Silky Shrimp Corn Bisque Recipe: A Cozy Seafood Delight

Creamy seafood lovers adore this shrimp corn bisque that captures coastal comfort in every spoonful.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a luxurious soup packed with rich flavors.

Tender shrimp swim through velvety corn-infused broth, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Sweet kernels add natural sweetness while aromatic seasonings dance across your palate.

Fresh herbs and subtle spices elevate this classic recipe beyond ordinary expectations.

Smooth textures and delicate seafood notes make this bisque perfect for intimate dinners or casual gatherings.

Let’s explore how simple ingredients can transform into an extraordinary culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

Store Bisque for Fresh, Next-Day Enjoyment

• Transfer cooled bisque to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour bisque into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if shrimp have been previously frozen.
• Thaw frozen bisque in the refrigerator overnight. Warm slowly in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of shrimp stock or water to restore original consistency.
• Reheat individual portions in microwave-safe bowls, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. Use 50% power to prevent cream from separating.

FAQs

• What's the key to a rich, flavorful base for this bisque?

The secret is creating a golden-brown roux by cooking flour with the sautéed vegetables and bacon fat. This technique develops deep, complex flavors and helps thicken the bisque naturally.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the bisque. Fresh or frozen both work well, but ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined for the best texture.

• How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming tough?

Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and are fully opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so watch them closely during the final simmering stage.

• Is sherry cooking wine necessary for this recipe?

Features That Set New Orleans Shrimp & Corn Bisque Apart

• Savor Southern Comfort: Dive into a creamy, rich bisque that captures the heart of New Orleans cuisine with its bold, comforting flavors and traditional cooking techniques.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit personal preferences, making this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Quick and Impressive Meal: Prepare a restaurant-quality dish in just a few simple steps, transforming basic ingredients into a luxurious, crowd-pleasing soup that looks and tastes gourmet.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Pack a nutritious meal with protein-rich shrimp, sweet corn, and aromatic vegetables that will delight both adults and kids at the dinner table.

Key Ingredients for New Orleans Shrimp Corn Bisque

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the primary protein and signature flavor for this New Orleans-style bisque.

• Bacon: Adds a smoky, rich flavor base and helps create the initial cooking fat for the dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: Classic Creole vegetable combination that builds a deep flavor foundation.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic undertone to the bisque.

• Sherry Cooking Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Shrimp Stock: Creates a rich seafood base for the bisque.
• Water: Helps adjust the consistency of the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious, smooth texture and richness.

• Flour: Essential for creating the roux and thickening the bisque.
• Butter: Helps develop the roux and adds richness.

• Corn Kernels: Adds sweetness and texture to the bisque.

• Cajun Seasoning: Brings traditional New Orleans spice and heat.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, sharp garnish and flavor accent.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note and bright color to the dish.

Cooking Directions for Shrimp & Corn Bisque Perfection

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until it becomes wonderfully crispy.

Remove most of the grease, keeping just a tablespoon behind for extra flavor.

Step 2: Awaken Vegetable Flavors

Toss diced onion, bell pepper, and celery into the pot.

Let them dance and soften, then introduce minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick minute.

Step 3: Splash and Deglaze

Pour sherry cooking wine into the pot, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Drop in butter and let it melt completely.

Step 4: Create Golden Roux

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly.

Cook this mixture for 5 minutes until it transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown roux.

Step 5: Build Liquid Foundation

Slowly whisk in shrimp stock and water.

Let the mixture simmer gently, occasionally stirring for 20 minutes to develop deep flavors.

Step 6: Introduce Seafood and Corn

• Peeled shrimp
• Corn kernels
• Heavy cream
• Cajun seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together and simmer until shrimp turn pink and are perfectly cooked.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Fold in chopped green onions and parsley.

Taste and adjust seasonings to make the bisque sing.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Ladle the hot bisque into bowls.

Garnish with extra parsley and green onions for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Bisque Results

• Save bacon grease for extra flavor, but drain most of it to prevent the bisque from becoming too greasy.
• Stir constantly while making the roux to prevent burning and achieve a rich, golden color without bitter undertones.
• Use fresh, medium-sized shrimp for the best texture and sweetness; avoid pre-cooked shrimp to maintain tender, juicy meat.
• Add heavy cream at the end and avoid boiling to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, silky consistency.
• Customize Cajun seasoning to your heat preference, starting with less and adding more to taste for a personalized flavor profile.

Bisque Variations for Seafood Lovers to Try

• Vegetarian Seafood Bisque: Replace shrimp with plant-based seafood alternatives like hearts of palm or jackfruit, using vegetable stock instead of shrimp stock for a meat-free version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, maintaining the rich texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour for the roux, ensuring the bisque remains thick and creamy without wheat-based ingredients.
• Low-Sodium Modification: Reduce Cajun seasoning, use low-sodium stock, and replace bacon with smoked paprika for flavor without excess salt content.

Best Ways to Serve Shrimp and Corn Bisque

• Seafood Feast Finale: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for extra crunch and rich flavor.
• Creamy Corn Companion: Serve alongside warm, buttery cornbread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious bisque.
• Elegant Dinner Presentation: Garnish with fresh herb sprigs and a delicate drizzle of cream for a restaurant-quality look that impresses guests.
• Southern Comfort Pairing: Complement the bisque with a chilled glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing sweet tea for a true New Orleans dining experience.

Shrimp Corn Bisque Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern shrimp corn bisque brings coastal comfort to your dinner table with rich, velvety goodness. Warm spices and fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful culinary journey that satisfies both heart and palate.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1.5 lbs medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (1 cup)
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 ears of corn, kernels removed (2–3 cups)
• 2–4 green onions, chopped
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids, Seasonings, and Thickeners:

• 4 cups shrimp stock
• 1.5 cups water
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sherry cooking wine
• 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp and golden. Drain excess fat, reserving approximately 1 tablespoon of rendered drippings.
2. Sauté diced onion, bell pepper, and celery in bacon drippings until vegetables become translucent and tender. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds.
3. Deglaze the pot with sherry cooking wine, thoroughly scraping browned bits from bottom. Incorporate butter and allow to melt completely.
4. Create a roux by evenly sprinkling flour over vegetables, continuously stirring for 5 minutes until mixture achieves a rich golden-brown color.
5. Gradually whisk shrimp stock and water into roux, ensuring smooth incorporation. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
6. Introduce peeled shrimp, corn kernels, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper into the simmering liquid. Cook until shrimp transform to a vibrant pink and become fully opaque.
7. Fold in fresh chopped green onions and parsley. Taste and recalibrate seasoning as necessary.
8. Ladle piping hot bisque into serving bowls. Garnish with additional herbs for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Bacon Selection Choose thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and more substantial crispy bits that add wonderful texture to the bisque.
• Shrimp Tip Use fresh, wild-caught Gulf shrimp for authentic New Orleans taste and optimal seafood quality.
• Roux Perfection Continuously stir the roux to prevent burning and achieve a deep golden color without scorching, which develops complex flavor layers.
• Dairy Alternative Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version that maintains creamy consistency while adding subtle sweetness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg