If you’re looking to impress your guests or indulge in a cozy, flavorful dinner, this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the ultimate choice. Creamy, rich, and brimming with the delicate flavors of shrimp and crab, this bisque is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or anytime you crave something a little extra.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Bisque
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and a perfectly blended base creates an indulgent texture.
- Bursting with Seafood Flavor: Shrimp, crab, and a touch of Old Bay seasoning bring that coastal taste to your table.
- Elegant Yet Easy: This recipe is surprisingly simple to make and can transform any meal into a gourmet experience.
Recipe Overview
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 lb crab meat, lump or claw
Bisque Base
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock as an alternative)
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional, for added depth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Croutons (optional)
- Paprika for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, celery, and carrot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Build the Flavor
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the roux turns lightly golden.
3. Add the Liquids
Gradually whisk in the seafood stock to avoid lumps. Add the white wine (if using), bay leaf, Old Bay seasoning, and paprika. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Blend the Base
Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches. Return the smooth base to the pot.
5. Cook the Seafood
Add the chopped shrimp and crab meat to the bisque. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and fully cooked.
6. Finish with Cream
Stir in the heavy cream for that velvety finish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the bisque into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of paprika, and optional croutons for extra texture.
Pro Tips
- For a richer flavor, add a pat of butter just before serving.
- Looking for variety? Swap the crab or shrimp for lobster or scallops for a luxurious twist.
- Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers to complete this indulgent meal.
FAQ
1. Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the base ahead of time, and add the shrimp, crab, and cream just before serving for the freshest flavor.
2. Is there an alternative to seafood stock?
If you don’t have seafood stock, chicken stock works well, though seafood stock provides the most authentic flavor.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but cream-based soups can sometimes separate when reheated. For best results, freeze without the cream and stir it in after reheating.
This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily recreate at home. Perfectly creamy, deeply flavorful, and packed with seafood goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite for cozy dinners or elegant celebrations.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations! Tag me on social media and let me know how it turned out. 🌟