Did you know that you can recreate the luxurious taste of a five-star seafood bisque in your own kitchen in just 35 minutes? This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and indulgent soup that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Combining succulent crab and tender shrimp with a velvety base, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Delivers the depth and richness you’d expect from a high-end seafood restaurant.
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Versatile: Can be customized with different seafood or adjusted to suit dietary preferences.
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Comforting and Elegant: Perfectly balances indulgence with simplicity, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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⅓ cup chopped celery
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⅓ cup chopped green onions
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk, warmed
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1½ cups heavy whipping cream
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
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8 ounces cooked shrimp, cut into pieces
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8 ounces crab meat
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and cook the celery and green onions until softened.
Create Roux: Add flour and stir for about a minute to cook out the raw taste.
Incorporate Dairy: Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, ensuring a smooth mixture without lumps. Add the heavy whipping cream, continuing to whisk until fully combined.
Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato paste and Old Bay seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer: Let the bisque gently bubble on low heat until it slightly thickens, around 10 minutes.
Add Seafood: Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and crab meat, cooking until heated through, approximately 5 minutes.
Serve: Spoon the hot bisque into bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Helpful Tips
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Use Fresh Seafood: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp and crab meat.
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Warm the Milk: Warming the milk before adding it to the roux helps prevent curdling and ensures a smoother bisque.
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Adjust Thickness: If the bisque is too thick, add a bit more milk or seafood stock to reach your desired consistency.
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Enhance Flavor: A splash of dry sherry or white wine can add depth to the bisque’s flavor profile.
Substitutions and Variations
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Seafood Options: Feel free to substitute or add other seafood like lobster, scallops, or clams.
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Dairy Alternatives: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or opt for dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk.
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Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
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Vegetable Additions: Incorporate finely diced carrots or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
Make Ahead: This bisque can be prepared a day before and stored for later.
Is it possible to freeze the bisque?
Freezing is not recommended, as the dairy components may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture.
What can I serve with this bisque?
Crusty bread, oyster crackers, or a light green salad pair well with the rich flavors of the bisque.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring now and then to maintain creaminess.
Freezing: Not recommended due to potential separation of dairy ingredients.
More Relevant Recipes
Conclusion
This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque offers a delightful combination of rich flavors and creamy texture, bringing gourmet dining to your home kitchen. With its straightforward preparation and luxurious taste, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience or explore more delicious seafood recipes to keep the inspiration flowing!
Print
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque: A Gourmet Delight in 35 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque—a restaurant-quality soup made effortlessly at home. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the perfect comforting dish for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
⅓ cup chopped celery
⅓ cup chopped green onions
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, warmed
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
8 ounces cooked shrimp, cut into pieces
8 ounces crab meat
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
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Add celery and green onions; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux.
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Gradually whisk in warmed milk until smooth.
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Add heavy cream, tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer gently until the bisque thickens, about 10 minutes.
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Stir in shrimp and crab meat; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and crusty bread.
Notes
For added depth, stir in a splash of dry sherry or white wine.
Use fresh or high-quality frozen seafood for best results.
To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Avoid boiling after adding dairy to maintain a smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg