Quick & Creamy Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Ever wondered how a creamy seafood bisque with succulent crab and shrimp could become your next culinary adventure?

Comfort meets elegance in this luxurious soup that whispers coastal charm.

Delicate shellfish mingle with rich, velvety broth, creating a symphony of oceanic flavors.

Sophisticated yet surprisingly simple, this recipe brings restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen.

Fragrant herbs and a splash of white wine elevate each spoonful into a sensory experience.

Packed with tender seafood and smooth cream, this bisque promises to impress even the most discerning palates.

Want to transport yourself to a seaside bistro without leaving home?

Let’s make magic happen.

Why You’ll Love Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Savor Gourmet Simplicity: This seafood bisque transforms complex restaurant-style dishes into an easy home-cooked meal anyone can master with basic cooking skills.
• Impress Without Stress: Create a restaurant-quality soup that looks sophisticated but requires minimal culinary expertise, perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting seafood quantities or using an immersion blender to control texture, making it a flexible and personal cooking experience.
• Quick Elegance Delivered: Prepare a rich, creamy seafood bisque in under 30 minutes, offering a fast track to gourmet dining without extensive preparation time.

What You Need for Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Lump Crabmeat: Sweet and delicate meat from whole crab pieces.
• Shrimp: Fresh, tender seafood with a rich ocean flavor.

• Butter: Rich, creamy dairy that adds depth to the soup.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable for foundational flavor.
• Garlic: Pungent seasoning that enhances overall taste.

• Seafood Broth, Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base for the bisque.
• Heavy Cream: Smooth, rich dairy that creates a luxurious texture.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth consistency.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for color and fresh taste.

How to Make Creamy Seafood Bisque

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Grab a large pot and melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Create Golden Roux

Sprinkle flour over the softened onions and garlic.

Whisk continuously to develop a smooth, golden-brown roux that will give your bisque a rich, velvety texture.

Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a beautiful golden color and smells nutty.

Step 3: Build Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour in seafood or chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent any pesky lumps from forming.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 5-7 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Richness

Pour in heavy cream and let the bisque simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to become luxuriously smooth.

Continue simmering for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Seafood Treasures

• Lump crabmeat
• Shrimp

Simmer the seafood until the shrimp turn pink and are perfectly cooked, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Season the bisque with salt and pepper to your liking.

For an extra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming bisque into bowls, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve piping hot.

Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure ocean-inspired comfort!

Cooking Tips for Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Use fresh seafood stock instead of chicken broth for a more intense maritime taste that elevates the entire bisque.
• Temper the heavy cream by slowly adding a small amount of hot broth before incorporating it into the pot to prevent separation and maintain smooth texture.
• Partially blend the bisque using an immersion blender to create a luxurious, creamy consistency while keeping some seafood chunks for interesting texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, lactose-free version that maintains the richness of the original recipe.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning to introduce a subtle heat and complexity that complements the delicate seafood flavors.

Best Ways to Store and Heat Seafood Bisque

• Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm the bisque slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation and maintain creamy texture. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup seems too thick.
• Not recommended due to cream and seafood content. Dairy-based soups can separate and lose quality when frozen, potentially creating an unappetizing texture.
• Discard bisque if it develops an off smell, strange color, or shows signs of spoilage. Always prioritize food safety when storing and reheating seafood dishes.

Great Pairings for Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Savor Seafood Flavor Companions: Crisp Chardonnay Pairing
• Select a cool, unoaked Chardonnay with balanced acidity to complement the rich, creamy bisque. California and French Chardonnays work beautifully, cutting through the soup's velvety texture while enhancing its delicate seafood notes.
• Crusty Artisan Bread Sidekick
• Serve warm, crusty sourdough or French baguette slices alongside the bisque. These bread options provide perfect dipping opportunities, soaking up the luxurious broth and adding delightful textural contrast to each spoonful.
• Zesty Citrus Salad Accompaniment
• Create a light arugula salad with segments of fresh orange or grapefruit, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The bright, acidic elements will cleanse the palate between rich bites of the seafood bisque, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy soup.
• Fresh Herb Garnish Enhancement
• Sprinkle additional fresh herbs like chives or dill on top of the bisque just before serving. These delicate green additions introduce a subtle herbaceous note that elevates the seafood's natural flavors and adds visual appeal to the dish.

Seafood Bisque Variations

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version. Use olive oil instead of butter and ensure broth is dairy-free.
• Low-Carb Seafood Bowl: Swap flour with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce carbohydrates. Add extra vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini for bulk and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Ocean Classic: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent. Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, including broth and seafood.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Soup: Add Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika for a bold, spicy kick. Include andouille sausage for extra flavor and protein variation.

FAQs

• What type of broth works best for this seafood bisque?

Seafood stock provides the most authentic flavor, but chicken broth is an excellent alternative that still delivers rich taste and depth to the bisque.

• Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp and crabmeat can be used. Just ensure they are completely thawed and well-drained before adding to the bisque to prevent excess water diluting the soup.

• How can I make the bisque more creamy?

Use full-fat heavy cream and consider blending a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to create a thicker, more luxurious texture. The roux also helps create a rich, smooth consistency.

• Is this bisque spicy or mild?

This recipe is mild. If you prefer heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate seafood taste.

Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque delivers ocean-fresh flavors in each silky spoonful. Maritime traditions blend perfectly with rich cream and tender seafood, promising a luxurious dining experience for coastal cuisine enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1/2 pound lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
• 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Thickening Agents and Base:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth

Aromatics and Seasoning:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Establish a solid foundation by preparing all ingredients and equipment before initiating the cooking process.
2. Transform butter into a silky base within a spacious cooking vessel, activated over moderate thermal intensity.
3. Introduce diced onions and crushed garlic, allowing them to soften and release aromatic essences, developing a rich flavor profile.
4. Distribute flour across the vegetable landscape, meticulously stirring to construct a smooth, golden roux that will provide structural integrity to the bisque.
5. Methodically incorporate liquid broth, whisking continuously to eliminate potential clumping and create a harmonious, velvety texture.
6. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, enabling flavors to meld and liquid to reduce and thicken naturally.
7. Cascade heavy cream into the evolving broth, creating a luxurious, creamy environment for the seafood.
8. Delicately introduce succulent lump crabmeat and pristine shrimp, permitting them to cook tenderly within the warm liquid embrace.
9. Season with salt and pepper, calibrating the flavor profile to achieve a balanced taste sensation.
10. Optional: Utilize an immersion blender to partially pulverize the bisque, enhancing its textural complexity.
11. Transfer the maritime elixir into elegant serving vessels, adorning with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
12. Serve immediately, presenting a steaming, aromatic seafood experience.

Notes

• Ensure butter doesn’t burn by keeping heat at medium and stirring frequently during the sautéing process.
• Create a smooth roux by whisking flour consistently and avoiding clumping when adding broth.
• Select fresh seafood for maximum flavor, preferably using wild-caught shrimp and lump crabmeat from reputable sources.
• Reduce cooking time for shrimp to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to decrease calories.
• Add depth by including a splash of white wine or dry sherry during the simmering stage for enhanced seafood taste.
• Gluten-free adaptation works by replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or alternative gluten-free thickening agents.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 130mg