Creamy Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe For Cozy Nights

Creamy seafood bisque with crab and shrimp promises a luxurious culinary adventure that whisks you straight to coastal kitchens.

Shells crackle and butter melts while rich flavors develop slowly in this classic comfort dish.

Delicate maritime ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of oceanic goodness.

Fragrant herbs and smooth cream bind these delectable sea treasures into one spectacular meal.

Elegant yet simple, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will adore how effortlessly complex flavors emerge from such straightforward preparation.

Savor each spoonful and let the magic of seafood comfort wash over you.

Crab And Shrimp Bisque – Decadence In A Bowl

• Craft Gourmet Comfort: Elevate your home cooking with a luxurious seafood bisque that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a sophisticated meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving something special without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Impress dinner guests or enjoy a cozy family meal with this adaptable recipe that balances rich flavors and elegant presentation.
• Seasonal Seafood Celebration: Showcase fresh crab and shrimp in a creamy, well-seasoned bisque that highlights the best of ocean-fresh ingredients.

All The Essentials For Rich Seafood Bisque

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that adds sweet and tender protein to the bisque.
• Crab Meat: Delicate seafood that provides rich and luxurious flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic, Celery, Carrot: Classic vegetable blend that creates a deep and flavorful base for the bisque.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
• Flour: Helps thicken the bisque and create a smooth texture.
• Seafood Stock: Builds a robust seafood foundation for the bisque.
• White Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and silky consistency for the bisque.

• Old Bay Seasoning, Paprika, Cayenne, Salt, Pepper: Blend of spices that enhances the seafood's natural flavors and adds a subtle kick.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish to the bisque.

Making Seafood Bisque With A Silky Finish

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Heat butter in a large pot over medium flame.

• Onion
• Garlic
• Celery
• Carrot

Cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 2: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously.

Let it cook for a couple of minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and develop a golden undertone.

Step 3: Pour Liquid Gold

Slowly introduce seafood stock and white wine into the pot.

Whisk constantly to prevent any pesky lumps from forming.

This creates a smooth, luxurious foundation for your bisque.

Step 4: Simmer And Blend

Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes, developing deep, rich flavors.

Transfer to a blender and puree until completely smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Enrich With Cream

Return the blended mixture to the pot.

• Heavy cream
• Old Bay seasoning
• Paprika
• Cayenne
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients to create a luscious, creamy base.

Step 6: Cook Seafood Treasures

Add shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn a beautiful pink color, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

This ensures they are perfectly tender.

Step 7: Finish With Crab

Gently fold in delicate crab meat, allowing it to warm through for an additional 2 minutes.

Be careful not to break the crab pieces.

Step 8: Serve And Garnish

Ladle the hot bisque into bowls.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Enjoy your luxurious seafood creation immediately.

Tips For Creamy, Flavorful Bisque At Home

• Whisk flour and liquids slowly and continuously to create a silky-smooth bisque without any unwanted clumps.
• Add shrimp and crab meat at the end to prevent overcooking, keeping them tender and succulent.
• Toast flour briefly before adding liquids to develop a rich, nutty undertone in the bisque.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your heat preference, creating a personalized spice experience.
• Prepare base bisque in advance and add seafood just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

Variations To Personalize Your Seafood Bisque

• Low-Sodium Seafood Bisque: Replace Old Bay seasoning with herbs like thyme and dill, use low-sodium stock, and reduce added salt for a heart-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Seafood Bisque: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond cream, ensuring a rich texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant diners.
• Keto-Friendly Seafood Bisque: Replace flour with cauliflower rice or xanthan gum as a thickener, maintain high-fat content with extra butter or cream.
• Vegetarian Seafood Alternative: Use plant-based seafood substitutes like hearts of palm or king oyster mushrooms, maintaining the bisque's creamy texture and seasoning profile.

Bisque Served With Garnishes For Extra Wow

• Seafood Symphony Plating: Serve in elegant white bowls to highlight the bisque's creamy orange-pink hue, creating a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Accompany with crusty sourdough or garlic crostini to soak up the rich, velvety soup and add delightful texture contrast.
• Herbaceous Garnish Twist: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or dill on top for a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the bisque's richness and adds visual appeal.
• Wine Companion Choice: Match with a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the seafood's delicate flavors and enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage Solutions For Seafood Bisque Goodness

• Transfer cooled bisque to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
• Pour bisque into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing portions with shrimp to maintain best texture.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of seafood stock or cream if bisque seems too thick.
• Pour into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when bisque reaches desired temperature, typically 2-3 minutes total.

FAQs

• What type of seafood works best in this bisque?

Shrimp and crab are ideal, but you can also use lobster or a mix of white fish for a delicious variation.

• Is Old Bay seasoning necessary for the recipe?

While Old Bay adds signature flavor, you can substitute with a blend of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper if needed.

• Can I make this bisque ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat gently on the stove, but add cream just before serving to prevent separation.

• How can I thicken the bisque if it's too thin?

If the bisque is runny, continue simmering to reduce liquid or mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the soup.

Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque brings coastal elegance to your dining table with rich, luxurious flavors. Hearty seafood lovers will savor each spoonful of this indulgent Southern classic that promises comfort and sophistication.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 0.5 pound (226.8 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.5 pound (226.8 grams) lump crab meat

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups seafood stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup white wine
• 0.5 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium temperature, gently sweating onion, garlic, celery, and carrot until translucent and tender.
2. Incorporate flour and toast for 1-2 minutes, creating a fragrant roux that will thicken the bisque.
3. Slowly pour seafood stock and white wine into the pot, whisking continuously to prevent any lumpy texture.
4. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle simmer and let it develop flavors for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until completely smooth and silky, then return to the pot.
6. Introduce heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper, stirring to create a rich, harmonious base.
7. Carefully add shrimp and cook until they transform to a vibrant pink color, approximately 3-4 minutes.
8. Delicately fold in crab meat and let the bisque simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld the seafood flavors.
9. Ladle the hot bisque into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of brightness.

Notes

• Select fresh, high-quality seafood for the most vibrant flavor profile and optimal taste experience.
• Use cold seafood stock to prevent sudden temperature changes that might impact the bisque’s smooth texture.
• Consider reducing cayenne for a milder version or increase for extra heat, tailoring spice levels to personal preference.
• Substitute dairy-free cream alternatives like coconut milk for a lactose-free version without compromising rich, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg