Luscious Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe For Cozy Nights

Ocean breezes whisper magic into this creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque that promises comfort in every spoonful.

Coastal kitchens inspire such delightful combinations of tender seafood and rich, velvety broth.

Delicate shellfish dance with warm spices, creating a symphony of maritime flavors.

Mediterranean influences shine through this luxurious soup, blending delicate textures with deep, complex seasonings.

Memories of seaside restaurants emerge with each carefully crafted bite.

Skilled home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-quality dish that feels like a culinary adventure.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds sail across delicious culinary horizons.

Seafood Bisque That Feels Like A Fancy Treat

• Quick Seafood Feast: Perfect for Special Occasions
• Elevate dinner with this luxurious bisque that transforms ordinary weeknight meals into restaurant-quality experiences without complicated techniques.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Beginners Welcome
• Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all levels, requiring only basic sautéing and whisking skills to create a professional-tasting dish.
• Speed and Convenience: 30-Minute Meal Magic
• Prepare a gourmet seafood bisque in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy professionals or last-minute dinner gatherings that demand impressive results without extensive preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food with Elegant Twist
• Combines familiar creamy soup comfort with sophisticated seafood flavors, satisfying both adventurous eaters and those who appreciate classic, rich culinary experiences.

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque – Ingredient Essentials

• Crab Meat: Sweet, delicate seafood that adds rich ocean flavor.
• Shrimp: Tender protein that provides additional seafood texture and taste.

• Butter: Rich base for sautéing aromatics and creating smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious ingredient that provides creamy consistency.
• Dry Sherry: Optional wine that enhances depth of flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that create foundational taste profile.
• Seafood Stock or Chicken Broth: Liquid base that provides depth and moisture.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create smooth bisque texture.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend with signature maritime taste.
• Paprika: Mild pepper that adds warm color and subtle sweetness.
• Cayenne Pepper: Provides gentle heat and complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing overall flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds color and fresh finish.
• Lemon Wedges: Citrus accent that cuts through rich bisque.

Seafood Bisque Instructions with Crab and Shrimp

Step 1: Awaken The Aromatics

Heat a large pot and melt butter until it’s golden and bubbling.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible fragrance as they transform into a delicate base for your seafood masterpiece.

Step 2: Create A Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the buttery mixture, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste.

Slowly pour in seafood stock, whisking with purpose to prevent any lumpy surprises.

Watch as the liquid transforms into a velvety foundation for your bisque.

Step 3: Build Layers Of Flavor

• Old Bay seasoning
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Allow these ingredients to simmer and intermingle, developing a rich, complex taste that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Step 4: Introduce Seafood Treasures

• Crab meat
• Shrimp

Pour in heavy cream and a splash of dry sherry, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.

Let the seafood cook until perfectly tender and the bisque reaches a dreamy consistency.

Step 5: Elevate And Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.

Ladle the bisque into elegant bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with bright lemon wedges.

Each spoonful promises a journey through coastal flavors and culinary magic.

Seafood Soup Tips for Rich Bisque Flavors

• Choose high-quality, fresh crab and shrimp for the most authentic and rich seafood flavor. Look for firm, bright-colored shellfish without any strong fishy odor.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to match your heat preference. Start with a small amount and gradually increase for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
• Whisk flour and butter slowly to prevent lumps, creating a smooth base for the bisque. Consistent stirring ensures a silky, creamy texture without graininess.
• Add a splash of dry sherry for complex, sophisticated undertones. The alcohol enhances the seafood's natural sweetness and brings out deeper taste notes.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, lactose-free version that maintains the bisque's luxurious consistency.

Reheat Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Store leftover bisque in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm the bisque over low-medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of seafood stock or cream to restore original creamy consistency and prevent separation.
• Cream-based soups like this bisque don't freeze well due to potential texture breakdown and separation of dairy components when thawed.
• For best quality, consume refrigerated bisque within 48 hours and always reheat until steaming hot throughout to ensure food safety.

