Description
This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich and flavorful soup featuring succulent shrimp and lump crab meat in a smooth, creamy broth. With the perfect blend of Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and a touch of white wine, this bisque is an indulgent dish that’s ideal for cozy dinners or as a special treat for seafood lovers. It’s easy to prepare, yet feels luxurious—making it perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Roux:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. This will help thicken the bisque.
- Add Liquids:
- Slowly pour in the seafood or chicken broth and white wine (if using), stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add Seafood:
- Stir in the shrimp and lump crab meat. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through.
- Serve:
- Remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Customize the Spice: If you like your bisque with more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
- Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh shrimp and crab will provide the best flavor, but frozen seafood will work fine as well. Be sure to thaw it properly if using frozen seafood.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free bisque, use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux.
- Make Ahead: This bisque can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth or cream to adjust the consistency if necessary.
- Serve with Bread: Pair the bisque with a crusty baguette, garlic bread, or crackers to make it a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 125mg