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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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