Seafood Bisque With Crab, Shrimp, And Lobster Recipe

The Creamiest Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster Recipe

Luxurious seafood bisque swirls with maritime magic, promising a creamy adventure that whispers ocean secrets.

Nautical ingredients dance together in a symphony of succulent flavors.

Chefs adore this elegant recipe for its rich, velvety texture and complex profile.

Delicate crab, sweet shrimp, and tender lobster mingle in a silky broth that feels like pure indulgence.

Each spoonful carries memories of coastal summers and sophisticated dining experiences.

Sophisticated yet surprisingly simple, this dish invites you to savor every luxurious moment.

Prepare to impress with a bowl of pure coastal comfort that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster Richness

  • Savor Luxurious Flavors: Indulge in a rich, creamy seafood experience packed with premium crab, shrimp, and lobster that feels like a gourmet restaurant treat.
  • Master Culinary Skills: Create an impressive restaurant-quality dish with simple cooking techniques that boost your confidence in the kitchen without requiring advanced chef training.
  • Perfect for Special Gatherings: Wow dinner guests or celebrate milestone events with a decadent seafood bisque that elevates any dinner party or intimate family gathering.
  • Quick Comfort Cooking: Prepare a hearty, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal complex preparation steps.

Ingredients for Luxurious Seafood Bisque Soup

For the Base:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy fat that adds depth and helps build the foundation of the bisque.
  • Onion: A classic aromatic that provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the seafood bisque.
For the Thickeners:
  • Flour: Creates a smooth roux to thicken and add body to the bisque.
For the Liquids:
  • Chicken Broth, White Wine: Provide a flavorful liquid base that adds complexity to the bisque.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers a luxurious, velvety texture and rich flavor to the soup.
For the Seafood:
  • Shrimp, Crab, Lobster Meat: The star ingredients that bring a delicate, sweet ocean flavor to the bisque.
For the Seasonings:
  • Old Bay Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that enhance and complement the seafood's natural flavors.
For the Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the dish.

How to Prepare Seafood Bisque with Crab and Lobster

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Warm a large pot over medium heat and melt butter until it starts to shimmer. Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring gently until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 2: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the buttery mixture, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Toast the flour for a couple minutes until it develops a light golden color and releases a nutty aroma.

Step 3: Build Creamy Foundation

Gradually pour in rich seafood broth and crisp white wine, stirring steadily to create a smooth, velvety base. Add heavy cream and classic seasoning spices:
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Introduce Decadent Seafood

Carefully fold in succulent seafood treasures:
  • Tender shrimp
  • Sweet crab meat
  • Luxurious lobster chunks

Simmer for 5-7 minutes until shrimp turn a delicate pink and seafood is perfectly cooked through.

Step 5: Elevate and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the bisque for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness.

Ladle into warm bowls and serve alongside crusty, rustic bread for an indulgent dining experience.

Tips for Silky Smooth Seafood Bisque Every Time

  • Sauté onions and garlic at medium heat to release their sweet, delicate flavors without burning.
  • Continuously stir flour into butter to create a smooth, lump-free base that thickens the bisque beautifully.
  • Add delicate seafood at the end to prevent overcooking, ensuring tender, succulent texture and preventing rubbery shrimp.
  • Use white wine to enhance the richness of the bisque, adding complexity and brightness to the overall taste.
  • Adjust Old Bay and spices to your preference, tasting and tweaking for a perfectly balanced seafood experience.

Delicious Alternatives for Seafood Bisque Variations

  • Spicy Seafood Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to increase heat and complexity of the bisque, creating a bold flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace Old Bay with fresh thyme, oregano, and basil for a Mediterranean-inspired seafood experience.
  • Creamy Coconut Seafood: Substitute half the heavy cream with coconut milk to introduce a tropical, silky undertone to the traditional bisque.
  • Smoked Seafood Variation: Use smoked seafood instead of fresh, adding liquid smoke or smoked paprika to enhance the depth of flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Seafood Bisque Experience

  • Enhance Seafood Bisque Experience
  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay that complements the rich, creamy seafood flavors. Its subtle vanilla notes and balanced acidity perfectly match the bisque's luxurious texture.
  • Serve with Garlic Sourdough Crostini: Toast thin slices of sourdough bread, rub with fresh garlic, and drizzle with olive oil. These crunchy accompaniments provide a delightful textural contrast to the smooth bisque.
  • Match with Citrus Fennel Salad: Create a light, refreshing side salad with thinly sliced fennel, orange segments, and mixed greens. The bright, zesty flavors cut through the bisque's richness and cleanse the palate.
  • Recommend Sparkling White Wine Alternative

Best Ways to Maintain Seafood Bisque Freshness

  • Store leftover seafood bisque in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer bisque to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Seafood-based soups can separate when frozen, so stir well after thawing.
  • Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream to restore original creamy consistency. Heat until temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

FAQs

  • What seafood goes best in this bisque?

The recipe includes a luxurious blend of crab, shrimp, and lobster meat, creating a rich and flavorful seafood combination that complements each other perfectly.

  • Can I make this bisque ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the base of the bisque in advance and add the seafood just before serving to maintain the freshness and prevent overcooking of the delicate seafood.

  • Is Old Bay seasoning necessary for the recipe?

While Old Bay adds a classic seafood flavor, you can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne if you don’t have it on hand.

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Seafood Bisque With Crab, Shrimp, And Lobster Recipe

Seafood Bisque With Crab, Shrimp, And Lobster Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy seafood bisque blends luxurious crab, shrimp, and lobster in a rich, velvety embrace of marine flavors. Silky French-inspired soup promises an elegant coastal dining experience you’ll savor with pure maritime delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood:

  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) lump crab meat
  • 1/2 pound (226 grams) lobster meat, chopped

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups seafood or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium temperature until melted and bubbling, then gently sauté chopped onions and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle flour into the aromatic mixture, continuously stirring for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth, golden roux without burning.
  3. Gradually stream in broth and white wine, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky base, allowing the liquid to thicken naturally.
  4. Incorporate heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer with a rich, creamy consistency.
  5. Delicately fold in raw shrimp, crab, and lobster meat, allowing seafood to cook for 5-7 minutes until shrimp turn pink and proteins are perfectly tender.
  6. Remove from heat and let bisque rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and seafood to finish cooking.
  7. Ladle into warm bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately alongside warm, crusty bread for an elegant dining experience.

Notes

  • Select fresh, high-quality seafood for the most vibrant and rich flavor profile.
  • Adjust seasoning carefully, as seafood has natural saltiness that can impact overall taste.
  • Prevent overcooking seafood by monitoring cooking time closely to maintain tender texture.
  • Substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream for lactose-intolerant individuals while preserving creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 325 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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