Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe: A Cozy Delight

Creamy seafood lovers adore this crab and shrimp bisque that promises pure oceanic comfort.

Rich maritime flavors dance through each spoonful of this classic coastal dish.

Delicate shellfish mingle with smooth, velvety broth creating an irresistible blend of textures.

Sophisticated yet simple, this recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance directly to your kitchen.

Fragrant herbs and tender seafood combine in a symphony of maritime deliciousness.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire this hearty soup that feels like a warm coastal embrace.

You’ll find yourself transported to seaside memories with every luxurious bite.

Prepare to savor an extraordinary culinary journey that celebrates ocean’s finest treasures.

FAQs

• What is a bisque?

A bisque is a smooth, creamy French soup traditionally made with shellfish, pureed and thickened with cream.

• Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen crab and shrimp completely before adding to the bisque to ensure even cooking and prevent excess water.

• Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?

While Old Bay adds signature flavor, you can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and red pepper flakes if unavailable.

• How do I prevent the soup from curdling?

Maintain a low simmer and avoid boiling, which can cause cream to separate. Stir gently and consistently while cooking.

Crab and Shrimp Bisque Highlights

• Whip Up a Seafood Delight: This recipe offers a luxurious blend of crab and shrimp in a creamy, rich bisque that feels like a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home.
• Master Gourmet Cooking Skills: Despite looking complex, the recipe uses simple techniques like sautéing and whisking, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their culinary game.
• Customize with Confidence: Easy to adapt with different seafood or spice levels, this bisque allows creative cooks to personalize the dish to their taste preferences and ingredient availability.
• Impress Your Guests: Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or when you want to create a sophisticated meal that looks and tastes like it was prepared by a professional chef.

Ingredients for Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Crab Meat: Fresh and delicate seafood that adds rich flavor to the bisque.
• Shrimp: Sweet and tender shellfish that provides protein and texture.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Create a smooth and luxurious base for the bisque.
• Broth: Provides depth of flavor and additional liquid for the soup.
• White Wine: Adds complexity and enhances the seafood's natural taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a flavorful base.
• Flour: Helps thicken the bisque and create a smooth consistency.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a hint of acidity and rich color to the soup.
• Old Bay Seasoning, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: Provide balanced and zesty seasoning.
• Butter: Offers richness and helps sauté the aromatics.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the bisque.

Step Into Crab and Shrimp Bisque Cooking

Step 1: Melt And Sauté

Heat butter in a large pot over medium temperature.

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Create Smooth Base

Sprinkle flour into the pot and cook for one minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.

Gradually pour in broth while whisking consistently to create a smooth, velvety mixture without any lumps.

Step 3: Build Rich Flavor Profile

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• White wine
• Tomato paste
• Old Bay seasoning
• Cayenne pepper

Simmer the mixture for ten minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a complex, rich taste.

Step 4: Add Seafood Treasures

• Crab meat
• Shrimp

Cook until shrimp turns a beautiful pink color, which typically takes about five minutes.

Be careful not to overcook the seafood to maintain its tender texture.

Step 5: Season And Perfect

Taste the bisque and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Each palate is unique, so season according to your preference.

Step 6: Serve With Elegance

Ladle the hot bisque into serving bowls.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and a touch of freshness.

Serve immediately and enjoy the luxurious seafood experience.

Helpful Notes for Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Whisk flour gradually and continuously when adding broth to ensure a smooth, lump-free bisque base without clumpy texture.
• Watch shrimp carefully and remove from heat immediately after turning pink to avoid overcooking, which can make seafood tough and rubbery.
• Use fresh white wine and high-quality seafood stock to elevate the overall taste profile of the bisque.
• Modify cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with a small amount and incrementally increasing for desired spiciness.
• Consider using half-and-half instead of milk for a richer, more luxurious consistency in the bisque.

Creative Touches for Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version. Use gluten-free flour to make it allergy-friendly.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap seafood with plant-based alternatives like hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, or oyster mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of seafood stock for a rich, ocean-inspired flavor.
• Low-Carb Ocean Bowl: Skip flour and use cauliflower puree to thicken the bisque. Replace white wine with extra broth and reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining a luxurious texture.

Enjoying Crab and Shrimp Bisque at Mealtime

• Seafood Feast Companions: Serve this creamy bisque alongside crispy garlic crostini or toasted French bread slices for perfect dipping and added crunch.
• Elegant Dinner Presentation: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy texture of the bisque and provide a fresh contrast.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the seafood flavors with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which enhances the delicate crab and shrimp notes while cutting through the bisque's creaminess.
• Hearty Meal Upgrade: Transform the bisque into a complete dinner by adding a side of roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for extra nutrition and vibrant color on the plate.

Keeping Crab and Shrimp Bisque Fresh

• Transfer cooled bisque to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour bisque into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at top. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing bisque with shrimp for best texture quality.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm gently in saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and maintain creamy consistency. Add splash of milk if sauce seems too thick.

Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich and creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque brings coastal comfort to kitchen tables. Delicate shellfish blend with velvety cream, offering a luxurious dining experience that satisfies seafood cravings.

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Ingredients

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Seafood:

• 0.5 pounds (226 grams) lump crab meat
• 0.5 pounds (226 grams) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

Dairy and Cream Base:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 0.5 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a spacious pot over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Sprinkle flour into the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux and cook out the raw flour taste for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Slowly incorporate broth into the mixture, whisking methodically to prevent lumps and create a silky base for the bisque.
4. Pour in heavy cream, milk, white wine, tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper, allowing the liquid to simmer and develop complex flavors for 10 minutes.
5. Gently fold crab meat and shrimp into the simmering bisque, cooking until the shrimp transforms to a vibrant pink color, which typically takes around 4-5 minutes.
6. Taste the bisque and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the seafood’s natural sweetness.
7. Ladle the piping hot bisque into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and additional flavor complexity.

Notes

• Carefully control the heat when adding flour to prevent burning, creating a smooth roux base for a silky texture.
• Consider using gluten-free flour for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the bisque remains creamy and delicious.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Fresh seafood makes a significant difference – opt for high-quality, freshly caught crab and shrimp to elevate the bisque’s taste and authenticity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 225 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg