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Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque 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.

Ingredients

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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