Dreamy Creamy Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe For All Seasons

Memories of coastal summers dance through this crab shrimp seafood bisque, bringing oceanic whispers straight to your kitchen.

Salty breezes and maritime traditions inspired these delicate flavors.

Maritime chefs have long celebrated such luxurious combinations of delicate seafood and rich cream.

Silky textures blend harmoniously with tender chunks of sweet crab and succulent shrimp.

We invite you to savor each spoonful of this elegant soup that speaks of seaside comfort.

Delightful aromas will transport you to tranquil shorelines where culinary magic unfolds.

Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that promises pure maritime indulgence.

Storing Crab and Shrimp Bisque for the Next Day

• Store the bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the bisque to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if cream is added, as it may separate.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth if the bisque seems too thick.
• Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Be careful not to overheat, as seafood can become tough.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen seafood for this bisque?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and crab meat. Thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the bisque to prevent excess water.

• Is this bisque spicy?

The recipe includes a small amount of cayenne pepper, which adds a mild heat. You can adjust or omit the cayenne if you prefer a milder flavor.

• What type of broth works best?

Seafood or chicken broth are ideal for this recipe. Seafood broth will enhance the overall maritime flavor of the bisque.

• Can I make this bisque ahead of time?

You can prepare the base and add the cream and seafood just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent seafood from overcooking.

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque for Cozy Meals

• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience with this luxurious seafood bisque that brings gourmet flavors right to your kitchen.
• Master Simple Seafood Techniques: Learn professional-level cooking skills by creating a creamy, rich bisque that sounds complicated but comes together with straightforward steps and basic ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish: Impress family and guests with a sophisticated yet approachable recipe that combines tender seafood, velvety cream, and warm spices in one delightful bowl.
• Quick Gourmet Preparation: Achieve a stunning main course in under an hour, making this bisque perfect for busy cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed for Crab and Shrimp Bisque

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that adds delicate flavor and tender texture to the bisque.
• Crab Meat: Succulent seafood that provides rich, sweet ocean taste to the dish.

• Onion, Celery, Carrot: Classic aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful base for the bisque.
• Garlic: Provides a deep, pungent flavor to enhance the overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Broth: Creates the foundational liquid for the smooth and creamy soup.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers rich, luxurious texture and adds depth to the bisque.

• Tomato Paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the bisque.
• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Provide warm, slightly spicy notes to the seafood soup.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.

• Sherry: Adds a sophisticated, complex flavor to the bisque when desired.

• Fresh Herbs: Adds bright, fresh finish to the creamy seafood bisque.

Seafood Bisque Cooking Directions, Step by Step

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

Drizzle olive oil into a spacious pot dancing over medium heat.

Toss in chopped celery, carrots, and onions.

Let them sizzle and soften for about 5 minutes, releasing their sweet fragrances.

Sprinkle minced garlic and let it become golden for another minute, creating a flavor foundation.

Step 2: Spice Up the Base

Introduce tomato paste, paprika, and a whisper of cayenne pepper to the vegetable medley.

Stir and let these spices caramelize and bloom, intensifying their rich flavors for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Create a Silky Foundation

Dust flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring consistently for 2 minutes.

Slowly pour in broth, whisking gently to prevent any lumpy surprises.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, watching it transform.

Step 4: Build Depth and Texture

Allow the bisque to simmer peacefully for 10-12 minutes.

Stir occasionally, watching it thicken into a luxurious consistency.

For an extra layer of complexity, splash in some sherry if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 5: Embrace the Ocean’s Treasures

Lower the heat to a soft medium-low.

• Chopped shrimp
• Tender crab meat

Let the seafood warm through for 5 minutes, absorbing the bisque’s rich flavors.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Season with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting to perfection.

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

Serve piping hot alongside crusty bread for a truly indulgent experience.

Pro Hints for Extra Creamy Crab Seafood Bisque

• Remove shrimp and crab meat from heat immediately after they're warmed through to maintain tender, juicy texture and avoid rubbery consistency.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with less and adding gradually to control spiciness.
• Use seafood stock instead of regular broth for richer, more complex maritime taste that amplifies the natural sweetness of crab and shrimp.
• Whisk flour slowly and consistently while adding broth to ensure smooth, velvety bisque without unwanted clumps.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy consistency.

Creative Additions for Seafood Bisque Flavors

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that still maintains a rich texture.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Soup: Increase cayenne pepper and add andouille sausage for a bold, Louisiana-style kick that enhances the seafood flavors.
• Vegetarian Seafood Alternative: Swap shrimp and crab with plant-based seafood alternatives like hearts of palm or king oyster mushrooms, maintaining the bisque's creamy consistency.
• Low-Carb Ocean Fusion: Substitute flour with cauliflower puree or xanthan gum to thicken the bisque, creating a keto-friendly seafood option packed with marine goodness.

Bisque Serving Ideas for Elegant Seafood Dinners

• Coastal Bread Dip: Slice crusty French or sourdough bread into thick pieces and use as a delicious dunking companion for the rich, creamy bisque.
• Herb Garden Sprinkle: Enhance flavor with fresh chopped chives, parsley, or dill scattered on top, adding bright color and zesty notes to the seafood soup.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the bisque with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which beautifully balances the creamy seafood flavors.
• Elegant Side Salad: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the bisque's richness and provide a fresh contrast.

Creamy Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Coastal flavors dance in this luxurious Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque, blending rich cream and delicate seafood. Silky textures and maritime essence invite you to savor an elegant culinary journey through ocean-inspired comfort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 0.5 lb (226 grams) Cooked Shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
• 0.5 lb (226 grams) Cooked Crab Meat (shells removed)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) Onion (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Celery (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Carrot (finely chopped)
• 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for spice)
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
• Fresh Herbs (parsley, chives, or dill for garnish)

Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 4 cups (960 ml) Seafood or Chicken Broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) Heavy Cream
• 2 tablespoons Sherry (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, gently sautéing celery, carrot, and onion until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Introduce tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper, allowing the spices to caramelize and develop intense flavors for 1-2 minutes.
4. Dust vegetables with flour, stirring thoroughly to create a smooth base, then gradually whisk in broth to prevent any lumpy texture.
5. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-12 minutes, periodically stirring until the bisque reaches a rich, velvety consistency. Optional: splash in sherry for enhanced depth.
6. Lower the heat to medium-low and gently fold in heavy cream, creating a luxurious foundation.
7. Delicately fold chopped shrimp and crab meat into the bisque, heating for approximately 5 minutes until seafood is perfectly warmed through.
8. Calibrate seasoning with salt and black pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
9. Elegantly garnish with fresh herbs and serve piping hot alongside crusty bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality seafood for the most vibrant flavor and best texture in your bisque.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper to match personal heat preferences.
• Substitute cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the bisque.
• Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as an alternative thickening agent for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 196 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg