Cozy Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe for Fall

Warm, comforting bowls of this crab and shrimp seafood bisque invite you to savor ocean-fresh flavors with every spoonful.

seafood lovers understand the magic of a perfectly crafted creamy seafood bisque that blends delicate shellfish with rich, velvety textures.

The recipe promises a luxurious dining experience that feels like a seaside escape right at your table.

Tender chunks of crab and succulent shrimp swim in a silky broth enhanced with classic herbs and spices.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to create a harmonious balance of maritime delights.

The creamy base captures the essence of coastal cuisine, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Prepare to be transported by this soul-warming seafood symphony that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen seafood for this bisque?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and crab meat. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the bisque to prevent excess water.

• How can I make this bisque less spicy?

Reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper. You can also substitute with a milder spice like paprika or omit it entirely for a more subtle flavor.

• Is it necessary to use an immersion blender?

No, you can use a regular blender. Just blend the bisque in batches, being careful with hot liquid. If you prefer a chunky texture, you can skip blending altogether.

• Can I substitute the dairy ingredients?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque That Warms the Soul

• Boost Weekend Breakfast: Transform traditional Irish soda bread into portable, delightful muffins perfect for lazy mornings and quick family breakfasts.
• Customize with Ease: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or different dried fruits to make these muffins uniquely yours without changing the base recipe.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: Prepare these moist, tender muffins in less than an hour, making them an ideal solution for spontaneous baking cravings or unexpected guests.
• Celebrate Cultural Twist: Enjoy a modern spin on classic Irish baking that brings traditional flavors into a convenient, handheld format everyone will love.

Ingredients for Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that adds delightful protein to the bisque.
• Crab Meat: Rich and delicate seafood that brings a luxurious flavor to the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Provides rich and smooth texture to the bisque.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy and lighter consistency.
• White Wine: Adds depth and sophisticated flavor to the seafood base.
• Seafood or Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid foundation for the bisque.

• Onion, Garlic, Celery, Carrot: Classic vegetable blend that builds a robust flavor profile.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
• Flour: Thickens the bisque and creates a smooth texture.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and slight tanginess to the soup.
• Bay Leaf: Imparts subtle herbal undertones to the bisque.
• Paprika: Brings warm, slightly sweet pepper flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and spicy kick.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh color and mild herbal note.

How to Make Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrot.

Gently cook these vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful flavors, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables and stir thoroughly.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to develop a light golden color and rich aroma.

Step 3: Build Creamy Liquid Foundation

Slowly whisk in broth to prevent lumps from forming.

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• White wine
• Tomato paste
• Bay leaf
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Incorporate Seafood Treasures

Gently fold in shrimp and crab meat.

Allow them to cook for 5-7 minutes until shrimp turn pink and become perfectly tender.

Step 5: Blend and Refine

Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Use an immersion blender to transform the bisque into a silky smooth consistency. For those who enjoy texture, blend only a portion of the soup.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Presentation

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Sauté vegetables in butter until they're golden and fragrant, releasing deeper, richer taste profiles for the bisque.
• Stir flour continuously to prevent burning and create a smooth, golden base that thickens the soup without lumps.
• Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the seafood's delicate flavors without overpowering.
• Use an immersion blender strategically – partially blend for a rustic texture or fully blend for silky-smooth consistency.
• Select fresh, high-quality crab and shrimp for the most vibrant and authentic seafood bisque experience.

Variations on Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Lighter Seafood Chowder: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half and low-fat milk for a reduced-calorie version. Use vegetable broth instead of seafood stock to create a milder flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Ocean Bisque: Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk. Use gluten-free flour for thickening and add extra herbs like thyme to enhance the seafood taste.
• Vegetarian Sea Vegetable Soup: Substitute seafood with roasted cauliflower and oyster mushrooms. Use vegetable broth and add nori flakes to mimic oceanic flavors. Include smoked paprika for depth and complexity.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Crisp Chardonnay Pairing: Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay that complements the creamy seafood bisque's rich texture and enhances the delicate shellfish flavors.
• Rustic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or French baguette slices to soak up the luxurious bisque and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Zesty Citrus Salad Accent: Prepare a light mixed green salad with segments of orange or grapefruit to cut through the bisque's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Storage Tips for Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled bisque to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing as the cream may separate upon thawing.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature and stir to prevent hot spots.

Creamy Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Seafood lovers rejoice with this luxurious Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque that blends ocean-fresh treasures into a silky, rich experience. Creamy, indulgent spoonfuls promise a delightful journey through coastal flavors you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound (454 grams) crab meat

Vegetables and Base Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, celery, and carrot until vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to create a golden roux without burning.
3. Slowly pour seafood or chicken broth into the pot, whisking consistently to prevent lumps from forming. Incorporate heavy cream, milk, white wine, tomato paste, bay leaf, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bring the liquid mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
5. Gently introduce shrimp and crab meat into the simmering bisque. Cook for 5-6 minutes until shrimp turn pink and seafood is heated through.
6. Extract and discard bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the bisque until smooth, or blend partially for a more rustic texture.
7. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality crab and shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they’re properly cleaned and deveined before cooking.
• Use an immersion blender carefully to manage the bisque’s consistency, blending partially for a chunkier soup or fully for a silky smooth experience.
• Replace white wine with extra seafood broth or dry vermouth if avoiding alcohol, maintaining the depth of flavor without compromising taste.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk, and use gluten-free flour to make the recipe more diet-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 26 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg