Silky Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe to Savor

My latest culinary adventure involves a delectable crab and shrimp seafood bisque that promises rich, velvety comfort.

Coastal memories drift through every spoonful of this luxurious soup.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore the delicate balance of tender shellfish and smooth cream.

Oceanic flavors dance across your palate with each carefully crafted bite.

Mediterranean cooking techniques inspire this elegant dish that celebrates marine ingredients.

Unbelievably simple to prepare, this bisque delivers restaurant-quality sophistication right in your kitchen.

Come experience a symphony of maritime deliciousness that will transport you to seaside memories.

Advice for Perfecting Your Seafood Bisque

• Prevent Seafood Overcooking: Watch shrimp carefully during the last few minutes of cooking, removing them from heat the moment they turn pink to maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Roux Mastery: Stir flour and butter mixture constantly to prevent burning and create a smooth, lump-free base for your bisque's rich, creamy consistency.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Use seafood stock instead of chicken stock to intensify the maritime taste and complement the crab and shrimp perfectly.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice preference, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for desired warmth.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a delicious lactose-free version of this seafood bisque.

Save and Reheat Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Store leftover bisque in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 23 days.
• Let the bisque reach room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain optimal texture.
• Warm the bisque over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation and preserve the creamy consistency. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
• Seafood-based cream soups tend to separate and lose quality when frozen, so enjoy the bisque fresh for the best taste and texture.

Why People Keep Talking About Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Discover why this creamy crab and shrimp bisque will become your new favorite comfort dish.
• Whip up this luxurious soup in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
• Perfect for intimate dinner parties, special occasions, or a cozy weekend meal that impresses family and friends.
• Achieve a rich, sophisticated taste with minimal culinary skills, blending restaurant-style elegance with home cooking simplicity.
• Packed with protein-rich crab and shrimp, offering a delicious way to incorporate healthy seafood into your diet.

Ingredients That Bring Out the Best in Seafood Bisque

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base and helps sauté aromatics.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor foundation with aromatic depth.

• Crab Meat: Sweet, delicate protein that adds luxury to the bisque.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that brings marine freshness and texture.

• Seafood Stock, Chicken Stock: Delivers deep, rich oceanic or poultry flavor base.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Creates smooth, velvety texture and rich mouthfeel.
• Sherry: Adds sophisticated, subtle wine complexity.

• Flour: Thickens and creates smooth roux for bisque structure.
• Paprika: Provides warm, mild pepper color and subtle smoky taste.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and slight tangy undertone.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for color and light herbal note.

Making Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Smooth and Rich

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

• In a spacious pot, dissolve butter over medium flame
• Tumble in finely chopped onions and minced garlic
• Swirl and dance ingredients for several minutes until they become translucent and fragrant

Step 2: Create the Silky Base

• Dust flour evenly across softened onions and garlic
• Whisk continuously, transforming ingredients into a golden-hued roux
• Stir persistently to prevent burning

Step 3: Build Liquid Layers

• Pour stock slowly, whisking vigorously to prevent clumps
• Stream in cream, milk, and sherry
• Bring mixture to a gentle, rolling simmer

Step 4: Infuse with Flavor

• Sprinkle paprika
• Add cayenne for warmth
• Blend in tomato paste
• Season with salt and pepper
• Allow flavors to harmonize for several minutes

Step 5: Embrace Seafood Treasures

• Gently fold crab meat into simmering liquid
• Add succulent shrimp
• Cook until shrimp transform to rosy pink
• Avoid overcooking to maintain tender texture

Step 6: Final Flourish

• Sample and adjust seasoning
• Ladle into welcoming bowls
• Scatter fresh parsley on top
• Serve piping hot

What to Serve With Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Pair with crisp Chardonnay to complement the creamy, rich texture of the bisque and highlight delicate seafood notes.
• Choose unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay from California or Burgundy regions for balanced acidity and subtle buttery undertones.
• Serve warm, artisan sourdough or French baguette slices to soak up the luxurious bisque and add textural contrast.
• Create a light mixed green salad with fresh dill, lemon vinaigrette, and delicate microgreens to cut through the bisque's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Seafood Bisque Variations to Try at Home

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version. Use olive oil instead of butter to maintain the rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Seafood Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to create a safe alternative for those with sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Seafood Bisque: Use low-sodium seafood stock and reduce added salt. Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or dill, and add a splash of lemon juice for brightness without extra sodium.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace flour with cauliflower puree as a thickener. Use heavy cream and increase seafood portions. Omit sherry to keep the carbohydrate count low while maintaining the luxurious texture.

Common Questions About Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Can I use frozen seafood for this bisque?

Yes, you can use frozen crab meat and shrimp. Thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the bisque to prevent excess water.

• Is sherry wine necessary for the recipe?

Sherry adds depth of flavor, but if unavailable, you can substitute with dry white wine or extra seafood stock. Non-alcoholic versions work too.

• How can I make this bisque more creamy?

For extra creaminess, increase the heavy cream ratio or add a dollop of cream cheese while simmering. Blend a portion of the bisque to create a thicker texture.

• What are signs the seafood is properly cooked?

Shrimp should turn pink and curl slightly. Crab meat should be heated through and look opaque. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.

Creamy Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Seafood lovers rejoice with this luxurious Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque, a coastal culinary dream blending rich maritime flavors. Silky cream, tender seafood, and delicate herbs create an indulgent experience that transports palates straight to seaside comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood and Main Ingredients:

• ½ pounds (225g) cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
• ½ pounds (225g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cut into bite-sized pieces

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup dry sherry or white wine
• 2 cups seafood or chicken stock

Vegetables, Herbs, and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat butter in a spacious pot over medium flame, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Dust flour evenly over the softened aromatics, continuously stirring to form a smooth, golden roux that will thicken the bisque and develop a rich, nutty undertone.
3. Slowly incorporate seafood stock, whisking diligently to prevent any unwelcome lumps from forming, ensuring a silky smooth base for the bisque.
4. Stream in heavy cream, milk, and sherry, allowing the liquid to merge harmoniously while maintaining a gentle, barely bubbling simmer.
5. Enhance the flavor profile by introducing paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the liquid.
6. Let the bisque simmer quietly, permitting the spices to intermingle and develop a complex, layered taste for approximately 10 minutes.
7. Delicately introduce crab meat and shrimp into the simmering liquid, cooking just until the shrimp transform to a vibrant pink hue and reach perfect tenderness.
8. Evaluate the seasoning, adjusting with additional salt or pepper as needed to balance the maritime flavors.
9. Ladle the creamy bisque into serving vessels, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of verdant brightness, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Prevent Seafood Toughness: Carefully monitor cooking time for shrimp and crab to avoid rubbery texture, removing from heat the moment seafood turns opaque and pink.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast flour slightly in butter before adding liquids to develop a richer, nuttier undertone in the bisque base.
• Dietary Adaptations: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Texture Optimization: Strain the bisque through a fine-mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth consistency, removing any potential lumps or uneven particles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 150mg