Seafood Bisque with Lobster and Scallops – Rich, Creamy & Elegant

Name: Seafood Bisque with Lobster and Scallops
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 medium lobsters (approximately 1.25 to 1.5 lbs each), yields about 2 cups of lobster meat - You can use either live or pre-cooked lobsters.; 2 Tbsp Olive Oil; 2 medium leeks (white part only), finely chopped – about 2 cups; 2 Cloves Garlic (1 Tbsp); 400g (approx. 1 lb) Bay scallops (80–120 count per pound), thawed if frozen; ¼ cup port wine or ½ cup white wine; 1 Tbsp tomato paste; 6 cups lobster stock (see substitution options below); ½ cup heavy cream (35%) – 15% cream works too; optional; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper – optional, for a touch of heat; Salt and pepper to taste

Tim
Jun 16
5 min read

Updated: Jul 1

If you're looking to serve a dish that's rich, elegant, and packed with flavor, this Seafood Bisque with Lobster and Scallops is your perfect choice. A luxurious twist on classic lobster bisque, this recipe combines sweet bay scallops and tender lobster meat in a smooth, creamy broth that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner or planning a special night in, this homemade seafood bisque is easy to make ahead and guaranteed to wow. Learn how to prepare this restaurant-quality soup with simple ingredients and expert tips below.

Jump to Recipe (Lobster Bisque)

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Creamy lobster bisque with a bright red lobster claw and tail in a black bowl, served with bread on a white tablecloth, creating a cozy dining scene. — A delectable serving of creamy Seafood Bisque topped with a succulent lobster claw and tail, presented in an elegant bowl.

Region: France

Seafood bisque originated in France, and it has deep roots in French coastal cuisine, particularly from the Brittany and Normandy regions. Traditionally, bisque is a smooth, creamy, and flavorful soup made from crustaceans like lobster, crab, or shrimp.

The word “bisque” likely comes from the French word “biscuit” (meaning twice-cooked), referring to the practice of roasting the shells of crustaceans before simmering them to build depth of flavor.

What makes this Seafood Bisque with Lobster and Scallops so Special ?

The secret to this bisque's rich flavor is lobster stock and bay scallops. Lobster stock adds deep, savory seafood richness, while bay scallops bring a touch of natural sweetness and tender texture. Together, they infuse the broth with balanced, ocean-fresh depth in every spoonful.

Lobster, scallops, and stock on a white tablecloth with bread, garlic, tomato paste and a leek. Cozy dining vibe. — A gourmet selection of fresh seafood and ingredients including scallops, lobster, leeks, garlic, Tomato Paste, stock and crusty bread, ready to be transformed into a delicious meal.

Seafood Bisque with Lobster and Scallops - Recipe Ingredients

Each ingredient in this seafood bisque contributes to its rich depth, creamy texture, and refined flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

· Fresh Lobster – Sweet, tender meat that’s the highlight of the dish.

· Bay Scallops – Delicate and naturally sweet, they melt into the broth.

· Leeks – Provide a mild, aromatic base.

· Garlic – Adds savory depth and warmth.

· Lobster Stock – A rich, ocean-infused foundation. Please see my Ultimate Lobster Stock Recipe Blog.

· Tomato Paste – Adds color, umami, and a subtle tang.

· White Wine or Port Wine – Adds acidity or sweetness to balance and elevate the bisque’s flavor profile.

· Cayenne Pepper Powder – A hint of heat to brighten the creaminess.

· Extra Virgin Olive Oil – For sautéing and richness.

· Heavy Cream – Delivers the bisque’s signature smooth, velvety finish.

· Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to unify all the flavors.

These ingredients come together to create a bisque that’s luxurious, well-balanced, and perfect for any special occasion. Please see the Recipe Card below for more detail on the quantities for each ingredient.

Key Steps in the preparation process of Seafood Bisque

This rich and flavorful Seafood Bisque comes together with just a few essential kitchen tools: a sharp knife, a pot or Dutch oven, a large stockpot for the broth, a strainer, and a blender or immersion blender. Below is a quick overview of the key steps, supported by helpful visuals to guide you through the process.

Prepare the Lobster

If using live lobsters, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the lobsters for about 10 minutes, then remove them and allow them to cool. Once cool, extract the meat from the claws and tail. Feeling adventurous? You can also remove the meat from the legs—it’s a bit of extra work, but adds more to the final dish. Personally, I save the legs for the stock to provide added flavor.

Don’t discard the shells, heads, or legs—these are essential for making a rich and flavorful lobster stock. (See Lobster Stock Recipe Card below for details on how to prepare the stock.)

Make the Bisque Base

In a pot, heat a bit of olive oil and sauté the leeks and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Add white wine or port and let it simmer for 4–5 minutes to cook off the alcohol. This step is important to avoid overpowering the delicate seafood flavors.
Stir in the tomato paste and mix well.
Add half of the scallops and your prepared lobster stock or other stock. Simmer for 12–15 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop and fuse.
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, if desired.

Blend to Smooth

Use a blender or immersion blender to purée the mixture until smooth. Some recipes call for flour or cornstarch to thicken the bisque, but I prefer to let the natural starches from the leeks and scallops create a smooth, luxurious texture.

Finish and Serve

Once blended, turn off the heat and gently stir in the remaining scallops and lobster meat. Let the bisque sit for about 5 minutes—this gently cooks the scallops and warms the lobster, while infusing even more flavor into the soup.

Adding cream is optional, but it enhances the bisque’s richness and gives it an extra silky finish.

The Result?

A smooth, perfectly balanced Seafood Bisque, rich with the flavors of lobster, scallops, and aromatic vegetables—an elegant dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

More detailed instructions are available in the Recipe Card below as well as timing tips to ensure perfect results every time. Here are some visuals to help guide you through the process:

Immersion blender in a red pot of seafood soup with visible chunks, on a stovetop, suggesting cooking in progress. Cozy and warm mood. — Seafood Bisque ready to be blended using an Immersion Blender

A bright orange Dutch oven and a red blender with seafood soup, set against a white tiled kitchen wall. — Seafood Bisque ready to be blended using a Blender. This blender typically provides a more smooth consistency to the Soup.

Creamy bisque in a black bowl, topped with lobster claw and tail. Bread on a plate and white table setting. Warm, elegant dining scene. — The final plating of the Lobster Bisque. This is such a treat.

Seafood Bisque Ingredient Alternatives and Options

This recipe offers a few flexible options when it comes to the leeks, stock, and lobster. Be sure to check the Recipe Card below for full details and substitutions. While lobster stock delivers the richest flavor, you can substitute it with chicken, fish, or vegetable stock if needed—just note that the depth of flavor may be reduced. If lobster isn’t available or is outside your budget, shrimp makes a great alternative. (A dedicated Shrimp Bisque recipe is coming soon!)

Seafood Bisque with Lobster and Scallops - Preparation, Serving & Pairing Suggestions

This Seafood Bisque is both versatile and convenient, making it ideal as a light meal or a show-stopping appetizer. It can be prepared in advance, then gently reheated when you're ready to serve—just add the lobster meat and scallops at the end. Final assembly takes less than five minutes.

As an appetizer, it’s always a hit when paired with crusty bread. For a more complete main course, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad, crusty bread, and a light cheese.

However you choose to present it, this Seafood Bisque is a guaranteed favorite among lobster lovers.