The Ultimate Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy seafood bisque with delicate crab and shrimp swirls through culinary traditions like a silky dance.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired this luxurious soup centuries ago.

Waves of rich flavors burst from each carefully crafted spoonful.

Delicate shellfish mingle with smooth cream, creating an elegant harmony.

Subtle herbs and gentle spices whisper sophisticated comfort in every bite.

Restaurants charge premium prices for such sophisticated maritime delicacies.

Recreate this restaurant-quality marvel in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and passionate cooking.

One taste transports you to coastal memories of sunlight and sea breeze.

Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque: Flavor Essentials

• Breeze Through Weeknight Dinners: This recipe offers a quick, satisfying meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy families and professionals craving a delicious home-cooked dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp, add different vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish that adapts to your mood and pantry.
• Comfort Food Meets Gourmet: Combines the creamy, rich flavors of restaurant-quality pasta with the simplicity of home cooking, delivering a luxurious meal that feels both indulgent and approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single pan cooking method, reducing dish washing and making this recipe a stress-free option for those who want delicious food without extensive kitchen work.

Ingredients For Crab And Shrimp 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 soup.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Creates a smooth and velvety texture for the bisque.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational savory base for the soup's depth of flavor.
• Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes: Add a tangy and slightly sweet undertone to the bisque.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a complex, umami-rich flavor profile.
• White Wine: Brings a subtle acidity and depth to the overall taste.

• Butter, Flour: Help create a thick and creamy consistency for the bisque.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.

• Seafood Stock: Forms the primary liquid foundation of the bisque, enriching the seafood flavor.

How To Make Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Vessel

Place a large pot on medium heat and melt butter until it’s bubbling softly. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become tender and fragrant.

Step 2: Create A Smooth Thickening Base

Sprinkle flour into the pot and continuously stir for one minute, creating a smooth roux that will help thicken the bisque beautifully.

Step 3: Pour In Liquid Goodness

Gradually whisk seafood stock into the pot, making sure to blend completely without creating any lumpy sections.

Stir consistently to maintain a silky texture.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• White wine
• Preferred seasonings

Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Introduce Creamy Elements

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Diced tomatoes

Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, watching the bisque transform into a luxurious consistency.

Step 6: Complete With Seafood Treasures

Gently fold in fresh shrimp and delicate crab meat.

Cook until shrimp turns a lovely pink color and is fully cooked through.

Step 7: Serve With Elegance

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve the bisque piping hot, ready to delight eager diners.

Pro Tips For Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Select fresh, high-quality seafood for the most vibrant flavor profile in your bisque.
• Chop onions and garlic finely to ensure smooth, even distribution throughout the soup.
• Whisk flour slowly and consistently to prevent lumpy texture and create a silky base.
• Control heat carefully when adding cream to avoid curdling and maintain a rich, creamy consistency.
• Adjust seasonings gradually, tasting as you go to balance the delicate seafood flavors perfectly.

Flavor Enhancements For Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Spicy Seafood Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the base recipe for a heated flavor profile. Incorporate diced jalapeños for extra heat and texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace white wine with dry vermouth and sprinkle fresh thyme, oregano, and basil into the bisque. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean touch.
• Coconut Tropical Fusion: Substitute half the heavy cream with coconut milk and add a splash of lime juice. Include diced mango or pineapple for a sweet tropical undertone.
• Cajun Style Seafood Bisque: Mix in Cajun seasoning and use andouille sausage for depth. Add bell peppers and celery to create a New Orleans-inspired version of the classic recipe.

Best Pairings For Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Create a stunning presentation by serving the bisque in hollowed-out bread bowls, garnished with extra crab meat and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Guests will love the rustic, gourmet touch.
• Coastal Brunch Delight: Pair the bisque with crispy garlic crostini and a light arugula salad. The combination offers a perfect balance of rich seafood flavors and fresh, peppery greens.
• Seafood Lovers' Appetizer: Serve smaller portions in elegant shot glasses or mini copper pots as a sophisticated starter. Top with a small crispy shrimp or crab cake for an extra luxurious touch that will impress dinner guests.

Proper Storage For Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Transfer leftover bisque to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack cooled bisque in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Seafood-based soups tend to separate when frozen, so whisk thoroughly after thawing.
• Warm gently on stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of fresh seafood stock or cream to restore original consistency if needed.
• Never leave seafood bisque at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Always use clean utensils when handling to maintain food safety and prevent contamination.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen seafood for this bisque?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp and crab meat completely before adding to the bisque. Pat them dry to prevent excess water from diluting the soup’s rich flavor.

• Is it possible to make this bisque gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your seafood stock is also gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

• How can I adjust the spiciness of the bisque?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to suit your taste preference.

Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque delivers rich coastal flavors from French culinary traditions. Luxurious ingredients blend seamlessly, offering seafood enthusiasts a comforting bowl of maritime elegance you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb crab meat
• 2 cups seafood stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 4 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Carefully melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a smooth base for the seafood bisque.
2. Gently sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic flavors.
3. Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for one minute to create a roux that will thicken the bisque.
4. Gradually pour in seafood stock, whisking methodically to prevent any lumpy texture from developing.
5. Incorporate tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, white wine, and selected seasonings, allowing the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes to develop deep, complex flavors.
6. Blend heavy cream, milk, and diced tomatoes into the simmering liquid, continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes until the base becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Gently fold in raw shrimp and delicate crab meat, cooking until the shrimp turns a vibrant pink and is thoroughly cooked through.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, creating a visually appealing and aromatic seafood bisque ready to be served piping hot.

Notes

• Soften onions and garlic gently to release sweet, aromatic flavors without burning, creating a rich base for the bisque.
• Whisk stock gradually and steadily to prevent flour clumping, ensuring a smooth, silky texture throughout the soup.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use low-sodium seafood stock to reduce calories and sodium content.
• Customize the dish by adding a splash of sherry or brandy for deeper, more complex flavor profiles that complement the seafood’s natural sweetness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 254
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg