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Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/crab-and-shrimp-seafood-bisque-recipe/