Here’s a rich and creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque recipe—perfect as a decadent starter or main course.
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Ingredients (serves 4–6):
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (1 L) seafood stock or fish stock
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 lb (225 g) cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 lb (225 g) cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add tomato paste and flour:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add liquids and seasonings:
- Slowly whisk in seafood stock and white wine (if using) to avoid lumps.
- Add Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add cream and seafood:
- Stir in heavy cream.
- Add shrimp and crab meat, simmer 5 more minutes to heat through.
- Blend (optional):
- For a smoother bisque, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks of seafood for texture.
- Finish and serve:
- Stir in fresh parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
💡 Tips:
- Use fresh or frozen seafood for best flavor.
- For extra depth, sauté shrimp shells and vegetables first, then strain to make a quick seafood stock.
- Garnish with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of paprika for presentation.
I can also give a quick 30-minute version using canned crab, pre-cooked shrimp, and store-bought stock that’s nearly as luxurious but much faster. Do you want that version?
