Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp

Imagine a warm, creamy bowl of Seafood Bisque, filled with tender scallops, succulent cod, and sweet shrimp. The rich, velvety texture of this bisque is like a comforting hug on a cold day, with deep, savory flavors that take every spoonful to the next level. With a splash of white wine, a hint of garlic, and a touch of spice, this seafood bisque is pure indulgence in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving something luxurious, this dish will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a cozy seaside bistro. Trust me—every bite will leave you wanting more!

Why You’ll Love Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp

Luxuriously Creamy: The bisque base is silky smooth, with a rich, buttery flavor that envelops the seafood. It’s the kind of soup you’ll savor with every spoonful.

Loaded with Seafood: Scallops, cod, and shrimp come together in perfect harmony. Each type of seafood brings its unique texture and flavor, making every bite exciting.

Elevated Comfort Food: This bisque takes comfort food to a whole new level. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet cozy—ideal for a chilly evening.

Impressive Yet Easy: Although it’s rich and flavorful, this bisque is surprisingly simple to make, so you don’t have to be a gourmet chef to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

This bisque is packed with simple, yet luxurious ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Bisque:

• Seafood Stock or Broth: A good-quality seafood stock gives the bisque its deep, savory base.
• Heavy Cream: The key to making the bisque luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and giving the soup a rich, buttery flavor.
• Garlic: A staple flavor in the bisque, providing depth and aroma.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and balance to the bisque base.
• Carrot: For a hint of sweetness and a nice texture.
• Celery: Another layer of flavor, contributing to the classic soup base.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and a slight tang, balancing the richness of the cream.
• Tomato Paste: To provide richness and depth to the bisque.
• Bay Leaves: For a subtle herbaceous flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper or Paprika: Adds a little heat and smokiness (optional, depending on how spicy you like your bisque).
• Salt and Pepper: To season and bring everything together.

For the Seafood:

• Scallops: Sweet and tender, they’re the star of this bisque.
• Cod: Mild and flaky, the cod balances the stronger flavors of the other seafood.
• Shrimp: Plump and juicy, shrimp adds a delicious bite to every spoonful.

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

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

Start by cutting the cod into bite-sized chunks and peeling and deveining the shrimp if needed. Pat the seafood dry with paper towels to ensure they sear well later. Set the seafood aside.

Step 2: Make the Base of the Bisque

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.

Step 3: Add the Flavorings

Stir in the tomato paste, white wine, cayenne pepper (or paprika), and bay leaves. Cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the tomato paste caramelize and the wine reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.

Step 4: Add the Stock and Cream

Pour in the seafood stock or broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Then, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the bisque remains smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Cook the Seafood

Gently add the cod, scallops, and shrimp to the bisque. Stir gently to incorporate the seafood, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through. The scallops should be opaque and firm, the shrimp should be pink and curled, and the cod should flake easily.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the bisque and add salt and pepper as needed. If you like a bit more heat, you can add a dash more cayenne or paprika at this point.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the bisque into bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of seafood. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and serve with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the comforting, luxurious flavors of your homemade seafood bisque!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 520
Fat: 36g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 36g
Sodium: 890mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp

With Fresh Bread
Serve your bisque with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping. A baguette or sourdough would complement the creamy bisque beautifully.

As an Elegant Starter
This bisque works wonderfully as an elegant first course for a special dinner. Pair it with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, for a perfect pairing.

With a Side Salad
A light, fresh salad with a simple vinaigrette will balance the richness of the bisque. Opt for mixed greens, arugula, or a tangy citrus salad.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs
Top each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon would also add a delightful brightness to the dish.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead

This bisque can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to store the seafood separately and add it in when reheating.

Freeze for Later

You can freeze the bisque without the seafood for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, defrost it and add the fresh seafood just before serving.

Adjust the Seafood

Feel free to mix up the types of seafood based on what you have available. Crab, lobster, or even mussels would be delicious in this bisque.

Make It Spicier

If you love spice, bump up the cayenne pepper or paprika, or even add a chopped jalapeño to the base for a kick.

Keep the Soup Smooth

If you prefer a smoother bisque, you can blend the soup after cooking and before adding the seafood. This will give it a silky texture with fewer chunks.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen seafood instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the bisque.

Q2: Can I use a different type of fish?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer another type of fish, like halibut or tilapia, feel free to substitute it for the cod.

Q3: Can I make this bisque without wine?
A3: Yes! If you prefer to avoid wine, you can substitute the wine with additional seafood stock or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the seafood.

Q5: Can I freeze this bisque?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the bisque without the seafood for up to 3 months. Add the seafood when you’re reheating the soup.

Q6: Can I make this bisque vegetarian?
A6: You can skip the seafood and substitute with vegetable stock and add some hearty vegetables like potatoes, leeks, and mushrooms for a satisfying alternative.

Q7: How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
A7: Make sure to simmer the bisque on low heat once you add the cream. Avoid bringing it to a rapid boil, as this can cause the cream to separate.

Q8: Can I add other vegetables to the bisque?
A8: Definitely! You could add other vegetables like leeks, potatoes, or fennel to enhance the flavor and texture.

Q9: How can I thicken the bisque?
A9: If you prefer a thicker bisque, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.

Q10: What should I pair this bisque with?
A10: This bisque pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, and a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Conclusion

This Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp is the kind of dish that feels like a special treat but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavorful seafood, it’s a bowl of comfort you won’t forget. Whether you’re serving it as a luxurious appetizer or a hearty main course, it’s sure to impress. Enjoy the magic of this delicious bisque and all the compliments that come your way when you serve it!

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