Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque: A Rich & Creamy Comfort Dish
If you love luxurious, creamy seafood soups, then this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is about to become your new favorite dish! This bisque is silky smooth, packed with tender shrimp and sweet crab meat, and infused with rich seafood flavors, a hint of spice, and a touch of sherry.
Perfect for special occasions, cozy nights in, or impressing guests, this restaurant-quality bisque is surprisingly easy to make at home. Serve it with crusty bread, a side salad, or even over rice for a hearty and unforgettable meal.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Bisque
✔ Rich & Creamy – The perfect silky-smooth, velvety texture.
✔ Packed with Seafood – Loaded with sweet crab and juicy shrimp.
✔ Easy to Make – Ready in about 30 minutes, with simple ingredients.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Elegant enough for a dinner party, yet comforting enough for a weeknight meal.
✔ Customizable – Works with lobster, scallops, or fish if you want to switch it up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bisque:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup dry sherry (or white wine)
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Seafood:
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- ½ pound lump crab meat
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing seafood)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra lump crab or shrimp on top
- Crusty French bread or oyster crackers
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, and garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Create the Base
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance flavor.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a thick roux.
3. Add the Liquids & Seasoning
- Slowly whisk in seafood stock, heavy cream, and milk.
- Stir in sherry, Old Bay, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Cook the Seafood
- In a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes until pink.
- Stir in crab meat and lemon juice, cooking for another 1 minute.
5. Blend & Finish
- For a smoother bisque, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, leaving some texture.
- Stir in the shrimp and crab, then simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, extra seafood, and a drizzle of cream.
- Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for dipping.
Best Ways to Serve Crab and Shrimp Bisque
✔ With Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
✔ With a Side Salad – A fresh arugula or Caesar salad pairs beautifully.
✔ Over Rice – Turns it into a heartier meal!
✔ With a Glass of Wine – A chilled white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) complements the rich flavors.
Pro Tips for the Best Seafood Bisque
🔹 Use Fresh Seafood – Fresh shrimp and lump crab give the best texture and flavor.
🔹 For Extra Depth – Add a splash of sherry or white wine for richness.
🔹 Don’t Overcook the Seafood – Shrimp and crab cook quickly; add them near the end.
🔹 For a Thicker Bisque – Blend more of the soup for an ultra-creamy texture.
🔹 For a Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk instead of cream for a tropical twist!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Refrigerate for up to 3 days and gently reheat before serving.
Can I Freeze Seafood Bisque?
Cream-based soups don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the broth before adding cream, then add fresh cream when reheating.
Can I Use Imitation Crab?
Fresh or canned real crab meat is best, but imitation crab works in a pinch.
What Can I Use Instead of Sherry?
Substitute with white wine or extra seafood stock.
Final Thoughts: A Luxurious & Cozy Seafood Soup!
This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is creamy, rich, and packed with seafood flavor, making it a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy winter night in or hosting a dinner party, this bisque is guaranteed to impress!
Try it today and treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort! 🍤🦀🥣
