Crab and shrimp seafood bisque is a creamy and delicious soup that warms both the heart and the soul. This dish is an easy way to enjoy the flavors of the sea in the comfort of your own home. With fresh seafood and a rich, savory broth, seafood bisque is perfect for an intimate dinner or a gathering with family and friends. This recipe is simple yet elegant and can be made in under an hour, making it a great choice for both novice and seasoned cooks. Its luxurious taste will impress anyone at your table, making it a go-to recipe for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Why Make This Recipe
This crab and shrimp seafood bisque stands out for its ease and flavor. It requires just a few ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks. The taste is rich and satisfying, combining fresh seafood with a creamy base. It’s a versatile dish that fits well during cozy family meals or holiday celebrations. Plus, the bisque can be prepared in one pot, minimizing cleanup. This recipe not only highlights the beautiful flavors of seafood but also allows for creativity in garnishing and serving.
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Making crab and shrimp seafood bisque is straightforward. You will start by preparing a flavorful base and then add the seafood to create a hearty soup. Follow the ingredient list and directions carefully to enjoy this delightful dish.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups seafood stock or fish broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup dry white cooking wine or seafood stock (non-alcoholic)
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 1 cup medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Paprika for sprinkling
- Crusty bread or oyster crackers
Directions
Prepare the Bisque Base:
In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and grated carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute.
Cook the Seafood:
Gradually add the seafood stock or fish broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes. Next, add the heavy cream, white wine, crab meat, and shrimp. Season with smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Finish the Bisque:
Remove from heat and use an immersion blender for a smoother texture, if desired. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve:
Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side.
How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Serve your bisque in a warm bowl, garnished with fresh parsley and a dash of paprika for added color. Offer crusty bread or oyster crackers alongside for dipping, enhancing the meal’s comfort. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience.
How to Store Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
You can store any leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing. For longer storage, freeze the bisque in portions. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
Tips to Make Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
- Use fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor.
- Adjust spices to your taste; add more cayenne for extra heat.
- For a smoother texture, blend part of the bisque and mix it back in.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for a bright finish.
Variation
- Substitute the crab with lobster for a rich alternate flavor.
- Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter bisque.
- Add other seafood such as scallops or mussels for variety.
FAQs
1. Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat before serving.
2. Is the bisque suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well for up to three months.
3. Can I use frozen seafood?
Frozen seafood works, but fresh seafood will give a better flavor.
4. What can I serve with the bisque?
Crusty bread, salad, or oyster crackers complement the bisque nicely.
5. Can I omit the alcohol?
Yes, use seafood stock instead of wine for a non-alcoholic version.
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Ingredients
Bisque Base
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter for sautéing vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for added flavor
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped adds sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for aroma
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped adds crunch
- 1 small carrot, grated for color and sweetness
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour for thickening
Seafood Ingredients
- 3 cups seafood stock or fish broth for the soup base
- 1 cup heavy cream adds creaminess
- ½ cup dry white cooking wine for flavor (can substitute with seafood stock for non-alcoholic)
- 1 cup lump crab meat for the main seafood flavor
- 1 cup medium shrimp, peeled and deveined for added seafood
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning for flavor
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) for heat
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Paprika for sprinkling for garnish
- Crusty bread or oyster crackers for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Bisque Base
- In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and grated carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute.
Cook the Seafood
- Gradually add the seafood stock or fish broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Next, add the heavy cream, white wine, crab meat, and shrimp. Season with smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Finish the Bisque
- Remove from heat and use an immersion blender for a smoother texture, if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve
- Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side.