Luxurious Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe For Cozy Nights

Creamy seafood lovers adore this rich crab and shrimp seafood bisque that surprises with unexpected depth.

Delicate shellfish mingle beautifully in a velvety broth packed with maritime flavors.

Classic French culinary techniques shine through each luxurious spoonful.

Maritime kitchens inspire this elegant recipe that feels both refined and comforting.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in crafting an exceptional soup experience.

Our coastal-inspired blend promises warmth and satisfaction with every careful simmer.

You’ll find this bisque becomes an instant favorite among seafood enthusiasts.

Dive into this maritime masterpiece that celebrates ocean’s most delectable treasures.

Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque: Luxurious And Hearty In Every Spoonful

• Quick to Whip Up: This bisque comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Luxury Seafood Experience: Combining succulent crab and tender shrimp creates a rich, elegant dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal prepared right at home.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Works beautifully as a starter, main course, or cozy winter meal, satisfying seafood lovers and those craving a creamy, warming soup.
• Customize with Ease: Simple to adapt by adjusting seasonings, using different seafood varieties, or adding extra vegetables for personal flair and nutritional boost.

Seafood Bisque Crab And Shrimp Essentials

• Shrimp, Lump Crab Meat: Fresh seafood that provides rich, delicate flavor and protein; choose wild-caught or sustainably sourced for best taste.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps build flavor base; unsalted butter recommended for better control of salt levels.
• Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Creates smooth, luxurious texture and provides creamy consistency; full-fat versions ensure best results.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor foundation that adds depth and complexity to the bisque; fresh ingredients preferred over dried.
• Flour: Helps thicken the bisque and create smooth texture; all-purpose works best.
• White Wine: Adds subtle acidity and enhances seafood flavor; dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc recommended.
• Seafood Stock: Intensifies ocean flavors and provides liquid base; homemade or high-quality store-bought stock preferred.

• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and slight sweetness; concentrated tomato flavor works well with seafood.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami and complexity; small amount can significantly improve overall taste.
• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that adds warmth and layered seasoning; adjust to personal heat preference.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and bright flavor; chopped just before serving.

How You Cook Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Step 1: Fire Up the Butter and Aromatics

Grab a large pot and melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 2: Create a Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the buttery mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes.

This magical process will help thicken your bisque and create a luxurious base.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquid Gold

Slowly whisk in seafood stock, making sure to eliminate any pesky lumps.

Keep stirring to create a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 4: Build Layers of Flavor

• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• White wine
• Seasonings

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 5: Introduce Creamy Richness

Stir in heavy cream and milk, bringing the bisque to a gentle simmer.

The liquid will transform into a dreamy, creamy landscape of deliciousness.

Step 6: Welcome the Seafood Stars

Gently add shrimp and crab meat to the pot.

Cook until the shrimp turns a beautiful pink and is fully cooked through.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-worthy seafood bisque!

Seafood Bisque With Crab and Shrimp Made Simple

• Choose high-quality, fresh crab and shrimp for the most vibrant flavor and best texture in your bisque.
• Stir flour carefully to avoid burning and create a smooth base that thickens the bisque perfectly without lumps.
• Maintain a gentle simmer when adding cream to prevent separation and ensure a silky, creamy texture.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper incrementally, as seafood stock and Worcestershire sauce already contribute significant flavor.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, herbaceous note and enhance the bisque's visual appeal.

Store Seafood Bisque For Later Spoonfuls

• Store leftover bisque in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Warm bisque slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation and maintain creamy texture.
• Skip freezing this cream-based soup as dairy tends to separate and lose its smooth consistency when thawed.
• If sauce appears slightly separated after reheating, whisk briskly or add a splash of fresh cream to restore smoothness.

What Complements Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Complement Coastal Wines: Select crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to match the rich, creamy seafood bisque's delicate flavors and enhance its marine notes.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, artisan sourdough or French baguette slices alongside the bisque to soak up the luxurious broth and provide delightful textural contrast.
• Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a light mixed greens salad with orange segments and lemon vinaigrette to cut through the bisque's richness and provide a bright, refreshing accompaniment.
• Herb-Infused Side Dish: Prepare a simple herb-roasted asparagus or green vegetable medley to add nutritional balance and introduce subtle green undertones that complement the seafood's sweet flavor profile.

Seafood Bisque with Crab and Shrimp Creamy Variants

• 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 keep it vegan-friendly.
• Low-Carb Seafood Bisque: Swap flour with almond flour or xanthan gum to thicken the soup. Reduce wine and tomato paste to lower carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and a dash of hot sauce to give the bisque a bold, Louisiana-style kick. Incorporate andouille sausage for extra flavor.
• Mediterranean Seafood Fusion: Replace Worcestershire sauce with lemon juice and add fresh dill, oregano, and a pinch of saffron. Use Mediterranean seafood like langoustines or octopus for a unique profile.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen seafood for this bisque?

Yes, thaw shrimp and crab meat completely before adding to the bisque. Pat them dry to prevent excess water from diluting the soup’s rich flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the traditional recipe uses wheat flour to create the roux. For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.

• What type of white wine works best?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal. The wine adds depth and complexity to the bisque’s flavor profile.

• How can I make the bisque more spicy?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or red pepper flakes during the seasoning stage to increase the heat level to your preference.

Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque delights palates with its rich, luxurious blend of oceanic flavors. Silky smooth textures and delicate seafood notes promise a restaurant-quality experience you can savor right at home.

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Ingredients

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Seafood:

• 0.5 pounds (1/2 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.5 pounds (1/2 lb) lump crab meat

Dairy and Base Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups seafood stock
• 0.25 cup dry white wine
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.25 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor base by gently melting butter in a spacious cooking vessel, then introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic.
2. Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to craft a smooth, golden roux that will provide rich body to the bisque.
3. Methodically pour seafood stock into the mixture, whisking vigorously to eliminate potential lumps and create a silky, uniform texture.
4. Incorporate tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of white wine, complementing these with a balanced blend of herbs and spices, then allow the liquid to simmer and develop deeper flavors.
5. Stream in heavy cream and milk, carefully raising the temperature to a gentle, bubbling state that will marry the ingredients without scorching.
6. Delicately introduce tender shrimp and succulent crab meat, monitoring their cooking process until the shrimp transforms to a vibrant pink and reaches perfect doneness.
7. Perform a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt, pepper, and other spices to elevate the bisque’s overall taste profile.
8. Elegantly garnish with freshly chopped parsley, presenting a visually appealing and aromatic seafood bisque ready to be savored.

Notes

• Swap out heavy cream for coconut milk to create a dairy-free version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a roux substitute for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Choose wild-caught seafood to enhance sustainability and ensure cleaner, more authentic flavor profile.
• Quickly sear shrimp and crab separately before adding to bisque for deeper, caramelized seafood taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg