Skip to Content

Rich Crab and Shrimp Bisque

0 Comments

This Rich Crab and Shrimp Bisque is a creamy, decadent seafood soup packed with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a luscious, seasoned broth. It’s easy to make in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for an elegant dinner, date night, or cozy comfort food meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Luxuriously Creamy – A velvety, rich bisque with deep seafood flavor.
✔️ Loaded with Seafood – Perfect for seafood lovers!
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Impress guests with minimal effort!

Ingredients

For the Bisque Base:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small carrot, finely diced
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

For the Broth:

  • 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional, adds depth)
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Seafood:

  • ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
  • ½ lb lump crab meat (or imitation crab)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Build the Bisque Base

  1. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.
  2. Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

  1. Gradually add seafood stock and white wine, stirring to combine.
  2. Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add the Cream & Seafood

  1. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Add shrimp and crab meat, cooking for 3-4 minutes until shrimp are pink.
  3. Stir in lemon juice for brightness.

Step 5: Blend & Serve

  1. For an ultra-creamy texture, blend part of the bisque with an immersion blender (or leave it chunky).
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Serving Suggestions

🥖 Serve with toasted garlic bread for dipping.
🌿 Garnish with extra crab meat and fresh chives for elegance.
🍷 Pair with a glass of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay).

Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally (do not boil).
  • Freeze: Not recommended, as cream-based soups may separate.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned crab meat?

Yes! Drain well and use lump or claw crab meat for the best flavor.

2. Can I substitute the seafood stock?

Yes! Use chicken broth with an extra dash of Old Bay seasoning.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a rich, dairy-free option.

4. What other seafood can I add?

Try lobster, scallops, or clams for a more luxurious bisque.

5. How do I thicken the bisque more?

  • Simmer longer to reduce the broth.
  • Add a slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water).

Final Thoughts

This Rich Crab and Shrimp Bisque is creamy, elegant, and packed with deep seafood flavors. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting meal, this bisque is sure to impress!

🦀🍤🥣 Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out! 😊