s also high in cholesterol, but we know now that dietary cholesterol has minimal effects on our blood cholesterol levels. Considering the nutrients found in lobster, it can help boost brain health and support a healthy immune system and thyroid function.

• Are onions good for you?

  While you may not appreciate the tear-producing qualities of onions, you will most likely appreciate their health benefits. Thanks to the antioxidant quercetin, onions have been linked to reduced inflammation and a lower risk of heart disease. The quercetin in onions also has a bacteria-fighting component. Their sulfur compounds (some of which also cause watery eyes) have been shown to help regulate blood sugar.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

  As is, no, this recipe is not gluten-free. But you can swap out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour for an equally delicious gluten-free bisque.

• Can I use raw lobster tails?

  Yes, you can! We use cooked lobster tails for convenience and for a quicker cooking time, but feel free to use raw lobster tails instead. You can cook lobster tails a day ahead and reserve them for this recipe or cook them right before preparing the bisque.

• Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

  Yes, if you don't have fresh thyme on hand, you can use 2 teaspoons of dried thyme instead.

• I don’t have brandy, is there a substitute?

  If you don’t have brandy, you can use sherry or dry white wine. Some examples of dry white wines are sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot grigio. If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, substitute it with more seafood stock or lobster stock.

• What’s the difference between lobster soup and lobster bisque?

  Lobster bisque is a type of soup of French origin that’s smooth and creamy, extracting its lobster flavor by pureeing and straining the ingredients into a rich and flavorful soup. Lobster soup, such as Lobster & Corn Chowder, is typically chunky with pieces of vegetables like potatoes and corn.