Savory Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Creamy seafood bisque with tender crab and succulent shrimp promises a luxurious dining experience.

Waves of rich flavors dance across your palate, blending oceanic delights into one spectacular dish.

Coastal kitchens inspire this elegant recipe that celebrates marine ingredients with sophisticated simplicity.

Delicate shellfish merge seamlessly with velvety broth, creating a symphony of maritime tastes.

Warm spices and fresh herbs elevate each spoonful into a culinary masterpiece.

Comfort meets gourmet in this inviting soup that feels like a seaside escape.

Prepare to savor every indulgent moment of this extraordinary seafood journey.

How to Keep Crab and Shrimp Bisque Fresh

• Transfer cooled bisque to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Pour bisque into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Seal and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing if cream-based soups contain previously frozen seafood.
• Thaw frozen bisque overnight in refrigerator. Warm slowly in saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. Add splash of seafood stock or cream if mixture seems too thick.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the bisque from curdling?

Whisk the cream and milk slowly into the hot base, maintaining a low simmer and stirring constantly to prevent separation.

• Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, thaw seafood completely and pat dry before adding to ensure the best texture and prevent excess water in the bisque.

• What type of seafood stock works best?

Homemade seafood stock or high-quality store-bought fish stock will provide the most robust flavor for the bisque.

• Is this bisque gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses flour as a thickener. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Crab and Shrimp Bisque Flavor Highlights

• Elevate Your Dinner: Transform an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience with this luxurious seafood bisque that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a sophisticated dish in under half an hour, perfect for busy home cooks craving something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, rich, and packed with succulent crab and shrimp, this bisque offers ultimate comfort food satisfaction that warms both body and soul.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Achieve professional-level cooking with basic techniques, making this recipe accessible for home chefs of all skill levels while delivering wow-factor results.

Ingredients in Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Crab Meat: A delicate seafood that adds rich, sweet flavor to the bisque.
• Shrimp: Tender shellfish that provides a succulent texture and marine taste.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth foundation for the bisque.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Provide a luxurious, velvety consistency and creamy background.

• Onion, Garlic: Deliver a deep, savory base flavor to the seafood bisque.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Seafood Stock: Enhances the oceanic depth of the bisque.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a subtle tangy and rich undertone.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a complex, umami flavor to the dish.
• White Wine: Introduces a light, acidic note to balance the creamy base.
• Salt, Pepper: Season and elevate the overall taste profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish with a touch of color.

Method for Crab and Shrimp Bisque

Step 1: Melt and Soften

In a spacious pot, gently melt butter over medium heat.

Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Create Golden Roux

Sprinkle flour into the buttery mixture, stirring continuously to create a golden roux.

Cook for 1-2 minutes, which helps develop a rich, nutty flavor and thickens the bisque base.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Slowly whisk in seafood stock, creating a smooth liquid base.

• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• White wine
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, cayenne)

Blend everything thoroughly to create a deep, complex flavor profile.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop

Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This step helps meld the flavors and develop a rich, cohesive taste.

Step 5: Introduce Creamy Elements

Pour in heavy cream and milk, bringing the bisque to a gentle, barely bubbling simmer.

The dairy creates a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 6: Add Seafood Treasures

Gently fold in fresh crab meat and shrimp.

Cook until shrimp turns completely pink and opaque, which typically takes about 5 minutes.

Be careful not to overcook the delicate seafood.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and herbal freshness.

Serve the bisque warm in deep bowls, inviting diners to enjoy this decadent seafood experience.

Key Points for Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Choose high-quality, fresh crab and shrimp for the best flavor and texture in your bisque.
• Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky consistency.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually, as seafood stock and Worcestershire sauce already provide significant flavor.
• Add shrimp and crab meat at the end and cook just until shrimp turns pink to avoid rubbery texture.
• Optional: strain the base through a fine-mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth, restaurant-quality bisque.

Creative Changes for Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Low-Carb Seafood Soup: Swap flour with cauliflower rice or xanthan gum to thicken the bisque, reducing carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Seafood Kick: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to bring a zesty heat to the traditional recipe.
• Mediterranean Seafood Blend: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and swap white wine with ouzo for a Greek-inspired seafood bisque.

Foods That Pair with Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Coastal Comfort Pairing: Serve this rich bisque alongside crusty sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up the creamy seafood goodness.
• Elegant Appetizer Approach: Present in small espresso cups as a sophisticated starter before a seafood-themed dinner, garnished with a delicate shrimp or crab claw.
• Complementary Wine Selection: Pair with a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to enhance the bisque's delicate seafood flavors and creamy texture.
• Fresh Herbal Accent: Sprinkle additional chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the bisque.

Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque delights palates with rich maritime flavors from coastal kitchens. Delicate shellfish, aromatic herbs, and smooth cream combine for an elegant dining experience you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Seafood Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound crab meat
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy and Stock Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 cups seafood stock

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour into the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux and prevent burning, cooking for 2 minutes until light golden.
3. Gradually pour seafood stock into the roux, whisking constantly to eliminate lumps and create a smooth base.
4. Incorporate tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, white wine, salt, and pepper, blending thoroughly to develop rich flavor profile.
5. Reduce heat and allow mixture to simmer, stirring periodically, for 10-12 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Pour heavy cream and milk into the simmering liquid, maintaining gentle heat to prevent curdling.
7. Carefully fold in crab meat and shrimp, cooking for 4-5 minutes until seafood is opaque and heated through.
8. Taste and fine-tune seasonings, ensuring balanced flavors and appropriate salt levels.
9. Ladle bisque into warm serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.
10. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Notes

• Ensure butter doesn’t brown while sautéing onions and garlic to maintain a delicate flavor profile.
• Use fresh seafood stock for richer taste, but store-bought works perfectly as a convenient alternative.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce total dairy quantity.
• Avoid overcooking seafood by adding shrimp and crab meat at the end, keeping them tender and succulent.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 233
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg