This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich and indulgent dish packed with tender shrimp, succulent crab, and a velvety, flavorful broth. Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in, this seafood bisque is surprisingly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home.
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Why You’ll Love This Seafood Bisque
- Luxuriously Creamy: A smooth and rich texture that feels like a gourmet dish.
- Full of Seafood Flavor: Loaded with fresh shrimp and crab for the ultimate seafood experience.
- Easy Yet Elegant: Comes together in under 40 minutes, making it great for both weeknights and special occasions.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or swap out seafood for your favorite shellfish.
Ingredients for Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 3 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup tomato paste
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ pound lump crab meat
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Whisk
- Ladle
- Blender (optional, for an extra-smooth texture)
How to Make Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Base
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat.
Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
Slowly whisk in the seafood or chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps.
Step 3: Simmer and Blend
Stir in the tomato paste, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Let cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
For a smoother bisque, carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender until silky.
Step 4: Add the Seafood
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and milk.
Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
Gently fold in the crab meat and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Stir in the white vinegar or lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley and chives.
Step 6: Enjoy
Ladle the bisque into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with warm, buttered baguette slices for dipping.
- Serve alongside a light green salad for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with extra lump crab meat on top for an elegant touch.
Tips for the Best Seafood Bisque
- Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh or high-quality frozen seafood enhances the flavor.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker bisque, let it simmer longer before adding the seafood.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it toward the end to keep it tender.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
- Freezing is not recommended, as the cream-based broth may separate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes! Lump or claw meat works well. Just be sure to drain it properly.
Q2: Can I substitute the shrimp?
Yes! Try scallops, lobster, or even white fish for a variation.
Q3: Is this bisque spicy?
It has a mild kick from cayenne, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
Conclusion: A Luxurious Seafood Delight
This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a comforting, restaurant-worthy dish that’s easy to make at home. Whether for a cozy dinner or a fancy gathering, it’s sure to impress every seafood lover.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: French-American
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 21g
Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every spoonful of this creamy, seafood-packed bisque!
Print
Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich and indulgent dish packed with tender shrimp, succulent crab, and a velvety, flavorful broth. Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in, this seafood bisque is surprisingly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 3 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup tomato paste
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ pound lump crab meat
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat.
Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
Slowly whisk in the seafood or chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps.
Stir in the tomato paste, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Let cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
For a smoother bisque, carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender until silky.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and milk.
Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
Gently fold in the crab meat and cook for another 2 minutes.
Stir in the white vinegar or lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley and chives.
Ladle the bisque into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.
Notes
- Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh or high-quality frozen seafood enhances the flavor.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker bisque, let it simmer longer before adding the seafood.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it toward the end to keep it tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: French-American
