Creamy Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

The Creamiest Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe Ever

Creamy and luxurious seafood bisque captures the essence of coastal comfort with its rich crab and shrimp medley.

Simmering broth blends delicate marine flavors into a velvety symphony of taste.

Ocean-fresh ingredients dance together, creating a soul-warming experience in every spoonful.

Delicate shellfish mingle with aromatic herbs, promising an indulgent culinary journey.

Sophisticated yet simple, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Home chefs can easily replicate this restaurant-quality dish with minimal preparation.

You’ll find yourself transported to a seaside bistro with each delectable bite.

Savor the magic of this seafood masterpiece that beckons you to explore its delightful depths.

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

  • Craft Gourmet Seafood Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality bisque that impresses family and friends with minimal cooking skills.
  • Quick Comfort in a Bowl: Prepare a luxurious seafood soup in less than 30 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden cravings or unexpected dinner guests.
  • Flavor-Packed Seafood Delight: Combine rich cream, tender shrimp and crab, and aromatic spices for a deeply satisfying meal that tantalizes taste buds with complex, layered flavors.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Serve as an elegant starter, hearty main course, or impressive dinner party dish that adapts to any dining occasion with ease.

Ingredients for Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Main Ingredients:
  • Seafood: Fresh shrimp and crab meat bring rich ocean flavors and tender protein to this creamy bisque.
  • Heavy Cream, Milk: These dairy products create a luxurious and smooth base for the seafood bisque.
  • Seafood Stock: A flavorful liquid foundation that enhances the seafood's natural taste profile.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: These classic vegetables provide a deep, savory foundation for the bisque.
  • Old Bay Seasoning, Cayenne, Salt, Pepper: These spices add warmth, complexity, and balanced seasoning to the dish.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: This condiment contributes a tangy and umami depth to the overall flavor.
Herbs and Additional Components:
  • Butter, Flour: These ingredients help thicken and enrich the bisque's texture.
  • White Wine: A splash of wine adds subtle complexity and depth to the bisque.
  • Tomato Paste: This ingredient provides a slight tangy richness and helps develop color.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that adds a fresh finish and visual appeal to the dish.

How to Make Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Step 1: Warm Up the Butter

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a golden base for your seafood adventure. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious aroma.

Step 2: Create a Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the buttery mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until it develops a light golden color. This technique will help thicken your bisque and create a smooth, luxurious texture.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour in seafood stock, whisking continuously to prevent any pesky lumps from forming. The key is smooth, consistent stirring to create a perfectly blended base.

Step 4: Enrich the Bisque

Add these creamy companions:
  • Heavy cream
  • Milk
  • White wine

Stir the mixture thoroughly, letting the ingredients mingle and dance together.

Step 5: Boost the Flavor Profile

Incorporate these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Tomato paste
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Let the bisque simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify.

Step 6: Add Seafood Treasures

Gently fold in:
  • Shrimp
  • Crab meat

Cook for 5-7 minutes until shrimp turns a beautiful pink and becomes opaque.

Step 7: Final Touch of Freshness

Remove the pot from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley.

Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming bisque into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.

Serve immediately and savor the ocean’s bounty in every spoonful.

Helpful Notes on Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

  • Select fresh, high-quality seafood for the most vibrant flavor and richest texture in your bisque.
  • Chop onions and garlic finely to ensure they melt seamlessly into the creamy base without overwhelming chunks.
  • Control heat carefully when adding flour to prevent burning and create a smooth, golden roux for perfect thickness.
  • Stir continuously while adding stock and cream to eliminate potential lumps and achieve silky consistency.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, allowing flavors to develop during simmering for a balanced, complex seafood profile.

Flavor Enhancements for Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap seafood with plant-based alternatives like hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, or mushrooms for a similar texture.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower puree instead of flour as a thickener and reduce wine content for a keto-friendly bisque.
  • Spicy Seafood Fusion: Add roasted red peppers and increase cayenne pepper for a bolder, more intense flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

  • Seafood Feast Companion: Pair this rich bisque with crispy sourdough bread slices for dipping and soaking up the creamy goodness.
  • Elegant Dinner Presentation: Serve in white ceramic bowls with a delicate sprinkle of fresh chopped chives and a small lemon wedge on the side for brightness.
  • Gourmet Appetizer Style: Ladle smaller portions into shot glasses or mini ramekins for an upscale cocktail party appetizer that will impress guests with its luxurious seafood flavor.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the bisque with a chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to enhance the seafood's delicate flavors.

Storage Tips for Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

  • Store leftover seafood bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  • Keep the bisque away from other strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.
  • Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain food safety.
  • Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container if you want to freeze for up to 1 month.

FAQs

  • What are the key flavors in this seafood bisque?

The bisque combines rich cream, white wine, and seafood stock with a blend of Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of cayenne for depth and warmth.

  • Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and crab meat. Just ensure they are completely thawed and pat dry before adding to the bisque to prevent excess water.

  • Is this bisque spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from optional cayenne pepper. You can adjust the amount or omit it entirely for a less spicy version, making it suitable for all taste preferences.

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Creamy Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Creamy Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Creamy coastal crab and shrimp seafood bisque delivers rich maritime flavors from Southern coastal kitchens. Seafood enthusiasts discover a luxurious blend of succulent shellfish simmered in velvety broth you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood:

  • 0.5 pounds (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 0.5 pounds (226 grams) lump crab meat

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups seafood stock
  • 0.25 cup dry white wine

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat (around 350°F), gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle flour into the softened aromatics, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux and prevent burning, cooking for 2 minutes until light golden.
  3. Slowly incorporate seafood stock while whisking vigorously to eliminate potential lumps, creating a silky base for the bisque.
  4. Stream in heavy cream, milk, and white wine, blending thoroughly to develop a rich, creamy consistency.
  5. Introduce tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, simmering the mixture for 10 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken.
  6. Gently fold in raw shrimp and delicate crab meat, allowing them to cook for 5-6 minutes until shrimp transforms to a vibrant pink and becomes opaque.
  7. Remove pot from heat, stirring in freshly chopped parsley to brighten the bisque’s flavor profile and provide a subtle herbaceous note.
  8. Taste and fine-tune seasonings as needed, ensuring a balanced and harmonious seafood experience.
  9. Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with thinly sliced green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Select fresh, high-quality seafood for the most vibrant flavor and best texture in your bisque.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp by removing them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to prevent rubbery consistency.
  • Use low-sodium seafood stock to control salt levels and allow more precise seasoning during cooking.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy richness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 23 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 208
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 340 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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