Description
This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a decadent, rich soup that combines sweet crab and tender shrimp with a velvety cream base. Flavored with aromatic herbs and spices, it’s a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or a warm, cozy meal on a cold day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup carrot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 3 cups seafood stock or chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat (or imitation crab if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrot, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and the vegetables are fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the seafood stock (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until just pink and cooked through. Then, gently stir in the crab meat and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Taste the bisque and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Old Bay seasoning if needed. If you like a more pronounced seafood flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Remove the bisque from heat and ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother bisque, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup and create a velvety texture. Be sure to leave some chunks for texture!
- If you prefer a thicker bisque, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the broth and simmer it for an extra 5 minutes before adding the cream.
- This bisque can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Seafood, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
Keywords: Seafood Bisque, Crab and Shrimp Bisque, Creamy Seafood Soup, Crab Bisque, Shrimp Bisque, Comfort Soup, Seafood Soup Recipe