The Best Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe Ever
Crafting a delectable crab and shrimp seafood bisque brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.
Smooth ocean flavors dance through each spoonful of this luxurious soup.
Rich maritime ingredients combine with silky cream for an extraordinary dining experience.
Chefs know that seafood bisque requires careful technique and quality components.
Mediterranean coastal traditions inspire this sumptuous recipe, connecting you with generations of seaside cooking wisdom.
Elegant yet simple, this dish promises to impress anyone who tastes its sublime blend of marine delicacies.
Dive into an unforgettable gastronomic journey that celebrates the best of seafood’s delicate, robust essence.
What Makes This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque So Irresistible
Key Components Behind Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Seafood:Aromatics and Vegetables:Liquid and Cream Base:Seasonings and Thickeners:Garnish:Cooking Fats:How to Craft Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Step by Step
Step 1: Boil and Prep Seafood
Drop shrimp into boiling water and cook until they turn pink and become opaque. Quickly remove from water, let them cool down, and then chop into rough pieces. Keep the chopped seafood ready for later use.
Step 2: Create Vegetable Base
Grab a large pot and melt butter over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped:Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and slightly translucent, which takes around 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation
Introduce tomato paste, sprinkle paprika, and add thyme to the softened vegetables. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes to develop rich, deep flavors.
Step 4: Craft Bisque Liquid
Dust flour over the vegetable mixture and stir thoroughly. Slowly pour in seafood broth while continuously stirring to prevent any lumpy formations. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Incorporate Seafood and Cream
Add the previously chopped shrimp and crab meat into the pot. Pour in heavy cream and blend gently. Let the bisque cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the steaming bisque into serving bowls. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Expert Advice to Perfect Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Flavorful Twists to Elevate Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Complementary Foods That Go Well with Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Storing Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque to Maintain Freshness
Answers to Common Questions About Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood 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.
While seafood broth provides the best flavor, you can use chicken broth as an alternative. For a more intense seafood taste, add a pinch of seafood seasoning.
To reduce richness, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or replace part of the cream with milk. You can also add more broth to thin out the consistency.
Print
Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe
- Total Time: 39-44 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Seafood lovers will dive into this luscious Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque, a coastal delicacy brimming with rich maritime flavors. Silky textures and delicate shellfish blend seamlessly, promising a luxurious dining experience that transports palates straight to oceanic paradise.
Ingredients
Seafood:
- 0.5 pound (227 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 0.5 pound (227 grams) crab meat, preferably lump
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 3 cups seafood or fish broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Rapidly submerge shrimp in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they turn vibrant pink and become translucent. Quickly transfer to an ice bath, drain, and roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Select a large, heavy-bottomed pot and melt butter over medium heat. Introduce finely diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate tomato paste, smoky paprika, and fragrant thyme into the vegetable mixture. Allow ingredients to bloom and intensify their flavors for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Dust the vegetable base with flour, creating a light coating. Methodically pour seafood broth, whisking vigorously to prevent any potential lumps from forming. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently, developing deep flavors for 20 minutes.
- Introduce delicate crab meat and previously prepared shrimp into the simmering liquid. Stream in rich heavy cream, stirring gently to integrate. Maintain a low heat for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring seafood is thoroughly warmed.
- Taste and calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ladle the luxurious bisque into warm serving bowls, finishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant garnish.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality seafood for the most vibrant flavor and best texture in your bisque.
- Select wild-caught shrimp and crab for more robust and authentic seafood taste.
- Remove seafood shells and veins completely to prevent any unwanted gritty textures.
- Control heat while simmering to prevent cream from separating or curdling.
- Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
- Cook Time: 34-37 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Michael Thompson
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR
ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR
Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.
Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.