Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of crab and shrimp creates a depth of flavor that’s both satisfying and sophisticated.
- Creamy Texture: The velvety smoothness of the bisque provides a comforting and indulgent mouthfeel.
- Elegant Presentation: Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish at home.
- Versatile: While it feels luxurious, this bisque is suitable for both festive gatherings and cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely chopped
- Celery, finely chopped
- Carrot, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Tomato paste
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- All-purpose flour
- Seafood or chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Cooked crab meat, shells removed
- Cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- Sherry (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth: Gradually pour in the seafood or chicken broth, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Blend the Base: Using an immersion blender, purée the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a standard blender in batches, then return it to the pot.
- Add Cream and Seafood: Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the cooked crab meat and chopped shrimp. If using sherry, add it now. Let the bisque simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs as desired. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Seafood Selection: Feel free to substitute or add other seafood such as lobster or scallops to enhance the bisque’s richness.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat, or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate herbs like thyme or tarragon during cooking for an added layer of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the bisque to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the bisque over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
FAQs
What is a bisque?
A bisque is a smooth, creamy, and highly seasoned soup, traditionally based on a strained broth of crustaceans such as crab, shrimp, or lobster.
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen crab and shrimp can be used. Ensure they are fully thawed and drained before adding to the bisque.
Is it necessary to blend the soup?
Blending creates the classic smooth texture characteristic of a bisque. However, if you prefer a chunkier consistency, you can blend only a portion of the soup.
Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bisque a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
What can I serve alongside this bisque?
Crusty bread or a simple green salad pairs well with this rich and creamy soup.
How can I thicken the bisque if it’s too thin?
If the bisque is thinner than desired, let it simmer uncovered until it reaches your preferred consistency. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the bisque and simmer until thickened.
Can I freeze the bisque?
Freezing cream-based soups can sometimes result in a grainy texture upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated
Print
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque, a luxurious seafood soup perfect for special occasions or cozy nights. This velvety bisque combines tender crab meat, succulent shrimp, and aromatic spices, creating a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ lb cooked crab meat, shells removed
- ½ lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 2 tbsp sherry (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or chives)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Tomato Paste & Spices: Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle in flour and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth: Slowly pour in the broth, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Blend for Smoothness: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If using a standard blender, blend in batches and return to the pot.
- Add Cream & Seafood: Stir in heavy cream, crab meat, and shrimp. Add sherry (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute or add lobster or scallops for extra richness.
- Adjust cayenne for more or less heat.
- For a more herbaceous flavor, add thyme or tarragon while simmering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
