Luscious Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Mixing smooth, velvety textures with delicate seafood, this creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque delivers an elegant coastal experience.

Waves of rich flavors dance across your palate with each spoonful.

Delicate shellfish swim in a luxurious broth that whispers maritime memories.

Ocean-fresh ingredients create a sophisticated soup perfect for intimate dinners or special gatherings.

Subtle herbs and smooth cream weave magic through tender seafood morsels.

Salt breezes and culinary craftsmanship combine in this classic maritime recipe.

Savor every luxurious bite and let coastal comfort warm your soul.

Variations to Try with Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Replace shrimp with scallops and add jalapeños for extra heat, creating a zesty Mexican-inspired seafood bisque.
• Mediterranean Seafood Blend: Incorporate diced sun-dried tomatoes, add a touch of saffron, and use white fish instead of crab for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Coconut Curry Seafood Bisque: Swap half-and-half with coconut milk, add red curry paste, and include a mix of seafood like mussels and calamari for an Asian-inspired version.
• Light Herb Garden Bisque: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, add fresh dill and chives, and include lighter seafood like cod for a more delicate taste.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Elevate Seafood Flavor with Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy bisque's rich texture and seafood complexity.
• Enhance Dining Experience with Bread: Serve crusty sourdough or garlic-herb focaccia to soak up the luxurious bisque and provide delightful textural contrast.
• Match Seafood with Citrus Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with orange segments and lemon vinaigrette to cut through the bisque's richness and refresh the palate.
• Boost Taste with Herbed Croutons: Top the bisque with homemade herbed croutons made from toasted baguette cubes mixed with fresh thyme and parsley for added crunch and flavor complexity.

Storage Guidelines for Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Store leftover bisque in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
• Pour bisque into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Seafood-based soups can become grainy when frozen, so expect slight texture changes.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of chicken broth or cream to restore original creamy consistency.
• Transfer to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop heating when bisque reaches steaming temperature to prevent seafood from becoming tough.

FAQs About Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• What are the key ingredients that make this bisque creamy?

The butter and flour create a roux, which helps thicken the bisque. Half-and-half cream adds richness and a smooth, velvety texture to the soup.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes cayenne pepper, which gives a mild heat. You can adjust the amount of cayenne to control the spice level according to your preference.

• Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen crab and shrimp. Just ensure they are completely thawed and drained before adding to the bisque to prevent excess water.

• What makes this bisque different from other seafood soups?

The combination of white wine, tomato paste, and chicken broth creates a complex, layered flavor profile that sets this bisque apart from traditional seafood soups.

Why Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Is So Luxurious

• Savor Seafood Luxury: Indulge in a rich, creamy bisque that brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.
• Quick Gourmet Preparation: Master this sophisticated dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal without complex techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels with cayenne pepper, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful seafood experience.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with a single pot recipe that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without extensive kitchen work.

Ingredients for Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Butter: A rich, creamy fat that provides a smooth foundation for the bisque.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a velvety texture.
• Half-and-Half Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and richness to the bisque.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base with deep flavor.

• Crabmeat: Tender, sweet seafood that brings a delicate marine flavor to the dish.
• Shrimp: Succulent shellfish that adds protein and oceanic taste to the bisque.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational vegetables that build a robust flavor profile.
• Tomato Paste: Contributes a subtle tangy depth and beautiful color.
• White Wine: Introduces a sophisticated, slightly acidic note to balance the creaminess.
• Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh, green accent to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation for Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Step 1: Melt Butter and Create Roux

In a large pot, gently melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously. Keep whisking until the mixture turns a light golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Base

Slowly pour half-and-half cream into the roux, whisking steadily to prevent any lumps from forming. Add chicken broth, tomato paste, and white wine to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer and gradually thicken for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Introduce Seafood and Seasonings

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Crabmeat
• Shrimp
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the seafood cook and blend with the creamy base for 10 minutes, stirring periodically to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Remove the pot from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley, infusing the bisque with a bright, herbal note.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot bisque into serving bowls. Optionally, sprinkle additional parsley on top for a beautiful garnish and extra fresh flavor.

Expert Tips for Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• Prevent lumps by whisking flour slowly and steadily when creating the roux, ensuring a smooth base for your bisque.
• Select fresh seafood from reliable sources to enhance the overall flavor and quality of the dish.
• Adjust cayenne pepper levels to match your spice tolerance, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing.
• Consider substituting half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer texture or using low-fat milk for a lighter version.
• Enhance depth of flavor by adding a splash of sherry or brandy instead of white wine for a more complex taste profile.

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Luxurious Seafood Bisque delights taste buds with rich, velvety textures blending succulent crab and tender shrimp in a delicate cream-based broth. Warm comfort meets coastal elegance, promising a memorable dining experience that whisks you straight to seaside culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 pound cooked crabmeat
• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy and Base:

• 1 quart (0.95 liters) half-and-half cream
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 430 milliliters) can chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then whisk in flour until it turns a light golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Slowly incorporate half-and-half cream, preventing lumps from forming, then blend in chicken broth, tomato paste, and white wine. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for 10 minutes.
3. Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, succulent crabmeat, tender shrimp, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper into the simmering liquid. Continue cooking for 10 minutes, gently stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Remove the pot from heat and fold in freshly chopped parsley, infusing the bisque with a vibrant herbal essence.
5. Ladle the steaming seafood bisque into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with additional parsley sprigs for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

• Optimize roux formation by whisking flour and butter constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, nutty base for the bisque.
• Gradually add half-and-half while whisking to create a silky, lump-free texture that enhances the creamy consistency of the seafood soup.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper to suit individual heat preferences without overwhelming the delicate seafood flavors.
• Transform the recipe into a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg