If you’re craving something comforting, elegant, and packed with coastal flavors, this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque is the perfect dish. Rich, velvety, and full of tender seafood, it’s an excellent starter for a dinner party or a cozy main for chilly nights.
This homemade seafood bisque blends together sweet crab meat and juicy shrimp in a smooth, creamy broth infused with garlic, spices, and a splash of white wine. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this bisque delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss.
Creamy Crab & Shrimp Bisque: A Luxurious Seafood Delight
🦐 Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup dry white wine (or extra broth)
- ½ pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, chopped if large)
- ½ pound lump crab meat
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
🍲 How to Make It:
- Sauté the base:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook until softened (about 4-5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cayenne pepper; cook for another minute until fragrant. - Build the roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir well to form a thick paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, then add in the tomato paste. - Add liquid ingredients:
Slowly whisk in the broth and wine, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. - Cream it up:
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the bisque to develop its signature creamy texture. - Add the seafood:
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and crab meat. Let them warm through for 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. - Serve and garnish:
Ladle the bisque into bowls and top with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
✅ Tips for the Best Bisque:
- Seafood options: Feel free to swap crab or shrimp with lobster, scallops, or even firm white fish.
- Smooth texture: Use an immersion blender before adding seafood if you prefer a smoother, more refined bisque.
- Make it ahead: This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
🧡 Why You’ll Love It:
This bisque is not only rich and flavorful, but it also comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s fancy enough for guests, yet easy enough for a weeknight treat. Paired with a warm crusty baguette or a light salad, it’s a showstopper of a meal that seafood lovers will adore.
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Creamy Crab & Shrimp Bisque: A Luxurious Seafood Delight
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat. Cook the flour for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s lightly browned.
- Add the Liquids:
- Gradually whisk in the seafood stock, ensuring no lumps form. Add the tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Blend the Bisque:
- If you prefer a smoother bisque, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches, then return it to the pot.
- Add the Cream, Milk, and Sherry:
- Stir in the heavy cream, milk, and dry sherry (if using). Reduce the heat to low and simmer the bisque for another 5 minutes.
- Add the Seafood:
- Stir in the shrimp and crab meat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste the bisque and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with chopped chives or parsley.
Enjoy your Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque as a decadent and comforting seafood soup!