Ingredients
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
Instructions
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.
Notes
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.