The Most Flavorful Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Craving a luxurious seafood bisque that blends delicate crab and succulent shrimp into a creamy, dreamy delight?

Coastal kitchens inspire this classic comfort dish with rich, velvety textures.

Delicate shellfish mingle beautifully in a smooth, sophisticated broth that whispers of ocean memories.

Silky cream and subtle herbs create an elegant backdrop for tender seafood pieces.

Each spoonful promises a sophisticated culinary journey through maritime flavors.

Hearty yet refined, this bisque transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Prepare to savor every incredible moment of this seafood symphony.

Why Crab and Shrimp Bisque Feels Like Luxury

• Unlock Seafood Luxury: Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality bisque with minimal culinary skills required.
• Quick Comfort in a Pot: Create a rich, creamy seafood experience that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust spice levels and seafood choices to match personal preferences or dietary needs.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup while maximizing taste with this streamlined cooking method that combines everything in a single pot.

Seafood You’ll Need for a Bisque That Wows

• Crab Meat: A delicate and sweet protein that adds rich ocean flavor to the bisque.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that provides additional texture and marine taste to the soup.

• Onion, Celery, Carrot: A classic mirepoix that creates a flavorful base for the bisque.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall depth of the soup.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and provide a smooth cooking base.
• Tomato Paste: Adds rich color and concentrated tomato flavor to the bisque.
• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that contribute warmth and subtle heat to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the bisque and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and a luxurious, velvety consistency to the soup.
• Sherry (Optional): Adds a sophisticated, slightly nutty flavor to the bisque.

• Broth: Forms the fundamental liquid foundation of the bisque.

• Fresh Herbs: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Steps to Create a Creamy Seafood Dream Bowl

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onion
• Celery
• Carrot

Cook vegetables until they soften and become translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute until its fragrance fills the kitchen.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Tomato paste
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and cook these ingredients for 2 minutes to develop deep, rich flavor profiles.

Step 3: Create Roux Base

Dust flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly to eliminate any dry spots. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth thickening agent.

Step 4: Develop Soup Liquid

Slowly stream broth into the pot while continuously whisking. This prevents clumping and ensures a silky texture.

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat. Allow to bubble softly for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Puree Soup Smooth

Use an immersion blender or standard blender to transform the soup into a velvety liquid. Blend until completely uniform and no vegetable chunks remain.

Step 6: Enrich with Cream

Pour heavy cream into the bisque. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the liquid to thicken and develop a luxurious consistency.

Step 7: Add Seafood Treasures

• Crab meat
• Shrimp

Optional: splash of sherry for extra depth

Cook seafood for 5 minutes until thoroughly warmed but not overcooked.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Taste the bisque and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Every palate is different, so trust your taste buds.

Step 9: Elegant Presentation

Ladle into warm bowls.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Bisque Tips for Richer, Creamier Flavor

• Select fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor and texture in your bisque.
• Sauté vegetables slowly to develop a rich, deep base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• Control heat carefully when adding flour to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, silky consistency.
• Blend the soup thoroughly to create a velvety texture that highlights the seafood's delicate flavors.
• Add cream and seafood at the end to maintain their optimal taste and prevent overcooking.

Fresh Takes on Classic Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Coastal Comfort Bisque: Replace crab and shrimp with salmon and white fish for a lighter, omega-rich seafood experience.
• Mediterranean Marvel: Incorporate saffron, add diced fennel, and use white wine instead of sherry to create a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Creole Kick: Enhance the cayenne pepper, add Andouille sausage, and include bell peppers for a bold Creole-style seafood bisque.
• Coconut Tropical Fusion: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, add ginger, and include fresh cilantro for a tropical seafood variation.

Sips and Starters That Match This Bisque

• Complement Rich Seafood Flavors: Pair this creamy bisque with a crisp Chardonnay that balances the soup's richness with bright, buttery undertones.
• Enhance Texture Contrast: Serve alongside toasted sourdough crostini or garlic-herb croutons to add a delightful crunch against the smooth bisque.
• Match Coastal Inspiration: Select a light, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand to echo the seafood's delicate marine notes and cut through the cream.
• Create Herbal Harmony: Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley and add a small side salad with light vinaigrette to refresh the palate between creamy spoonfuls.

Keep That Bisque Silky After Serving

• Refrigerate: Store leftover bisque in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled bisque to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if cream is added.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of broth or cream to restore original consistency. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Reheat Microwave: Pour into microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and ensure even heating.

Your Top Questions About Seafood Bisque

• What type of seafood works best in this bisque?

Crab and shrimp are traditional choices, offering sweet and delicate flavors. You can also use lobster or a mix of white fish for variety.

• Can I make this bisque without an immersion blender?

Yes, use a regular blender. Carefully transfer hot soup in batches, blending until smooth. Always remove the center lid cap to allow steam to escape.

• Is this bisque spicy?

The recipe includes a small amount of cayenne pepper, which adds mild heat. You can adjust or omit cayenne for a less spicy version. The paprika provides more flavor than heat.

• How can I thicken the bisque if it's too thin?

Cook the soup longer to reduce liquid, or mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the bisque.

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque delivers a luxurious ocean-inspired symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Delicate seafood and rich cream blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this comforting coastal classic.

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Ingredients

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Seafood:

• 1/2 pound cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut into bite-sized pieces

Base Ingredients:

• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons sherry (optional)
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sauté onion, celery, and carrot in olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing aromatic flavors.
3. Incorporate tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, stirring to create a rich base and develop deeper flavor profiles for 2 minutes.
4. Dust vegetables with flour, mixing thoroughly to eliminate raw flour taste and create a roux-like consistency.
5. Slowly stream in broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
6. Transform the mixture into a silky smooth texture using an immersion blender or standard blender.
7. Pour heavy cream into the bisque, allowing it to simmer and thicken for 10 minutes at low heat.
8. Gently fold in crab meat and shrimp, adding optional sherry for enhanced depth of flavor.
9. Warm seafood for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring proteins are heated completely without overcooking.
10. Calibrate seasoning with additional salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
11. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh chopped herbs for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Control spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper, ensuring a personalized heat profile that suits different taste preferences.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter version that accommodates dairy-sensitive diners.
• Choose fresh seafood from reputable sources to guarantee maximum flavor and optimal texture in the bisque.
• Consider making the base ahead of time and adding seafood just before serving to enhance convenience and maintain ingredient freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg