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