Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is an indulgent and flavorful soup that’s perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something rich and comforting. Made with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a blend of aromatic vegetables, this bisque has a smooth, creamy texture and a deep seafood flavor. It’s perfect as a starter or as the main course, paired with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the luxurious broth.

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Instructions
3. Cook Notes & Tips
4. Recipe Variations
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Conclusion

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 3 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1/2 pound lump crab meat
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Base

• Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
• Add the tomato paste and stir well, cooking for another minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

• Pour in the white wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it has reduced by half.
• Gradually whisk in the seafood stock, stirring until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Cream and Seasonings

• Stir in the heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Allow the bisque to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add the Seafood

• Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.
• Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break it up too much. Let the bisque heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

• Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Seafood Stock: For the best flavor, use seafood stock. If you can’t find it, chicken stock works as a substitute, though the seafood flavor will be slightly milder.
• Wine: The white wine adds acidity and depth to the bisque. If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with additional stock.
• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker bisque, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add an extra tablespoon of flour when making the roux.

Recipe Variations

• Lobster Bisque: Replace the shrimp with lobster meat for an even more luxurious version of this bisque.
• Corn and Seafood Bisque: Add 1 cup of sweet corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables for a spicier bisque.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the bisque.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.

Q: Can I freeze this bisque? A: Cream-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen, but if you plan to freeze it, consider freezing the bisque before adding the cream. Then, add the cream when reheating.

Q: What can I serve with this bisque? A: This bisque pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple side salad. You could also serve it with crackers for added crunch.

This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a luxurious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or just a cozy night in. The rich, creamy broth, tender shrimp, and sweet crab make this bisque an unforgettable meal that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve guests. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner or just want to treat yourself, this bisque is sure to satisfy all seafood lovers. Serve it with crusty bread and enjoy every comforting bite!