Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

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🦀🦐 Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Description

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich, creamy, and elegant soup rooted in classic French cuisine. This luxurious bisque features tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, aromatic vegetables, and a velvety cream base infused with seafood stock and subtle spices. Perfect for special occasions, cozy dinners, or as a refined starter, this dish delivers deep seafood flavor with smooth, comforting texture.

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

  • Total Time: ~55 minutes

🍽️ Servings

  • Serves: 4–6 people

📝 Ingredients

Seafood

  • ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

  • ½ lb lump crab meat (picked clean of shells)

Base & Aromatics

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 small carrot, finely grated

  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

Thickening & Liquids

  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups seafood stock (or shrimp stock)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup milk (optional for lighter texture)

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Garnish (Optional)

  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives

  • Extra crab meat

  • Crusty bread or oyster crackers

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics
    Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  2. Make the Roux
    Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove raw flour taste.

  3. Build the Base
    Whisk in seafood stock gradually until smooth. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

  4. Blend (Optional but Recommended)
    For a classic bisque texture, use an immersion blender to purée until smooth. Alternatively, transfer carefully to a blender.

  5. Add Seafood
    Return soup to low heat. Add shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes until just pink. Gently fold in crab meat.

  6. Finish with Cream
    Stir in heavy cream and milk. Simmer gently for 5 minutes. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning.

  7. Serve
    Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired. Serve warm.

⭐ Tips for Best Flavor

  • Use fresh seafood for the best taste and texture.

  • Do not boil after adding cream—keep heat low to prevent curdling.

  • Shrimp shells make excellent stock if you want extra depth.

  • Blend partially if you prefer a chunkier bisque.

  • Add a splash of sherry or white wine for restaurant-style flavor.

🧠 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

  • Calories: ~380 kcal

  • Protein: 25 g

  • Fat: 26 g

  • Saturated Fat: 14 g

  • Carbohydrates: 14 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Cholesterol: 165 mg

  • Sodium: 780 mg

(Values vary by ingredient brands and portion size)

💪 Health Benefits

  • High in Protein: Supports muscle health and satiety.

  • Rich in Omega-3s: Promotes heart and brain health.

  • Calcium & Vitamin D: From dairy for bone strength.

  • Antioxidants: From garlic, onion, and spices.

  • Comfort Food with Nutrients: Indulgent yet nourishing when enjoyed in moderation.

❓ Q & A – Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Q: Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
A: Yes! Make it up to 24 hours ahead. Reheat gently on low heat without boiling.

Q: Can I freeze seafood bisque?
A: Freezing is not recommended due to the cream, which may separate. If needed, freeze before adding cream and add it when reheating.

Q: What can I substitute for crab?
A: Lobster, crawfish, or extra shrimp work well.

Q: Is this bisque spicy?
A: Mild by default. Adjust cayenne for more heat.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes. Replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.

🍞 Best Pairings

  • Crusty French bread

  • Garlic toast

  • Light green salad

  • White wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)

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