Hearty Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe For Cozy Nights

Rich, creamy seafood bisque featuring succulent crab and shrimp promises a luxurious dining experience that will delight your taste buds.

Ocean-fresh ingredients come together in this classic comfort dish perfect for elegant gatherings.

Velvety textures and delicate maritime flavors blend seamlessly throughout each spoonful.

Subtle hints of herbs and a smooth, decadent base make this recipe a standout culinary creation.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the sophisticated simplicity of this seafood classic.

Delightful aromas will fill your kitchen as you craft this impressive starter or main course.

Prepare to impress everyone at your table with this irresistible maritime masterpiece.

FAQs

• Is this bisque spicy?

The Old Bay seasoning adds a mild, warm spice with a hint of heat, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste preference.

• Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, thaw the shrimp and crab meat completely before adding to the bisque. Fresh seafood works best for optimal flavor and texture.

• What if I don't have white wine?

You can substitute with additional seafood or chicken broth. The wine adds depth, but the bisque will still be delicious without it.

• How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Keep the heat low and stir constantly when adding cream. Don’t let the bisque boil after adding cream to maintain a smooth, silky texture.

Reasons Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Is a Delight

• Tackle Gourmet Cooking: Elevate your culinary skills with this restaurant-quality seafood bisque that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking expertise.
• Create Comfort in a Bowl: Enjoy a rich, creamy soup packed with succulent shrimp and tender crab meat that delivers ultimate comfort and warmth with every spoonful.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Wow guests at dinner parties or special gatherings with a luxurious seafood dish that feels sophisticated yet surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting seasonings or swapping seafood varieties to match personal taste preferences or ingredient availability.

Ingredients Needed for Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Shrimp: Delicate shellfish that adds sweet and tender protein to the bisque.
• Crab Meat: Rich and succulent seafood that provides a luxurious marine flavor.

• Butter: Creates a rich foundation and helps develop flavor in the initial cooking stage.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers a smooth, velvety texture and adds luxurious richness to the bisque.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory base flavor that enhances the seafood's natural taste.
• White Wine: Offers a subtle acidic complexity that brightens the overall dish.
• Seafood or Chicken Broth: Builds a flavorful liquid foundation for the bisque.
• Old Bay Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Blend of spices that complement and elevate the seafood's natural taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright visual and herbal note to finish the dish.

How to Prepare Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Easily

Step 1: Sizzle the Flavor Base

In a spacious pot, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Create a Silky Thickener

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This magical process creates a roux that will give your bisque a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Foundation

Gently stream in seafood or chicken broth and a splash of white wine. Whisk the mixture until it starts to thicken.

• Old Bay seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors mingle and develop.

Step 4: Introduce the Ocean’s Treasures

Carefully fold in succulent shrimp and delicate crab meat.

Allow them to cook for 5-7 minutes, watching for the shrimp to turn a beautiful pink and become perfectly tender.

Step 5: Elevate and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the bisque for a burst of color and freshness.

Ladle into warm bowls and serve alongside crusty, golden bread for a truly indulgent meal.

Tips to Improve the Flavor of Seafood Bisque

• Swap white wine with seafood stock for an alcohol-free version that maintains rich flavor complexity.
• Control thickness by adjusting cream and flour ratio; add more broth if bisque becomes too dense.
• Select fresh seafood from reliable sources to ensure maximum taste and texture quality.
• Enhance depth by sautéing shellfish shells before creating broth for intensified oceanic notes.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and safety.

Variations on Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipes

• Dairy-Free Seafood Chowder: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free option. Use olive oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly base.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Bisque: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, and andouille sausage for a Louisiana-style kick. Incorporate diced bell peppers for extra heat and flavor.
• Low-Carb Seafood Soup: Substitute flour with xanthan gum or cauliflower puree to thicken. Use bone broth instead of traditional stock for added nutrients and reduced carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Seafood Stew: Replace Old Bay seasoning with fresh herbs like oregano and thyme. Add diced tomatoes and white fish for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Ideal Pairings to Enjoy with Seafood Bisque

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay that complements the rich, creamy texture of the bisque and enhances the delicate seafood flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Sourdough Toast: Create golden, crispy sourdough slices rubbed with fresh garlic to provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth, velvety bisque and help soak up the luxurious broth.
• Complement with Fresh Herb Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette and fresh herbs like dill and chives to cut through the bisque's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Best Ways to Store Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Store the bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 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.

Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream to restore original consistency if needed.

Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature and ensure seafood is heated thoroughly without overcooking.

Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque brings coastal comfort to dinner tables with rich, luxurious flavors. Simmering shellfish, aromatic herbs, and velvety cream combine into a delightful bowl that will transport you straight to seaside memories.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood

• 0.5 pound (1/2 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.5 pound (1/2 lb) lump crab meat

Dairy and Base

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups seafood or chicken broth

Vegetables and Seasonings

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup white wine
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Initiate the flavor foundation by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat, introducing finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
2. Sprinkle flour into the softened vegetables, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a golden roux that will thicken the bisque and develop a rich, nutty undertone.
3. Gradually stream in seafood or chicken broth and white wine, whisking consistently to prevent lumps. Incorporate heavy cream and classic seafood seasonings like Old Bay, paprika, salt, and pepper, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Carefully fold in succulent shrimp and delicate crab meat, allowing them to cook for 5-7 minutes. Watch for shrimp turning pink and becoming opaque, indicating perfect doneness without overcooking.
5. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant visual contrast. Serve immediately in warm bowls alongside crusty, rustic bread for an elegant seafood experience.

Notes

• Customize the seafood blend by using only crab or shrimp, or mixing in other shellfish like lobster for a luxurious twist.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, reducing the calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
• Toast flour briefly before creating the roux to eliminate raw flour taste and enhance the bisque’s nutty undertones.
• Use fresh seafood for the most vibrant taste, but high-quality frozen seafood works perfectly when fresh isn’t available.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg