Creamy New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy, rich shrimp and corn bisque captures the vibrant New Orleans culinary spirit with every spoonful.

This classic Louisiana dish blends sweet corn kernels and succulent new orleans shrimp bisque into a luxurious, velvety soup.

Seafood enthusiasts will savor the deep, complex flavors that dance across their palate.

Southern comfort meets elegant cooking in this hearty recipe that warms you from the inside out.

The blend of fresh ingredients transforms a simple soup into a memorable dining experience.

Each bite tells a story of coastal traditions and culinary craftsmanship.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that celebrates the best of Southern coastal cuisine.

What Makes Shrimp and Corn Bisque Stand Out

• Capture Authentic New Orleans Flavor: Dive into a creamy, spicy bisque that brings the vibrant culinary spirit of Louisiana right to your kitchen, packed with bold Cajun seasonings and fresh seafood.
• Flexible Cooking Adventure: Perfect for home cooks of intermediate skill levels who want to explore a rich, layered recipe with simple techniques like making a roux and sautéing vegetables.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up a satisfying one-pot wonder that transforms basic ingredients into a luxurious, hearty dish ideal for warming up weeknight dinners or impressing weekend guests.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping turkey bacon for regular bacon, adjusting spice levels, or using frozen corn when fresh isn't available, making it versatile for different preferences and pantry situations.

Must-Have Ingredients for Shrimp Corn Bisque

Main Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Sweet ocean gems with a delicate texture.
• Turkey Bacon: Lean and smoky protein with less fat.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: The classic Cajun flavor foundation.
• Corn: Sweet and juicy summer vegetable burst.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor powerhouse.

• Shrimp Stock: Rich seafood base for depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious and silky bisque enhancer.
• Sherry: Elegant cooking wine with nutty undertones.

• Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spicy and bold flavor boosters.
• Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbal garnish with bright notes.

• Butter, Flour: Classic roux combination for creamy texture.

How to Make New Orleans Style Shrimp Bisque

Step 1: Prepare Kitchen Tools and Ingredients

Gather a large Dutch oven, sharp knife, cutting board, and measuring tools.

Finely chop onions, bell peppers, celery, green onions, and parsley.

Mince garlic cloves.

If using fresh corn, carefully remove kernels from the cob.

Chop turkey bacon into small pieces.

Peel and devein shrimp, then season with Cajun spice blend.

Step 2: Cook Crispy Turkey Bacon

Heat Dutch oven over medium temperature.

Add chopped turkey bacon and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until edges become crisp and golden.

Drain excess grease, keeping about 1 tablespoon in the pot for additional flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetable Base

Lower heat to medium-low.

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Celery

Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become translucent.

Introduce minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.

Step 4: Deglaze with Sherry

Pour sherry into the pot, scraping browned bits from bottom using wooden spoon.

Allow liquid to simmer for 1-2 minutes, helping alcohol evaporate and concentrate flavors.

Step 5: Create Flavorful Roux

Melt butter completely in pot.

Sprinkle flour over bacon-vegetable mixture.

Stir constantly for 5 minutes until mixture turns light brown and develops nutty aroma.

Texture should become thick and slightly clumpy.

Step 6: Build Bisque Foundation

Gradually whisk shrimp stock into roux, preventing lumps from forming.

Add water, half the chopped parsley, and half the green onions.

Bring mixture to boil, then reduce to low simmer.

Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, skimming foam and stirring periodically.

Step 7: Add Seafood and Cream

Introduce seasoned shrimp, corn kernels, and warmed heavy cream to bisque.

Stir in remaining parsley and green onions.

Return to gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.

Step 8: Final Seasoning and Presentation

Taste bisque and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun spice.

Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.

Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Pro Tips for a Creamy Shrimp Bisque

• Whisk flour gradually and continuously while cooking to create a smooth, clump-free base for the bisque.
• Add shrimp at the end and cook just until pink to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, succulent seafood.
• Use homemade shrimp stock instead of water for a more intense, rich seafood flavor profile.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning carefully to match your heat tolerance, starting with less and adding incrementally.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and green onions to add color, freshness, and a vibrant final touch to the bisque.

Best Storage for Shrimp and Corn Bisque

• Store leftover bisque in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Cool the bisque completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled bisque to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month, avoiding cream-based dishes for longer storage.
• Gently warm the bisque in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of shrimp stock or water to restore original consistency if needed.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent separation of cream and ingredients.

