Seafood Bisque With Crab, Shrimp, And Lobster Recipe

Luscious Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp & Lobster Recipe

Creamy seafood bisque with crab, shrimp, and lobster promises a luxurious dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds.

This elegant soup blends ocean-fresh flavors into a silky, rich harmony of seafood delights.

Tender chunks of crab, succulent shrimp, and sweet lobster meat swim in a velvety broth that whispers of coastal culinary traditions.

Each spoonful carries the essence of marine sophistication, carefully crafted to impress even the most discerning palate.

The recipe balances delicate seafood with a smooth, aromatic base that hints at classic French techniques.

Comfort and refinement merge in this stunning bowl, inviting you to savor every decadent moment of this seafood masterpiece.

Why Seafood Bisque Feels Like a Special Treat

  • Gourmet Made Simple: Crafted with easy-to-follow steps, this seafood bisque transforms complex restaurant-style cuisine into a home-friendly cooking experience that feels luxurious yet approachable.
  • Seafood Symphony: Combines three premium seafood varieties – crab, shrimp, and lobster – creating a rich, multi-layered flavor profile that delights sophisticated palates without requiring advanced culinary skills.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: A creamy, warming dish perfect for special occasions, cozy family dinners, or when you want to treat yourself to an indulgent meal that feels like a warm hug from the ocean.
  • Quick Elegance Maker: Requires minimal preparation time and basic cooking techniques, allowing home cooks to quickly whip up an impressive dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.

What You Need for Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster Bisque

Seafood Base:
  • Shrimp: Tender ocean jewels with sweet flavor.
  • Crab: Delicate and rich seafood classic.
  • Lobster: Luxurious and succulent marine treasure.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Flavor-packed base for depth and warmth.
Liquid and Thickening Components:
  • Seafood Broth: Rich maritime liquid foundation.
  • Heavy Cream: Silky smooth enriching ingredient.
  • Butter: Creamy golden flavor enhancer.
  • Flour: Smooth thickening agent for perfect texture.
Seasonings:
  • Old Bay Seasoning, Paprika: Zesty spice blend with maritime character.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor balancers.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green herbal touch for visual appeal.

How to Make Creamy Seafood Bisque at Home

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat a large pot and melt butter over medium temperature.

Add the following ingredients:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté these ingredients until they turn soft and release a delightful fragrance, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.

This technique eliminates the raw flour taste and establishes a velvety foundation for your bisque.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Liquid Foundation

Slowly incorporate seafood broth while whisking to ensure a smooth consistency.

Introduce these elements:
  • Heavy cream
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld harmoniously.

Step 4: Introduce Seafood Treasures

Carefully fold in the following ocean delicacies:
  • Shrimp
  • Crab meat
  • Lobster meat

Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent overcooking.

The shrimp should turn a beautiful pink color.

Step 5: Plate And Garnish

Ladle the bisque into warm bowls.

Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for an elegant touch.

Serve alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers for a complete dining experience.

Tips for a Rich, Restaurant-Worthy Bisque

  • Watch shrimp carefully, removing them from heat the moment they turn pink to maintain tender, succulent texture without becoming rubbery.
  • Stir flour and butter mixture constantly to prevent burning, creating a smooth base that thickens the bisque perfectly without lumps.
  • Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry during the liquid stage to enhance the seafood's richness and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Swap or combine different seafood types like scallops or langoustines to match personal preferences or seasonal availability.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, ensuring those with lactose sensitivities can enjoy this luxurious bisque.

Keeping Seafood Bisque Fresh and Delicious

  • Store leftover seafood bisque in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below.
  • Do not freeze this creamy bisque, as dairy and seafood separate and lose texture when thawed, creating an unappetizing consistency.
  • Warm gently on stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of seafood broth or cream to restore original creamy texture if needed.
  • Throw away bisque if it develops an off smell, unusual color, or shows signs of spoilage. Never consume seafood dishes that look or smell questionable.

