Lobster bisque is a deliciously creamy and flavorful soup that can take time and effort to prepare. It’s made from lobsters, vegetables, cream, and savory seasonings simmered into a smooth, decadent soup. Many homemade cooks and restaurant chefs make large batches of lobster bisque since it can be labor intensive. But can you freeze the leftovers to enjoy later?
I’m a lobster bisque fanatic who makes it often for special occasions and dinner parties. I did some experimenting to find out if freezing lobster bisque compromises texture and flavor. After multiple trials with different freezing and reheating methods, I’m sharing my guide on the best practices for freezing and enjoying your lobster bisque.
Is It Possible to Freeze Lobster Bisque Soup?
The short answer – yes, you can successfully freeze lobster bisque soup. However, there are a few precautions to follow. The ingredients that can cause trouble when freezing include the dairy and seafood. Heavy cream tends to separate and curdle when frozen and reheated. Lobster meat can become rubbery.
With the right freezing process and gentle reheating techniques, it is possible to freeze lobster bisque and maintain a smooth, creamy soup with tender seafood when thawed. Proper handling is key for the best results.
How to Freeze Lobster Bisque Soup
Follow these steps when freezing leftover lobster bisque soup:
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Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Do not freeze bisque when it is still hot.
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Transfer cooled bisque to freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Smaller portions freeze faster and thaw more quickly.
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Flatten bags to remove excess air before sealing, Air causes freezer burn
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Label bags with contents and freeze date. Lobster bisque will last 2-3 months in the freezer.
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Place bags flat in a single layer in the freezer until solidly frozen. Avoid stacking bags to prevent crushing.
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Once frozen, bags can be stacked or placed upright. Maintain constant freezer temp of 0°F or below.
Reheating Lobster Bisque from Frozen
To properly reheat frozen lobster bisque:
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Thaw bisque overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature.
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Transfer thawn bisque to a saucepan and reheat gently over medium-low heat. Avoid boiling.
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Whisk the bisque frequently as it reheats to prevent separation and curdling of the cream.
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Heat just until hot throughout, about 10 minutes. Do not overheat or boiling cream may curdle.
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Add any additional cream or lobster meat after reheating if desired for freshest results.
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Season with additional salt and pepper if needed to restore flavor lost in freezing.
Tips for Freezing Lobster Bisque
Follow these tips for best results with frozen lobster bisque:
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Use fresh, high-quality ingredients when preparing the original bisque. Older ingredients won’t hold up as well.
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Cool bisque rapidly before freezing. Optimal is within 2 hours. Slow cooling grows bacteria.
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Freeze in portion sizes easy for one meal. Thawing small amounts preserves texture better.
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Handle frozen bags gently to avoid damage to the bisque inside. Prevent freezer burn.
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Use frozen bisque within recommended timeframe of 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Common Concerns When Freezing Lobster Bisque
Freezing lobster bisque can alter the consistency and quality if not done properly. Here are some common concerns:
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Cream separating or curdling – whisking constantly while reheating typically prevents this.
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Muted flavors – season with additional salt, pepper, herbs upon reheating.
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Rubbery lobster meat – add any extra lobster after reheating instead of freezing.
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Watery or icy texture – letting bisque thaw overnight in the fridge helps prevent ice crystals.
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Freezer burned taste – freeze in airtight packaging with no exposure to air.
Freezing Leftover Cooked Lobsters
If you have leftover cooked lobster meat after making a batch of lobster bisque, you can also freeze the lobster itself:
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Remove lobster meat from shells if still in shells.
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Place meat in airtight freezer bag, removing excess air.
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Seal and freeze for 2-3 months.
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Thaw overnight in refrigerator before using.
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Use leftover lobster within a couple days after thawing for best quality.
Serving Reheated Frozen Lobster Bisque
Once you’ve successfully reheated frozen lobster bisque, here are some tasty ways to serve it:
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With crusty bread or rolls for dipping in the creamy broth.
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Topped with fresh lobster meat, parsley, paprika for color.
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Garnished with citrus zest or a dollop of crème fraiche.
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Alongside a fresh garden salad for a light meal.
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In bread bowls for a hearty, comforting dish.
Freezing lobster bisque does require some additional care, but following these guidelines will allow you to enjoy restaurant-qualityResults for the delicious soup without waste. Get creative with reheating and serving for lip-smacking bisque even from frozen.
How do I Thaw Frozen Lobster?
You need to let the lobster tails thaw all the way before cooking them. If you cook them from frozen, they might get tough. Putting lobster tails in the fridge and leaving them there overnight is the easiest way to thaw them. Put frozen lobster tails in a bowl of cold water and let them sit there for 30 minutes. This will help them thaw quickly. If after 30 minutes the lobster isn’t thawed, drain water and repeat.
HOW DO YOU PREVENT LOBSTER FROM BECOMING RUBBERY?
They key to preventing rubbery lobster is tonot overcook it. Aim to par-boil the lobster initially and not cook itall the way through. The outside will look done, but when you cut it up, you’ll see that the inside isn’t quite done yet. When you sauté it in butter, stop as soon as soonas it is cooked through. If the lobster is already cooked from boiling, add the butter and warm it up slowly. Do not keep cooking it or it will turn rubbery.
Finally, we don’t want the lobster to keep cooking in the soup, so add it to the bisque right before you’re ready to serve. So, you’ll need to sauté it in butter right before serving so that it stays warm in the soup.
Fab Everyday’s Easy Lobster Bisque recipe
Can you freeze lobster bisque?
You can freeze lobster bisque for up to 3 months. There are some who would not recommend it because of the way the cream settles in the soup. However, if you handle it appropriately when you reheat it, it could be frozen. In this guide, we will walk you through what you need to know in order to adequately freeze and preserve lobster bisque.
Can you make lobster bisque at home?
Rich and flavorful Lobster Bisque is an easy recipe to make at home. Succulent tender pieces of meat cooked in a lobster stock are served in a delicious puréed cream base soup. If you love lobster and other seafood recipes, you may want to also check out my broiled lobster tails, surf & turf, as well as my lobster mac and cheese!
Can you freeze bisque soup?
Yes, this easy-to-prepare soup freezes well for up to three months. The flavor and texture of the bisque are not affected by freezing. You can thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator or place it in a saucepan and heat it to serving temperature when you’re ready to serve.
How long does lobster bisque last?
When it’s frozen, lobster bisque lasts for 3 months. You can freeze it yourself to have lots of leftovers to enjoy during the holidays and any cold winter month. If you follow the instructions properly and don’t take shortcuts, your seafood will taste great after freezing.