Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

There’s something magical about a rich, creamy bisque—especially when it’s filled with the freshest seafood flavors. This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a warm, comforting bowl of pure indulgence that’s perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests at dinner parties. It’s creamy, full of savory goodness, and packed with tender shrimp and sweet crab. Every spoonful feels like a hug, but with a touch of elegance. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again—it’s that good!

Why You’ll Love Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Here’s why this seafood bisque will be your new go-to dish:

Luxuriously Creamy

This bisque is ultra-smooth and creamy, thanks to a perfect blend of cream, stock, and a little butter. It has that velvety texture that makes each spoonful feel decadent.

Flavor Explosion

The combination of crab and shrimp adds depth and richness, creating a seafood lover’s dream. The bisque is enhanced by a hint of sherry and garlic, making the flavors really sing. It’s the kind of soup that’s as much about the flavor as it is about the experience of savoring every bite.

Quick and Easy

Despite how fancy it might seem, this bisque comes together relatively easily. With just a bit of simmering and some gentle stirring, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Whether it’s a holiday feast, a special dinner with friends, or a romantic evening in, this seafood bisque brings an air of elegance to the table without a ton of effort.

Ingredients

Ready to dive into making this luxurious bisque? Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Bisque:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb crab meat, fresh or canned (lump crab meat is best)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup half-and-half
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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

Instructions

Let’s get cooking and turn these simple ingredients into a seafood masterpiece!

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent. You’ll start to smell those savory aromas filling the kitchen!

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Spices

Stir in the tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, and paprika. Let it cook for 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to darken and the spices to bloom, enhancing the bisque’s flavor.

Step 3: Add Stock and Wine

Pour in the seafood stock and white wine, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together. The wine will cook off, leaving behind that lovely depth of flavor.

Step 4: Puree the Base

Use an immersion blender to carefully purée the mixture directly in the pot until it’s smooth and velvety. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, blending until smooth. Be careful, though—it’ll be hot!

Step 5: Add Cream and Half-and-Half

Return the pureed soup to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream and half-and-half. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more stock if you prefer a thinner bisque.

Step 6: Add the Seafood

Add the shrimp and crab meat to the soup, and gently stir to incorporate. Let the seafood cook in the bisque for about 3-5 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the crab meat is heated through.

Step 7: Season to Taste

Taste your bisque and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a nice touch of brightness to balance the richness of the bisque.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color. Serve immediately with a side of warm crusty bread for dipping.

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 190mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 40g

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

This bisque is best served hot and fresh, with plenty of crusty bread for dipping. Here are a few more ideas to elevate your meal:

With Crusty Bread

A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of toasted sourdough is perfect for dipping in the creamy bisque. It soaks up the flavors beautifully!

As an Appetizer

This bisque is great as a starter for a seafood-themed dinner. Pair it with other seafood dishes like garlic butter shrimp or a fresh seafood salad for a full spread.

With a Light Salad

Serve alongside a light, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the bisque. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing would be the perfect complement.

As a Main Course

If you’re making this as a main dish, add some crispy fried shallots or croutons for texture and a pop of flavor. It’s hearty enough on its own but pairs well with light sides.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: This bisque stores beautifully! Make it ahead of time, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
• Add More Seafood: Want to take it up a notch? Feel free to add some lobster, scallops, or clams to make this seafood bisque even more decadent.
• Use Fresh Seafood: For the best flavor, always use fresh seafood. But if that’s not an option, frozen shrimp and canned crab will work just fine—just make sure to thaw the seafood thoroughly before using.
• Vegetarian Version: If you want a vegetarian version, you can leave out the seafood and use vegetable stock instead of seafood stock. The base of the bisque will still be creamy and delicious.

FAQ

Q1: Can I freeze Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque?
A1: Yes, you can freeze this bisque! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Q2: Can I use canned crab meat?
A2: Yes! Canned crab meat works well in this recipe, especially if fresh crab is hard to find. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the bisque.

Q3: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A3: Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before adding it to the bisque. Frozen shrimp can be a great option when fresh shrimp isn’t available.

Q4: How do I make this bisque spicier?
A4: To add some heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also add a little hot sauce or a finely diced jalapeño for an extra kick.

Q5: Can I use a different type of seafood?
A5: Yes! Feel free to substitute or add other types of seafood like scallops, lobster, or even mussels to create your own seafood bisque masterpiece.

Q6: Can I use a blender instead of an immersion blender?
A6: Yes, you can transfer the bisque to a regular blender in batches. Just be careful as it will be hot! Blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.

Q7: Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
A7: Yes, this bisque can be made ahead. Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

Q8: Can I make this bisque without wine?
A8: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with extra seafood stock or a little lemon juice for acidity.

Q9: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat to preserve the bisque’s creamy texture.

Q10: Can I add vegetables to the bisque?
A10: Yes, you can add more vegetables like leeks, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the flavor and texture. Just sauté them along with the onions and carrots.

Conclusion

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a creamy, rich dish that brings the flavors of the sea straight to your table. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or just craving something indulgent, this bisque is sure to impress. With its luxurious texture and savory seafood flavors, it’s a dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking—this bisque is waiting to be your new favorite comfort food!

Print