Description

Warm, rich, and loaded with tender seafood, this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a cozy coastal classic you’ll want to make again and again. It’s the perfect comfort food, combining sweet crab and succulent shrimp in a velvety, seasoned broth. Great for impressing guests or treating yourself to an easy dinner at home, this bisque works beautifully as a starter or a main. Whether you’re searching for a quick dinner idea, healthy-ish seafood recipe, or satisfying winter soup, this bisque checks all the boxes. From weeknight dinners to holiday starters, it’s a go-to option for anyone craving seafood in a creamy, elegant package.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 lb lump crab meat

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

1 small carrot, finely diced or grated

1/4 cup dry white wine

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups seafood stock

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup whole milk

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Crusty bread, for serving

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Instructions

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

2. Add tomato paste, paprika, Old Bay, thyme, cayenne, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat and toast for 1 minute.

3. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pot. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add flour, stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.

4. Gradually pour in seafood stock while whisking. Add bay leaf. Simmer for 10–12 minutes to thicken and blend flavors.

5. (Optional) Remove bay leaf and blend mixture with immersion blender until smooth.

6. Stir in heavy cream and milk. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Do not boil.

7. Add shrimp and crab. Simmer 4–5 minutes until shrimp are cooked and crab is warmed. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning.

8. Serve in bowls, garnish with parsley, and enjoy with crusty bread.

Notes

For a smoother texture, use a blender or immersion blender before adding the seafood.

Always use fresh or high-quality seafood for the best flavor and texture.

Avoid boiling once the cream is added to maintain the bisque’s silky consistency.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 380
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 145mg