What to Eat with Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Perfectly Pair Crisp Chardonnay: Elegantly cuts through the rich, creamy bisque with its buttery notes and balanced acidity, enhancing the seafood's delicate flavors.
• Crusty Sourdough Bread: Ideal for soaking up the velvety bisque, providing a delightful textural contrast and complementing the seafood's subtle sweetness.
• Citrus Arugula Salad: Bright, peppery greens with a light citrus vinaigrette create a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, luxurious bisque, cleansing the palate between spoonfuls.
• Serve Chilled Crab Salad Appetizer: A light, cold seafood starter that mirrors the bisque's main ingredients, building anticipation for the main course and showcasing the ocean's bounty.

Seafood Bisque Flavor Enhancements

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version. Use olive oil instead of butter to keep the recipe dairy-free.
• Low-Carb Ocean Feast: Swap flour with almond flour or xanthan gum to thicken the bisque. Reduce the liquid content slightly to maintain a rich consistency.
• Mediterranean Seafood Bowl: Add diced roasted red peppers, swap sherry for white wine, and sprinkle fresh oregano. Include additional herbs like thyme for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Bisque: Increase cayenne pepper, add andouille sausage, incorporate Cajun seasoning, and use a mix of seafood like crawfish and crab for an authentic Louisiana-style bisque.

FAQs

• Is seafood bisque difficult to make at home?

No, this recipe is straightforward and requires basic cooking skills. The key is to follow steps carefully, especially when creating the roux and simmering the mixture to develop rich flavors.

• Can I use frozen seafood for this bisque?

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

• What makes a good seafood bisque base?

A great base starts with sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic in butter, then creating a smooth roux. The seafood stock and cream provide depth, while spices like Old Bay seasoning enhance the maritime flavors.

• How can I make the bisque more creamy?

To achieve a creamier texture, cook the roux thoroughly, whisk constantly to prevent lumps, and use full-fat heavy cream. Simmering allows the bisque to naturally thicken and develop a luxurious consistency.

Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque brings coastal comfort straight to kitchen tables with rich, velvety flavors. Delicate seafood mingles with aromatic herbs, promising a luxurious dining experience that satisfies coastal cuisine cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 lb (454 g) crab meat (fresh or imitation)
• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Aromatic and Thickening Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 ml) seafood stock or chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry sherry (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor base by melting butter in a spacious pot over medium heat, then gently sweat the onions and garlic until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their sweet essence.
2. Transform the butter mixture into a thickening agent by sprinkling flour and stirring vigorously, allowing the roux to develop a golden hue and eliminate any raw flour undertones.
3. Gradually introduce seafood stock, whisking continuously to ensure a silky smooth texture without any unwelcome lumps, creating a luxurious foundation for the bisque.
4. Enhance the liquid with a symphony of spices – Old Bay, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper – letting them dance and intermingle during a gentle 10-minute simmer.
5. Delicately fold in the succulent crab meat and tender shrimp, allowing them to bathe in the creamy base while absorbing the complex flavor profile.
6. Stream in heavy cream and a splash of dry sherry, creating a rich and velvety consistency that embraces the seafood with decadent warmth.
7. Taste and calibrate the seasoning, ensuring a perfect balance of spices and maritime essence.
8. Present the bisque in elegant bowls, adorned with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and accompanied by bright lemon wedges to cut through the richness.

Notes

• Pick fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor and texture in your bisque.
• Dice onions and garlic uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent taste throughout the dish.
• Control the heat while making the roux to prevent burning and maintain a smooth base for the bisque.
• Use homemade seafood stock if possible for an extra layer of rich, authentic seafood flavor.
• Substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream for a lactose-free version of the bisque.
• Add a splash of white wine instead of sherry for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to avoid tough, rubbery texture in the final dish.
• Garnish with chopped chives or green onions for an additional fresh, aromatic touch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg