Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 lb crab meat; 2 tbsp butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 1 carrot, finely chopped; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups seafood or chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup milk; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Let me tell you, this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is absolute magic in a bowl! Rich, velvety, and full of that delightful seafood goodness, it’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds. Picture a creamy, luxurious broth with chunks of tender shrimp and crab, seasoned just right with herbs, a touch of spice, and a hint of sherry to bring everything together. Trust me, you’re going to love how this one tastes and feels. It’s perfect for a special occasion, but easy enough to whip up any time you’re craving something indulgent.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

This bisque is an absolute game-changer, and here’s why it’s a winner:

Rich & Luxurious Flavor: The combination of crab, shrimp, and creamy broth brings a deep, comforting flavor that feels fancy but is totally approachable.
Easy to Make: Despite how luxurious it tastes, this bisque is actually easy to prepare. The ingredients come together in just one pot, and the steps are simple but result in a restaurant-quality dish.
Perfectly Creamy: With a touch of heavy cream, butter, and a bit of sherry, this bisque has a silky smooth texture that coats your spoon and your soul.
Flexible Ingredients: You can adjust the seafood to your liking! If you prefer more shrimp or a bit more crab, go for it. You can even sneak in some scallops for an extra indulgent touch.
Impress Your Guests: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just want to treat yourself, this bisque is the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this incredible bisque:

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, shrimp is the star protein in this dish. Their sweet, tender texture balances perfectly with the rich broth.

Crab Meat: Lump crab meat gives the bisque that special, decadent flavor that makes it stand out. If you’re feeling fancy, feel free to use fresh crab, but canned crab works just as well.

Butter: Butter is the base of your bisque’s creamy richness. It helps create that luscious texture while adding a savory depth of flavor.

Onion: A finely diced onion is the flavor foundation. It softens and sweetens as it cooks, giving the bisque its savory base.

Celery & Carrot: These add freshness and texture to the bisque, creating a lovely balance with the seafood.

Garlic: A little garlic adds a fragrant punch that elevates the flavor of the whole dish.

Flour: This thickens the bisque, helping to create that beautiful, creamy texture without making it too heavy.

Sherry: A splash of dry sherry enhances the seafood flavors and adds complexity to the bisque. If you don’t have sherry, white wine will work in a pinch.

Chicken or Seafood Stock: This is the base liquid for your bisque. Seafood stock will bring an even richer flavor, but chicken stock is perfectly fine if that’s what you have.

Heavy Cream: This is what gives your bisque its rich, velvety texture and indulgent taste.

Old Bay Seasoning: This classic seafood seasoning brings the perfect amount of flavor, with a hint of spice and a touch of herbaceousness.

Paprika: A pinch of paprika adds a gentle smokiness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens up the bisque and balances the richness with a little zing.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into this heavenly bisque? Here’s how it’s done:

1. Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrot, and sauté until they soften—about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken your bisque.

3. Add Stock & Sherry: Slowly pour in the chicken or seafood stock while stirring constantly. Add the dry sherry and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.

4. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, and let the bisque simmer for another 5 minutes. The cream will make everything rich and velvety.

5. Season the Bisque: Sprinkle in the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want a little extra kick, you can add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce!

6. Add the Seafood: Gently add the shrimp and crab meat to the bisque. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and the seafood is heated through.

7. Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the bisque to brighten up the flavors. Stir well.

8. Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired, for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

This bisque is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides and garnishes to really elevate the experience:

Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping. A baguette or sourdough works wonders!
Salads: A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette will balance the richness of the bisque. Something simple, like arugula or spinach, is perfect.
Garlic Bread: If you want to take things up a notch, serve your bisque with garlic bread. The buttery, garlic flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy soup.
Lemon Wedges: Serve the bisque with extra lemon wedges on the side for those who like to add a little extra citrus punch to each bite.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips for making the most out of this bisque:

Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure not to overcook it. Once the shrimp turns pink, it’s done.
Use Fresh Seafood: If you can, use fresh crab and shrimp. But if you’re short on time, high-quality frozen seafood works just as well.
Make it Ahead: This bisque can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thinner bisque, add a little extra stock or water. If you want it thicker, let it simmer a bit longer.
Frozen Veggies: If you’re in a rush, you can use frozen carrots and celery instead of fresh.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen seafood?
A1: Yes! Frozen shrimp and crab work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them before adding to the bisque.

Q2: Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the bisque and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove and add the seafood just before serving to prevent overcooking.

Q3: Can I substitute the sherry?
A3: If you don’t have sherry, you can use white wine or even a splash of brandy for a slightly different flavor profile.

Q4: Can I freeze the bisque?
A4: Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Q5: Can I add other seafood to this bisque?
A5: Of course! Feel free to add scallops, lobster, or any other seafood you love. Just be mindful of the cooking times for different types of seafood.

Q6: How can I make this bisque spicier?
A6: If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños to give the bisque some extra kick.

Q7: Can I make this bisque dairy-free?
A7: Yes! Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative in place of the heavy cream, and dairy-free butter for a delicious alternative.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra stock or cream if needed to smooth out the texture.

Q9: Can I serve this bisque in bread bowls?
A9: Absolutely! Serving this bisque in a hollowed-out bread bowl adds a fun and delicious touch to your meal.

Q10: Can I make this a one-pot meal?
A10: Yes! You can cook the seafood right in the bisque, making it a complete meal in one pot. Just make sure to not overcook the seafood for the best results.

Conclusion

This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a showstopper of a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or indulging in a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to impress. Rich, creamy, and packed with fresh seafood, it’s the perfect bowl of goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!