Hearty Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy seafood bisque with a delightful crab and shrimp blend promises a luxurious dining experience.

Coastal kitchens have long celebrated these maritime treasures for their rich, distinctive flavors.

Soft chunks of tender seafood swim in a velvety broth that whispers maritime memories.

Delicate herbs and subtle spices complement the oceanic essence of this classic soup.

Elegant yet comforting, each spoonful delivers a harmonious balance of marine ingredients.

Succulent shellfish create a symphony of taste that will transport you straight to seaside memories.

Prepare to savor this magnificent culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Richness

• Craft Luxurious Flavors: Dive into a restaurant-quality seafood bisque packed with rich, complex tastes that transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.
• Master Gourmet Cooking: Achieve professional chef-level results with simple techniques that elevate your culinary skills without requiring advanced kitchen expertise.
• Quick Coastal Comfort: Prepare a soul-warming seafood dish that brings ocean-fresh goodness to your table in minimal steps, perfect for satisfying seafood cravings any day.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the bisque by adjusting spice levels or swapping seafood types, making it adaptable to different preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients for Crab & Shrimp Bisque

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that adds a delicate flavor to the bisque.
• Crab Meat: Rich and succulent seafood that provides a luxurious texture to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic, Celery: Classic mirepoix that creates a deep and flavorful foundation for the bisque.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
• Flour: Helps thicken the bisque and create a smooth consistency.
• Seafood Stock: Enhances the oceanic flavor profile of the dish.
• White Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the overall taste.
• Tomato Paste: Brings a subtle tangy and rich undertone to the bisque.
• Old Bay Seasoning, Paprika, Cayenne: Spices that contribute warmth and traditional seafood flavor.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle herbal note to the bisque.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other flavors.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy texture for the bisque.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Crab and Shrimp Bisque

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

Heat a large pot over medium temperature and melt butter until it’s smooth and bubbling. Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced celery, cooking them until they turn soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste and creates a rich foundation for the bisque.

Step 3: Pour in Liquid Gold

Slowly add seafood stock and white wine into the pot, stirring consistently to prevent lumps from forming. Keep the motion smooth and steady.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Tomato paste
• Old Bay seasoning
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Bay leaf
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 5: Let the Flavors Dance

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Add Seafood Treasures

Introduce fresh shrimp and delicate crab meat into the simmering pot.

Cook until the shrimp turns pink and becomes opaque, showing it’s perfectly done.

Step 7: Smooth and Creamy Finale

Reduce the heat to low and pour in heavy cream.

Gently simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Remove the bay leaf, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve the bisque piping hot in warm bowls.

Expert Advice for Seafood Bisque

• Select fresh, high-quality seafood for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
• Chop vegetables finely to ensure even cooking and smooth bisque consistency.
• Control heat carefully when adding cream to prevent separation or curdling.
• Substitute lactose-free cream for a dairy-sensitive diet without losing richness.
• Use homemade seafood stock for deeper, more complex seafood undertones.

Flavor Variations for Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a rich, creamy texture that's lactose-free and adds a subtle tropical hint.
• Vegetarian Seafood Alternative: Swap shrimp and crab with diced hearts of palm and king oyster mushrooms to mimic seafood texture while keeping the bisque's essence.
• Low-Carb Ocean Blend: Use cauliflower puree instead of flour for thickening, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Increase cayenne pepper, add andouille sausage, and include diced bell peppers for a zesty, New Orleans-inspired seafood bisque variation.

Pairing Ideas for Seafood Bisque

• Coastal Dinner Party Delight: Serve this rich bisque as the star appetizer at an elegant seafood-themed gathering, paired with crusty French bread and crisp white wine.
• Comfort Bowl Companion: Create a cozy meal by ladling the bisque into deep ceramic bowls, topped with extra fresh crab meat and a sprinkle of green onions for added texture.
• Gourmet Lunch Centerpiece: Present the bisque as a luxurious midday meal alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, highlighting the seafood's delicate flavors.
• Weekend Brunch Showstopper: Offer small portions in decorative espresso cups as an unexpected and sophisticated brunch starter, garnished with a tiny parsley leaf for visual appeal.

Storing Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Refrigerate leftover bisque in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store seafood bisque away from other foods to avoid cross-contamination and preserve its delicate flavor profile.
• Cool the bisque completely before transferring to storage containers, allowing it to reach room temperature naturally.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers if planning to freeze, leaving some space for expansion, and consume within 1-2 months for best quality.

FAQs

• What is the key to a creamy bisque texture?

The secret is using a roux (butter and flour mixture) to thicken the base and then adding heavy cream at the end, which creates a rich, smooth consistency without curdling.

• Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and crab meat. Just ensure they are completely thawed and pat dry before adding to the bisque to prevent excess water.

• How spicy is this bisque with the cayenne pepper?

The recipe uses a small amount of cayenne, which adds a subtle warmth without overwhelming heat. You can adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference.

• Is Old Bay seasoning necessary for the recipe?

While Old Bay adds signature seafood flavor, you can substitute with a mix of celery salt, paprika, and dried herbs if unavailable.

Creamy Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque emerges as a luxurious coastal delicacy from southern French culinary traditions. Seafood enthusiasts will savor rich maritime flavors blended with delicate herbs and smooth cream.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

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

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 0.25 cup flour
• 2 cups seafood stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup white wine
• 0.5 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, gently sautéing onion, garlic, and celery until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth base.
3. Gradually pour seafood stock and white wine into the pot, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky texture.
4. Incorporate tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, blending thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle simmer, cooking uncovered for 10 minutes and stirring periodically to develop rich, complex flavors.
6. Introduce shrimp and crab meat into the simmering bisque, cooking until shrimp turns completely pink and appears opaque, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.
7. Reduce heat to low, carefully stir in heavy cream, and allow the bisque to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the cream integrates smoothly without curdling.
8. Extract the bay leaf, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve piping hot in warm bowls.

Notes

• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour to make this bisque suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Carefully remove bay leaf before serving to prevent any potential choking hazards or unpleasant bitter bites.
• Use low-sodium seafood stock to control salt intake and customize the seasoning to personal taste preferences.
• Fresh seafood makes a significant difference in flavor, so opt for high-quality, fresh crab and shrimp from a reputable seafood market.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg