Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Introduction

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich and creamy soup bursting with fresh seafood flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines tender crab meat and succulent shrimp in a smooth, savory broth that’s both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 pound cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons sherry (optional)
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrot, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir until fully incorporated. Cook for 1 more minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Step 4: Gradually pour in the broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and maintain a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
6. Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 10 more minutes until thickened slightly.
7. Step 7: Add the crab meat and shrimp, and if using, the sherry. Cook for 5 minutes or until the seafood is heated through.
8. Step 8: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

• Use seafood broth instead of chicken broth for a more intense seafood flavor.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, puree only half of the mixture before adding the seafood.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
• Add a splash of white wine instead of sherry for a different touch of acidity and aroma.
• Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. Avoid freezing as the cream and seafood texture may change upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw seafood instead of cooked?

You can use raw seafood, but add it earlier in the cooking process and simmer until fully cooked to ensure safety and proper texture.

What can I substitute for sherry?

If you don’t have sherry, dry white wine or a splash of lemon juice can add acidity and depth to the bisque as a good substitute.

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 114 reviews

A rich and creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque featuring tender seafood simmered in a flavorful broth with aromatic vegetables, tomato paste, and a touch of cream. This comforting seafood soup is perfect as an elegant starter or a hearty main course, garnished with fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Seafood

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood Bisque Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 pound cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons sherry (optional)
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then add the tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
3. Add flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to incorporate. Cook for an additional minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Add broth and simmer: Gradually pour in the seafood or chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Puree the soup: Using an immersion blender or carefully transferring to a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
6. Add cream and thicken: Stir in the heavy cream and allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Add seafood and sherry: Fold in the crab meat and shrimp. If using, add the sherry. Cook for 5 minutes until the seafood is heated through.
8. Season and serve: Taste the bisque and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.

Notes

• Using pre-cooked crab meat and shrimp saves time but ensure they are fresh and shell-free.
• Cayenne pepper is optional and adds a mild spicy kick; omit if preferred mild.
• Sherry enhances the bisque’s flavor but can be skipped for a non-alcoholic option.
• If an immersion blender is unavailable, blend in batches carefully in a regular blender.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.

Keywords: crab bisque, shrimp bisque, seafood bisque, creamy seafood soup, shellfish soup, easy seafood recipe, dinner soup