Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

A rich, velvety seafood bisque loaded with tender shrimp and sweet lump crab meat, seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices. This indulgent dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Luxurious: The smooth, creamy base makes this bisque feel like a gourmet treat.
• Packed with Seafood: Bursting with succulent shrimp and sweet crab meat in every bite.
• Flavorful Layers: Enhanced with Old Bay, thyme, and a touch of white wine for depth.
• Simple Yet Elegant: Easy to prepare but impressive enough to serve at dinner parties.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Seafood:

• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped
• 1/2 pound lump crab meat (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Bisque:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread or oyster crackers

Directions

1. Sauté the Seafood:
   • In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
   • Add the shrimp, season with Old Bay, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until pink.
   • Stir in the crab meat and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Bisque Base:
   • In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
   • Add onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Build the Flavor:
   • Gradually whisk in seafood stock and white wine (if using), ensuring no lumps form.
   • Add tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme, stirring to combine.
4. Simmer:
   • Bring the bisque to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
5. Add the Cream and Seafood:
   • Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream.
   • Fold in the cooked shrimp and crab meat, mixing gently to combine.
6. Taste and Adjust:
   • Taste the bisque and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Blended Option: Blend half the bisque for a smoother texture before adding the seafood.
• Seafood Mix: Substitute scallops or lobster for shrimp or crab for a different flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Add diced carrots or bell peppers for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
• Freeze: Freeze the bisque without the cream for up to 3 months. Add the cream after reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp or crab?

Yes, but add them at the very end to avoid overcooking.

2. Can I make this bisque dairy-free?

Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.

3. What can I substitute for seafood stock?

Chicken or vegetable stock works well as a substitute.

4. Can I thicken the bisque without flour?

Yes, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a gluten-free thickener.

5. How do I ensure my bisque is smooth?

Use an immersion blender to puree the base before adding the seafood.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the bisque base ahead and add the seafood when reheating.

7. What wine pairs well with this dish?

Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complement the flavors.

8. Can I skip the wine?

Yes, replace it with an equal amount of additional stock or water.

9. How do I keep the seafood tender?

Avoid overcooking by adding the seafood towards the end of cooking.

10. What toppings work well with bisque?

Fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of paprika elevate the dish.

Conclusion

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a creamy, flavorful soup that feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, it’s sure to impress with its luxurious texture and rich seafood flavors.

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