Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Introduction

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich, creamy soup that highlights the delicate flavors of fresh seafood. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or an elegant starter for dinner guests. With a blend of spices and fresh herbs, this bisque delivers a satisfying and comforting experience.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 pound cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons sherry (optional)
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrot, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir until fully incorporated. Cook for 1 more minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Step 4: Gradually pour in the broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and maintain a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
6. Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 10 more minutes until thickened slightly.
7. Step 7: Add the crab meat and shrimp, and if using, the sherry. Cook for 5 minutes or until the seafood is heated through.
8. Step 8: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother texture, strain the bisque after blending before adding the cream.
• Swap out the shrimp for scallops or lobster if preferred.
• Add a splash of white wine instead of sherry for a different flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt level in the soup.

Storage

Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. This bisque can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh seafood instead of cooked?

Yes, but add fresh seafood towards the end of cooking and simmer gently just until cooked through to prevent overcooking and maintain texture.

Is it possible to make this bisque dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 56 reviews

This creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich and comforting soup featuring tender cooked crab and shrimp in a smooth, flavorful tomato and paprika base, finished with a touch of sherry and fresh herbs. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a hearty main dish.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Flavorings

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 pound cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons sherry (optional)
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
3. Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir thoroughly to combine. Cook for 1 more minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually pour in the seafood or chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and maintain a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Puree the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup to a blender, and puree until smooth for a velvety texture.
6. Add Cream and Continue Simmering: Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 10 minutes until the bisque thickens slightly.
7. Add Seafood and Sherry: Gently fold in the cooked crab meat and shrimp. If desired, add the sherry. Cook for 5 minutes or until the seafood is heated through.
8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the bisque and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.

Notes

• If you prefer a spicier bisque, increase the cayenne pepper to your taste.
• Using seafood broth instead of chicken broth intensifies the seafood flavor.
• To make the bisque ahead, prepare up to the simmering step, cool and refrigerate. Reheat gently before adding seafood.
• Omitting sherry still produces a delicious bisque, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor if included.
• For a thicker bisque, increase the flour slightly or reduce the broth by simmering longer before adding cream.

Keywords: seafood bisque, crab bisque, shrimp bisque, creamy seafood soup, easy seafood recipes, comfort food, tomato bisque