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
- 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.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux (this will help thicken the bisque).
- 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.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add the blended rice powder for thickening. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring well. Allow the bisque to simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and crab meat to the pot, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the bisque with salt and pepper to taste.
- 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.