Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Introduction

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a creamy, flavorful soup perfect for seafood lovers. Combining tender crab and shrimp with rich cream and subtle spices, it makes an elegant yet comforting dish for any occasion.

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 richer flavor, substitute half the broth with fish stock or clam juice.
• If you prefer less spice, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce it.
• Use fresh seafood when possible for the best taste and texture.
• To make it dairy-free, replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
• Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. This bisque is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this bisque?

Yes, frozen crab meat and shrimp can be used. Thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding to the soup to avoid diluting the flavors.

Is it possible to make this bisque ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bisque up to step 6 and refrigerate it. Add the seafood and sherry just before reheating and serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 146 reviews

A rich and creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque featuring tender seafood in a smooth, flavorful broth enhanced with aromatic vegetables, tomato paste, and a touch of sherry. Perfectly balanced with spices and herbs, this classic bisque is an elegant and comforting seafood soup.

• Author: Mia
• 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 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

Spices and Flavorings

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

Thickening and Liquid Ingredients

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seafood and Garnish

• 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 onion, celery, and carrot, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 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 these ingredients for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
3. Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir thoroughly until fully incorporated. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Incorporate Broth: Gradually pour in the seafood or chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and maintain a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Puree Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer batches to a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth, creating a creamy base.
6. Add Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream, then simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the bisque is slightly thickened.
7. Add Seafood and Sherry: Add the crab meat and shrimp to the bisque, along with the optional 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

• For extra heat, include the optional cayenne pepper. Omit if sensitive to spicy flavors.
• Sherry enhances the flavor but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
• Use fresh seafood if possible for best taste and texture.
• To save time, use pre-cooked seafood, but ensure it is properly reheated in the last step.
• Adjust thickness by adding more broth or cream according to preference.

Keywords: Crab bisque, shrimp bisque, seafood soup, creamy seafood bisque, crab and shrimp soup, easy bisque recipe