Why settle for a fixed menu in a crowded restaurant when you can celebrate Valentine’s Day at home? No reservations. No crowds. Just good food and good company. A sweetheart steak from The Butcher Shop is a great choice for a Valentine’s Day meal at home, and lobster bisque is the perfect way to get that meal started.
Creamy, rich, and elegant, lobster bisque feels luxurious without being flashy. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, sip your wine, and savor every spoonful. Even better, much of the prep can be done ahead of time, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen when you’d rather be at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a partner, a date, or treating yourself, lobster bisque sets the Valentine’s Day mood effortlessly.
Recipe for Valentine’s Day Lobster Bisque
Ingredients:
- 2 lobster tails (about 4–6 oz each), shells reserved
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup dry white wine or brandy
- 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Garnishes: chopped chives or tarragon, cream
Directions:
1. Prepare the Lobster
Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lobster tails and cook for 4-5 minutes, until just opaque. Remove the tails from the water and let cool. Remove the meat from the shells, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Keep the shells.
2. Build the Flavor Base
In a medium pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the reserved lobster shells and sauté for 4-5 minutes, pressing them slightly to release the flavor.
3. Add Aromatics
Stir in the shallot and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
4. Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the wine or brandy, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the seafood stock, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 20 minutes.
5. Blend and Strain
Remove the shells from the pot. Using an immersion blender or countertop blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for an extra-silky texture.
6. Finish the Bisque
Return the soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in the cream and add the chopped lobster meat. Warm gently for 5 minutes, being careful not to let it boil.
7. Serve the Bisque
Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a swirl of cream. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Add depth: A splash of brandy, cognac, or sherry adds warmth and complexity. A little extra seafood stock and a squeeze of lemon at the end can brighten the flavors.
- Lighten it up: Substitute half-and-half for some or all of the heavy cream.
- Elevate the garnishes: Fresh herbs and a drizzle of lobster oil make the dish feel date-night ready.
A Little Luxury Starts at The Butcher Shop
Romance doesn’t require a reservation. Simply light the candles, pour the wine, and enjoy a Valentine’s Day TBS sweetheart steak and lobster bisque that’s made with the best ingredients. At The Butcher Shop, our meats are 100% natural and locally sourced, and our seafood is always fresh and never frozen. In fact, it’s so fresh it can be caught and served on your plate within the same 24 hours. You’ll also find farm-fresh produce, freshly baked loaves of bread, local wines, and everything else you need for a romantic dinner for two. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.