Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that brings the best of the ocean to your table. This indulgent soup is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or simply when you crave a comforting bowl of seafood goodness. With tender shrimp, succulent crab meat, and a velvety broth, this bisque is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy: The combination of heavy cream and seafood broth creates a luxurious texture.
  • Full of flavor: Sweet crab and shrimp are enhanced with aromatic spices and a touch of sherry.
  • Perfect for special occasions: A sophisticated dish that feels fancy yet is simple to make.
  • Customizable: Adjust the seasoning, add vegetables, or make it spicier to suit your taste.
  • Comforting and warm: Ideal for chilly evenings or when you want a hearty meal.
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque 10 Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that brings the best of the ocean to your table. This indulgent soup is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or simply when you crave a comforting bowl of seafood goodness. With tender shrimp, succulent crab meat, and a velvety broth, this bisque is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Butter
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Celery
  • Carrot
  • Tomato paste
  • Flour
  • Seafood or chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Dry sherry
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Lump crab meat
  • Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Sauté until soft.
  2. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until well combined.
  3. Sprinkle in flour and stir to create a roux. Cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Gradually add the seafood or chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and dry sherry, then season with Old Bay, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for about 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Add the shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
  8. Gently fold in the crab meat and heat through for another 2 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Vegetable Addition: Incorporate bell peppers or mushrooms for more depth.
  • Cheesy Twist: Stir in a handful of shredded Gruyère or Parmesan for extra richness.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace the flour with a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum.
  • Extra Seafood: Add scallops or lobster for an even more indulgent bisque.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Due to the dairy content, freezing may cause separation, but it can still be done for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent curdling. Avoid boiling.
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque 11 Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that brings the best of the ocean to your table. This indulgent soup is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or simply when you crave a comforting bowl of seafood goodness. With tender shrimp, succulent crab meat, and a velvety broth, this bisque is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home.

FAQs

How do I prevent my bisque from curdling?

Use low heat when adding cream and avoid boiling to maintain a smooth consistency.

Can I use imitation crab for this recipe?

Yes, but real lump crab meat offers better flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of sherry?

You can substitute dry white wine or omit it entirely if preferred.

Is this bisque gluten-free?

No, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener.

Can I make this bisque ahead of time?

Yes, but add the seafood just before serving to keep it tender and fresh.

What type of shrimp works best?

Medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, are ideal.

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before adding to the bisque.

How do I thicken my bisque more?

Add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) while simmering.

What can I serve with seafood bisque?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a light salad pairs beautifully.

Can I make this bisque dairy-free?

Yes, substitute coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, but note that it may alter the taste.

Conclusion

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a decadent, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner or an elegant gathering, this bisque is sure to impress. Customize it to your liking, serve it with warm bread, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

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Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French, American

Description

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a luxurious, creamy soup loaded with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a flavorful blend of aromatics. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant appetizer, this dish is surprisingly easy to make at home!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Bisque:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
  • 2 cups seafood or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth)
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
  • 1/2 lb lump crab meat
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter (melted, for drizzling)
  • Croutons or crusty bread (optional)

Instructions

  • Sauté the Aromatics:
    • In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add onion, celery, and garlic and sauté until softened (3-4 minutes).
  • Build the Base:
    • Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
    • Add tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper, mixing well.
  • Add Liquids:
    • Slowly pour in white wine (if using) and broth, stirring continuously.
    • Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Blend for a Smooth Texture (Optional):
    • If you prefer a smooth bisque, use an immersion blender to blend until silky. (Skip this step if you like a chunkier soup.)
  • Add Dairy & Seafood:
    • Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and milk.
    • Gently fold in the shrimp and crab meat, cooking for 4-5 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
  • Season & Serve:
    • Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of melted butter. Serve with crusty bread or croutons.

Notes

  • For a richer bisque, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
  • Add a splash of sherry for an extra layer of depth.
  • Swap crab and shrimp for lobster or scallops for a different twist.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in before adding seafood.

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

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