Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
- Easy to Make: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep work.
- Restaurant-Worthy: Brings the flavors of fine dining to your home.
- Packed with Flavor: Sweet crab, tender shrimp, and a perfectly seasoned creamy broth.
Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Rich, velvety, and bursting with seafood flavors, this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque is a luxurious dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant appetizer, this bisque will transport you straight to the seaside with every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped
- ½ lb crab meat (fresh or canned, picked for shells)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock as an alternative)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crackers or crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the seafood stock, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add the Flavors
- Stir in the tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
- Add the Seafood
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until just pink and tender.
- Gently fold in the crab meat and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Finish with Cream
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the bisque is heated through but not boiling.
- Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with crackers or crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh shrimp and crab provide the best flavor, but frozen works well in a pinch.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the bisque is too thick, add more stock; if too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a chilled glass of lemonade or sparkling water for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with a light green salad for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Freeze: Cream-based soups don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the base (before adding the cream) for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use other types of seafood?
A: Absolutely! Lobster, scallops, or even white fish are excellent additions or substitutions.
Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, but note the flavor will change slightly.
Q3: What if I don’t have seafood stock?
A: Use chicken stock and enhance the seafood flavor by adding a splash of clam juice.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Luxury
Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a dish that feels indulgent but is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Its rich flavors and creamy texture will leave everyone impressed. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite seafood soup!
Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and feedback with us—we’d love to see your creations!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 22g
Enjoy every delicious spoonful!
