Print

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

This decadent Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a creamy, rich soup bursting with fresh seafood flavor. Featuring tender shrimp and lump crab meat simmered in a savory broth enriched with cream, vegetables, and traditional spices, this bisque is the perfect indulgent starter or light main course for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 1 cup fresh lump crab meat
  • 1 cup peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Thickener

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Finishing Touches

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Seafood: Peel and devein the shrimp if fresh, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Pick through the lump crab meat to remove any shells. Set the seafood aside while preparing the bisque base.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring often to prevent burning.
  3. Add the Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Sprinkle flour evenly over the vegetables and stir well to coat; this will thicken the bisque as it cooks.
  4. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Gradually pour in seafood or chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Old Bay seasoning, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
  5. Blend the Soup (Optional): For a smoother texture, partially blend the bisque using an immersion blender or blend a portion in a regular blender and return it to the pot. This step can be skipped if you prefer a chunkier bisque.
  6. Add the Cream and Seafood: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and crab meat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through.
  7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Old Bay seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaf. Ladle bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, citrusy finish.

Notes

  • Use lump crab meat for the best texture, but canned or imitation crab can be used in a pinch.
  • The bisque can be blended fully for an ultra-smooth texture or only partially for a bit of chunkiness.
  • If preferred, substitute chicken broth with seafood broth for a stronger seafood flavor.
  • Add lemon wedges when serving to brighten the flavors.
  • To make ahead, prepare the base and freeze before adding seafood and cream; then thaw, add these, and heat gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: crab bisque, shrimp bisque, seafood soup, creamy seafood bisque, old bay seasoning recipe, easy seafood soup

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