Looking for a rich, comforting, and restaurant-quality dish? This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a luxurious blend of tender seafood, aromatic vegetables, and a velvety broth. Perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners, this bisque delivers bold seafood flavors in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: A combination of shrimp, crab, and a creamy broth makes this bisque irresistibly delicious.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as an appetizer or a main course for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

For the Seafood Bisque:

• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound crab meat, preferably lump
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 3 cups seafood or fish broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For Thickening:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Seafood:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
• Remove, let cool, and roughly chop. Set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

• In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
• Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Build the Flavor:

• Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and dried thyme.
• Cook for 2 minutes to enhance the flavors.

4. Create the Bisque Base:

• Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to create a roux.
• Slowly pour in seafood broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
• Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 20 minutes to develop deep flavors.

5. Add the Seafood and Cream:

• Stir in the chopped shrimp and lump crab meat.
• Pour in heavy cream, mixing well for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until seafood is heated through.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
• Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Expert Tips for the Best Seafood Bisque

• Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh shrimp and crab enhance the overall taste and texture of the bisque.
• Don’t Skip the Roux: The flour helps thicken the bisque and creates a silky consistency.
• Blend for Extra Creaminess: For an ultra-smooth bisque, use an immersion blender before adding seafood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bisque ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the bisque up to a day in advance and reheat gently over low heat before serving.

What can I serve with seafood bisque? Crusty bread, oyster crackers, or a light salad pair beautifully with this creamy dish.

Can I substitute the heavy cream? For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.

Print