What Pairs Well With This Southern Bisque

• Pair Spicy Zinfandel Wine: Select a bold, fruit-forward Zinfandel with enough spice and body to complement the rich, Cajun-style shrimp bisque. The wine's peppery notes will match the dish's heat and complexity.
• Create Crispy Cornbread Sidekick: Prepare a slightly sweet, golden cornbread with jalapeño chunks to provide a textural contrast. The bread's crumbly texture and subtle spice will beautifully balance the creamy bisque.
• Match Refreshing Craft Beer: Choose a Louisiana-style wheat beer or a crisp pale ale with citrus undertones. The beer's light, bright profile will cut through the bisque's richness and enhance the seafood's delicate flavors.
• Serve Tangy Citrus Slaw: Whip up a zesty coleslaw with lime juice, fresh herbs, and a hint of Cajun seasoning. The slaw's bright, crunchy elements will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the bisque's creamy texture.

Fun Ways to Reinvent Shrimp Corn Bisque

• Vegetarian Corn Bisque: Replace shrimp with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, using vegetable stock instead of shrimp stock. Add smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use olive oil instead of butter to maintain the richness while keeping it lactose-free.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend instead of wheat flour for the roux. Ensure all seasonings and stocks are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap corn with cauliflower or zucchini chunks. Replace flour with almond flour or omit thickener entirely, using reduced cream to create a lighter consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of seafood in this bisque?

Yes, you can substitute shrimp with crab meat, crawfish, or a mix of seafood. Just ensure the seafood is fresh and cooked until it’s pink and tender.

• Is it necessary to use sherry in the recipe?

Sherry adds depth and complexity to the flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with white wine or skip it entirely. The bisque will still taste delicious.

• How can I make this recipe lighter or healthier?

Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, opt for low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the butter quantity. You can also add more vegetables to increase nutritional value.

• What Cajun seasoning works best for this recipe?

Store-bought Cajun seasoning blends like Tony Chachere’s or Zatarain’s work well. If you prefer, you can make your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and dried herbs.

New Orleans Shrimp And Corn Bisque Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque blends Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage with comforting seafood warmth. Southern coastal flavors mingle in this hearty soup, inviting hungry diners to savor each luxurious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds medium raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and seasoned with Cajun seasoning
• 4 ears corn (or 2–3 cups kernels, fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups heavy cream, warmed
• 4 cups shrimp stock (or chicken, vegetable, or seafood stock)

Proteins and Aromatics:

• 0.5 pounds turkey bacon, chopped
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup bell pepper (any color), finely chopped
• 0.5 cup celery, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped (about 0.25 cup), divided
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped (about 0.5 cup), divided

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 0.25 cup sherry cooking wine
• 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick or 0.5 cup)
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
• Salt, black pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning, to taste
• 1.5 cups water

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor foundation by rendering turkey bacon in a spacious Dutch oven until crispy, extracting maximum smoky essence while leaving a thin layer of flavorful drippings.
2. Incorporate aromatic trinity of diced onion, bell pepper, and celery into the bacon-infused base, gently sweating the vegetables until they soften and release their nuanced flavors.
3. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its pungent notes to bloom briefly without browning, then deglaze the pot with fragrant sherry, extracting caramelized remnants from the cookware’s surface.
4. Craft a roux by melting butter and gradually incorporating flour, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a golden, nutty-scented paste that will thicken the bisque.
5. Methodically whisk in shrimp stock and water, ensuring a silky smooth consistency without lumps, then introduce half the chopped parsley and green onions for initial herbal undertones.
6. Allow the liquid to simmer gently, developing depth and reducing slightly while occasionally skimming any accumulated foam from the surface.
7. Elevate the bisque by adding seasoned shrimp, sweet corn kernels, and luxurious heavy cream, letting the proteins cook tenderly and the ingredients meld harmoniously.
8. Perform a final seasoning assessment, balancing Cajun spices, salt, and pepper to achieve a perfectly rounded flavor profile before serving in warmed bowls.
9. Garnish with remaining fresh herbs, creating a vibrant visual and aromatic finishing touch that celebrates the essence of New Orleans cuisine.

Notes

• Choose turkey bacon for a leaner option that still adds smoky depth to the bisque without excessive fat.
• Keep shrimp cold until cooking to maintain their firm texture and prevent bacterial growth during preparation.
• Slowly whisk stock into the roux to prevent lumpy consistency, ensuring a smooth and creamy bisque base.
• Consider using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a substitute for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same thickening technique.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 150mg