Description
Looking for a luxurious yet easy dinner idea that feels straight out of a gourmet restaurant? This Crab Bisque is the answer. A creamy seafood soup made with sweet lump crab, rich broth, fresh aromatics, and a splash of cream, it’s the perfect choice for a quick yet elegant dinner, cozy cold-weather comfort, or a starter for your next dinner party. Naturally gluten-free, freezer-friendly (if prepped smartly), and utterly delicious, this is a must-try for seafood lovers. Perfect for those looking for easy dinner recipes, seafood meal ideas, or a rich soup for fall and winter.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
¼ cup dry white wine
3 cups seafood stock or chicken broth
1 bay leaf
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 oz lump crab meat
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1–2 more minutes.
2. Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until tomato paste darkens slightly.
3. Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Pour in seafood stock and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
5. Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. (Cool slightly first if using a countertop blender.)
6. Return soup to low heat. Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Gently fold in the lump crab meat and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
8. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley, paprika, or cream drizzle if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use high-quality seafood stock or make a quick one by simmering shrimp shells with garlic and herbs.
Always add cream after blending and lower the heat to avoid curdling.
Gently fold in crab meat to preserve its texture—avoid over-stirring.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: crab bisque, creamy seafood soup, easy dinner recipe, crab soup, holiday starter