Pairings for a Comforting Bowl of Bisque

  • Elevate Seafood Bisque Pairings
  • Crisp White Wine Match: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy seafood flavors, cutting through the bisque's luxurious texture while enhancing the delicate seafood notes.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or French baguette slices with a light garlic butter spread, perfect for soaking up the creamy bisque and adding a delightful textural contrast.
  • Herbaceous Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs like dill and chives, dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the bisque's rich, velvety consistency.
  • Sparkling Citrus Palate Cleanser: Add a crisp, chilled sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime to refresh the palate between bites and highlight the seafood's delicate flavors.

Flavor Twists for Classic Seafood Bisque

  • 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 maintain rich flavor while keeping the dish dairy-free.
  • Low-Carb Seafood Soup: Swap flour with cauliflower rice or omit completely, using xanthan gum as a light thickener. Choose shrimp, crab, and lobster as protein-rich alternatives to create a keto-friendly seafood bisque.
  • Spicy Cajun Seafood Bisque: Add cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, and extra Old Bay seasoning for a kicked-up Cajun-style version. Include andouille sausage for additional depth and heat in the recipe.
  • Lighter Seafood Broth Option: Use half seafood broth and half white wine for a more sophisticated flavor profile. Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme and tarragon to enhance the seafood's natural taste while reducing overall calories.

FAQs

  • Is seafood bisque difficult to make at home?

Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and requires basic cooking skills. With simple steps like sautéing aromatics, creating a roux, and gently simmering seafood, anyone can prepare a delicious seafood bisque.

  • Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, frozen seafood works perfectly. Just ensure it’s completely thawed and pat dry before adding to the bisque. This helps maintain the soup’s texture and prevents excess water from diluting the flavors.

  • What type of seafood broth is best for this recipe?

Homemade seafood broth offers the richest flavor, but store-bought seafood or fish stock are excellent alternatives. If unavailable, you can substitute with chicken broth for a still delicious result.

  • How can I make the bisque more creamy?

To achieve an extra creamy texture, use full-fat heavy cream and cook the roux thoroughly. Whisking continuously prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety consistency in your bisque.

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Seafood Bisque With Crab, Shrimp, And Lobster Recipe

Seafood Bisque With Crab, Shrimp, And Lobster Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

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

Description

Creamy seafood bisque combines oceanic treasures of crab, shrimp, and lobster in one luxurious bowl. Rich coastal flavors blend seamlessly, inviting diners to savor marine delicacies with each spoonful you’ll relish.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood:

  • 0.5 pound (1/2 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 0.5 pound (1/2 lb) lump crab meat
  • 0.5 pound (1/2 lb) lobster meat, chopped

Base and Liquid:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cups seafood or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Seasoning and Garnish:

  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Crusty bread for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a spacious pot over medium temperature, creating a golden foundation for the seafood medley.
  2. Introduce finely diced onions and crushed garlic, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Incorporate flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to eliminate raw starch undertones and establish a silky thickening agent.
  4. Gradually stream seafood broth into the pot, whisking methodically to prevent lumps and create a velvety smooth base.
  5. Elevate the liquid to a gentle simmer, then blend in heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile.
  6. Tenderly fold shrimp, crab, and lobster into the creamy liquid, allowing the delicate proteins to cook for 5-7 minutes until shrimp transform to a vibrant pink hue.
  7. Exercise caution to prevent seafood from becoming tough or rubbery during the cooking process.
  8. Transfer the luxurious bisque into serving vessels, embellishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of verdant brightness.
  9. Present immediately alongside crusty artisan bread or crisp crackers for an indulgent dining experience.

Notes

  • Prevent seafood from becoming rubbery by adding it in the last few minutes of cooking, ensuring gentle simmering instead of boiling.
  • Enhance flavor depth by using a combination of seafood stocks like shrimp and fish stock for more complex taste profile.
  • Make dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, which maintains rich texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant diets.
  • Elevate presentation and nutrition by adding fresh herbs like dill or chives, which complement seafood’s delicate flavors and provide visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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