Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Indulge in the rich and velvety flavors of this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque. This decadent soup blends tender crab meat, succulent shrimp, and a creamy, flavorful broth to create a seafood lover’s dream dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress guests, this bisque will transport your taste buds to the seaside. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a bowl of deliciousness that’s sure to please!

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound crab meat
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup white rice (blended into powder for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux (this will help thicken the bisque).
4. Slowly pour in the seafood or chicken broth, whisking to smooth out any lumps. Add the tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add the blended rice powder for thickening. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring well. Allow the bisque to simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes.
7. Add the shrimp and crab meat to the pot, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Season the bisque with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy kick.

How to Prepare

This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a luxurious yet surprisingly simple dish. The key to its indulgent texture lies in the blended rice powder, which adds a natural thickness without overpowering the delicate seafood flavors. The shrimp and crab absorb the creamy, flavorful broth, while the combination of garlic, paprika, and tomato paste creates a rich depth of flavor.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 4.

FAQs

• Can I use canned crab meat? Yes, canned or fresh crab meat both work well in this recipe. Just ensure you drain it before adding to the bisque.
• Can I freeze the bisque? Yes, you can freeze the bisque for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding more broth or cream if needed.
• What can I serve with this bisque? A warm, crusty baguette or a simple green salad pairs wonderfully with this creamy bisque.
• Can I add other seafood? Definitely! You can include lobster, scallops, or even clams for a more varied seafood bisque.