Indulge in Our Dreamy Creamy Shrimp & Crab Bisque Recipe

Crafting a delightful shrimp & crab bisque brings comfort and luxury to your dining experience.

Seafood lovers appreciate this rich, velvety soup that combines succulent ocean treasures.

Marine flavors dance across your palate with each carefully blended spoonful.

Coastal ingredients merge seamlessly, creating a symphony of maritime elegance.

Subtle herbs and smooth cream elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this recipe’s elegant simplicity.

Common Questions About Creamy Shrimp & Crab Bisque

• Can I use frozen seafood for this bisque?

Yes, thaw shrimp and crabmeat completely before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture for better texture and flavor.

• Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?

While Old Bay adds signature seafood flavor, you can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and dried thyme if unavailable.

• How can I make this bisque lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a less rich version. You can also use low-fat cream cheese to maintain creaminess.

• What type of wine works best?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the seafood perfectly. If you prefer, you can use extra seafood stock instead of wine.

Why Creamy Shrimp & Crab Bisque Warms Hearts

• Savor Seafood Richness: Dive into a luxurious blend of succulent shrimp and delicate crabmeat that creates an ocean-inspired flavor explosion in every spoonful.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Craft a restaurant-quality bisque with simple steps that make you feel like a professional chef without complicated techniques or expensive equipment.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, creamy, and packed with protein, this bisque delivers ultimate comfort that transforms an ordinary meal into a special dining experience perfect for chilly evenings or when craving something indulgent.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting seasoning, adding extra seafood, or pairing with crusty bread to make it uniquely yours without compromising the delicious core flavor profile.

Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp & Crab Bisque

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender shellfish that adds delicate ocean flavor to the bisque.
• Crabmeat: Rich and succulent seafood that provides a luxurious texture and depth of taste.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the bisque.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic coastal spice blend that enhances the seafood's natural flavors.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for sautéing and adding depth.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the bisque and create a velvety consistency.
• Seafood Stock: Delivers an intense maritime flavor to the soup.
• White Wine: Adds a subtle complexity and enhances the overall taste profile.
• Heavy Cream: Brings a luxurious, silky texture and rounds out the bisque's flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh note and beautiful green color to the finished dish.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp & Crab Bisque Step by Step

Step 1: Sizzle Onions in Buttery Goodness

Heat a large pot and melt butter until it turns golden. Add diced onions and cook them until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 2: Create a Silky Roux Base

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in seafood stock and white wine, whisking constantly to create a smooth, velvety mixture.

Step 3: Introduce Succulent Seafood

• Fresh shrimp
• Tender crabmeat
• Old Bay seasoning

Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing the seafood to cook gently and absorb all the rich flavors.

Step 4: Enrich with Creamy Decadence

Pour in heavy cream and let the bisque simmer for an additional 5 minutes. The cream will transform the soup into a luxurious, silky texture that coats your palate with oceanic richness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Ladle the hot bisque into warm bowls. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a burst of fresh herb flavor. Serve immediately while the bisque is steaming and at its most delectable.

Pro Tips for Creamy Shrimp & Crab Bisque Success

• Choose fresh seafood to enhance the bisque's rich flavor and ensure the best taste.
• Adjust Old Bay seasoning according to personal preference, adding more or less for desired spiciness.
• Use low-sodium seafood stock to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Replace cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the bisque.
• Freeze leftover bisque in airtight containers for up to 2 months, reheating gently to maintain creamy texture.

Variations on Classic Creamy Shrimp & Crab Bisque

• Spicy Seafood Kick: Add diced jalapeños and cayenne pepper for a fiery version of the bisque, enhancing the seafood's natural flavors.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, and a splash of lemon juice to give the bisque a bright, herbaceous profile.
• Coconut Curry Fusion: Replace cream with coconut milk and add mild curry powder for an exotic, creamy seafood experience.
• Roasted Vegetable Blend: Mix in roasted red peppers and fire-roasted corn to introduce a smoky depth and additional texture to the bisque.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Shrimp & Crab Bisque

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy seafood bisque, enhancing the buttery richness and delicate seafood flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Sourdough: Break apart a warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the luxurious bisque, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional depth to each spoonful.
• Match with Light Fennel Salad: Create a refreshing fennel and citrus salad with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the bisque's creaminess, offering a palate-cleansing accompaniment that balances the rich soup.

Storage Advice for Creamy Shrimp & Crab Bisque

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool the bisque completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled bisque into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. The cream might slightly separate upon thawing.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of seafood stock or cream to restore original consistency.
• Transfer to microwave-safe bowl, cover with microwave-safe lid. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.

Creamy Shrimp & Crab Bisque Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 23-24 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coastal cuisine comes alive with this luxurious Shrimp & Crab Bisque, blending rich seafood flavors into a silky, sophisticated soup. Delicate shellfish and velvety cream create an elegant dining experience that whisks guests straight to seaside elegance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Seafood Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) crabmeat

Dairy and Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) flour

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) seafood stock
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) white wine
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• 1 small onion, diced

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing diced onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
2. Sprinkle flour into the buttery mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a golden roux that will help thicken the bisque.
3. Gradually pour in seafood stock and white wine, whisking continuously to eliminate any lumps and create a smooth, silky base.
4. Introduce succulent shrimp and delicate crabmeat into the simmering liquid, sprinkling Old Bay seasoning to enhance the maritime flavors.
5. Allow the seafood to gently cook for 8-10 minutes, ensuring they are tender and fully incorporated into the developing bisque.
6. Pour in heavy cream, stirring carefully to integrate and create a luxurious, velvety texture without bringing the mixture to a rapid boil.
7. Let the bisque simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to reach a rich, creamy consistency.
8. Ladle the hot bisque into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Select fresh, high-quality seafood for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
• Adjust the thickness by controlling the amount of flour and stock, creating a personalized consistency.
• Use low-sodium seafood stock to manage salt levels and prevent over-seasoning.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-19 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 358 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg