Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe: Ocean’s Finest Soup

Creamy, luxurious seafood bisque with succulent crab and shrimp dances on the palate like a gourmet symphony.

Ocean-fresh ingredients blend seamlessly in this crab and shrimp seafood bisque recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor.

Rich, velvety textures mingle with delicate seafood notes for an extraordinary culinary experience.

Comfort meets elegance in every spoonful of this decadent soup.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to create a harmonious balance of maritime flavors.

The bisque whispers stories of coastal kitchens and seaside traditions.

Warm, inviting, and sophisticated, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an unforgettable dining adventure.

Crab and Shrimp Bisque Highlights

• Craft Quick Comfort: Whip up this creamy seafood bisque in less than an hour, perfect for satisfying sudden seafood cravings without complex cooking skills.
• Elevate Home Dining: Transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality experience with rich, luxurious flavors that impress family and guests without requiring professional chef techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels and seafood quantities to match personal preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different taste buds and dietary needs.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing this delicious bisque in a single pot, reducing washing time and making cooking stress-free for busy home chefs.

Seafood Bisque Ingredient Rundown

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that adds delicate flavor to the bisque.
• Crab Meat: Rich and succulent seafood that provides a luxurious texture to the dish.

• Seafood Stock: Provides a deep, oceanic foundation for the bisque.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Create a smooth and creamy consistency for the soup.
• White Wine: Adds a subtle complexity and depth of flavor to the bisque.

• Onions, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds a rich and savory profile.
• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing and enhancing flavors.
• Flour: Helps thicken the bisque and create a velvety texture.
• Tomato Paste: Offers a subtle tangy and rich undertone to the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex, umami depth to the bisque.
• Old Bay, Paprika, Cayenne, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that create a well-balanced and flavorful seafood soup.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh garnish and herbal note to the bisque.

Cooking Crab and Shrimp Bisque

Step 1: Butter Up the Base

Heat a large pot and melt butter.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent with a gentle, fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Create a Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth, golden base.

Cook for a brief moment to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Pour in Liquid Goodness

• Seafood stock
• White wine
• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce

Whisk everything together and let the mixture simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and develop depth.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Foundation

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Old Bay seasoning
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the bisque simmer gently, allowing the flavors to become rich and harmonious.

Step 5: Add Ocean’s Treasures

• Tender shrimp
• Succulent crab meat

Cook until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink and are perfectly cooked through.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh parsley into the bisque, taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Remove from heat, letting the flavors continue to develop.

Step 7: Serve with Style

Ladle the hot bisque into bowls.

Garnish with a sprinkle of extra parsley or a delicate drizzle of cream for an elegant touch.

Tips for Creamy Seafood Bisque

• Select high-quality, fresh crab and shrimp for the most authentic and flavorful bisque.
• Simmer gently to prevent cream from curdling and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
• Adjust cayenne and Old Bay seasonings to suit personal taste preferences without overpowering seafood flavor.
• Slowly incorporate flour and stir constantly to create a smooth base without lumps.
• Add a splash of sherry or white wine for extra complexity and richness in the seafood bisque.

Seafood Bisque Variations to Try

• Dairy-Free Seafood Bisque: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Seafood Bisque: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Seafood Bisque: Add saffron, swap Worcestershire sauce with lemon juice, and include diced roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Seafood Bisque: Use low-sodium seafood stock, reduce Old Bay seasoning, and replace salt with herbs like thyme and oregano to lower sodium content while maintaining robust taste.

Serving Seafood Bisque Like a Pro

• Cozy Bread Companions: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or French baguette slices to soak up the rich, creamy bisque and add delightful texture.
• Elegant Soup Topping: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, or toasted breadcrumbs on top for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Match this seafood bisque with a crisp Chardonnay or light Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy, delicate seafood flavors and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in a citrusy vinaigrette to balance the bisque's richness and provide a fresh, zesty contrast.

Storing Leftover Bisque for Freshness

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour bisque into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with cream-based soups as texture might separate.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm.
• Pour bisque into saucepan. Warm over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of seafood stock or cream if too thick. Heat until steaming and reaches 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen seafood for this bisque?

Yes, thaw and pat dry shrimp and crab meat completely before adding to the soup to prevent excess water.

• How do I prevent the bisque from curdling?

Always add cream gradually and keep the heat low, stirring constantly to maintain a smooth texture.

• Is this bisque gluten-free?

Not as written. You can substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

• What type of wine works best in this recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the seafood flavors perfectly.

Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Luxurious crab and shrimp seafood bisque brings coastal elegance to your dining table with rich, creamy perfection. Seafood enthusiasts will savor each spoonful of this classic French-inspired comfort soup that promises warmth and indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 0.5 pound (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.5 pound (226 grams) lump crab meat

Aromatics and Thickeners:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups seafood stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup whole milk
• 0.5 cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a spacious pot over medium heat, then sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and continuously stir for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux, eliminating any raw flour taste.
3. Gradually incorporate seafood stock, white wine, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a harmonious blend.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and develop a rich, complex profile.
5. Pour in heavy cream, milk, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to integrate all ingredients.
6. Reduce heat and let the bisque simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the liquid to thicken and seasonings to infuse deeply.
7. Carefully fold shrimp and crab meat into the simmering liquid, cooking for 5-7 minutes until seafood turns opaque and is fully cooked.
8. Remove from heat, stir in freshly chopped parsley, and taste to adjust seasonings if necessary.
9. Ladle the bisque into warm bowls, garnishing with additional parsley or a delicate cream drizzle before serving immediately.

Notes

• Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture, ensuring shrimp and crab are at peak quality.
• Slowly whisk stock to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety base for the bisque.
• Control spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper to suit different taste preferences.
• Consider low-fat alternatives like half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the bisque.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 269
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg