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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