Seafood Bisque

Rich, creamy, and luxuriously smooth, this Seafood Bisque is the ultimate comfort in a bowl. Packed with tender shrimp, crab meat, and scallops, all simmered in a flavorful blend of aromatics, seafood stock, and cream, this dish is a restaurant-quality indulgence that you can make right at home. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a satisfying, elegant meal that’s perfect for holidays or cozy evenings in.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant & Satisfying – Creamy texture and deep, layered seafood flavor.
Restaurant-Worthy – Gourmet taste made simple in your own kitchen.
Versatile – Use your favorite seafood or whatever you have on hand.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for prepping before a dinner party.
Freezer-Friendly – Stores well for future meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bisque Base:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
4 cups seafood or chicken stock
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Seafood:
½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ lb scallops (small or chopped if large)
½ cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)

For Finishing:
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Crusty bread, for serving

Tools You’ll Need
Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Blender or immersion blender
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Ladle and wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

1. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
2. Add tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes to develop flavor.
3. Slowly pour in the seafood stock while whisking to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Simmer the Bisque

1. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
2. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Blend the Bisque

1. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth.
2. Alternatively, blend in batches in a countertop blender—be cautious with hot liquid.
3. Return the blended soup to the pot.

Step 5: Add Cream and Seafood

1. Stir in the cream and milk. Simmer on low for 5 minutes.
2. Add shrimp and scallops. Cook for 3–5 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
3. Gently fold in crab meat. Simmer for another 2 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Stir in lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with crusty bread.

Tips for the Best Seafood Bisque
Use Quality Seafood – Fresh or properly thawed seafood ensures the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook – Add seafood last to keep it tender.
Blend for Creaminess – Puréeing the veggie base gives a silky texture.
Add a Splash of Sherry – For extra depth (optional, use a non-alcoholic substitute if needed).
Prep Ahead – Make the base a day ahead and add seafood before serving.

Serving Suggestions
Crusty French Bread – Perfect for dipping into the bisque.
Side Salad – Try a citrusy arugula salad for contrast.
Parmesan Crostini – Toasted baguette topped with a sprinkle of cheese.
Roasted Asparagus – A light veggie side that pairs beautifully.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze:
Freeze the blended soup base without seafood for best texture. Add seafood fresh when reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring often.
Microwave: Use a low power setting in short intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen seafood?
   Yes, just thaw it fully and pat dry before cooking.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a creamy texture.
3. What’s the best substitute for seafood stock?
   Chicken stock works well, though seafood stock gives the most flavor.
4. Can I use different seafood?
   Absolutely! Try lobster, fish, or clams based on your preference or availability.

Final Thoughts
This Seafood Bisque is a silky, elegant soup that brings the richness of the sea right to your table. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for a dinner party. With its creamy base and tender bites of seafood, this bisque is guaranteed to warm hearts and fill bellies.

Make it once, and you’ll be craving it every time the weather cools—or when you need a comforting bowl of something truly special.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 620mg

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