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Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp

Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp
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Seafood Bisque with Crab and Shrimp is a rich, creamy, and luxurious soup that blends fresh crab meat and succulent shrimp with aromatic herbs and a silky smooth texture. Perfect for any occasion, this bisque delivers comforting ocean flavors with elegant simplicity, making it an ideal special meal or cozy dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 8 oz fresh crab meat
  • 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups seafood stock or broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Thickening Agent

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch for gluten-free option)

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Seafood: Peel and devein the shrimp, ensuring they are fresh and clean. Gently pick through the crab meat to remove any shells. Set both aside to maintain their delicate textures.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
  3. Building the Flavor Base: Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavors. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a roux, thickening the bisque without clumps.
  4. Adding Liquids and Herbs: Slowly pour in the seafood stock and white wine while whisking to ensure a smooth mixture. Add thyme and bay leaf, then bring to a simmer.
  5. Simmer and Combine: Let the bisque gently simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors. Add the shrimp and crab meat, cooking just until shrimp turn pink and bisque is heated through.
  6. Finishing Touches: Remove herbs, then stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. For extra smoothness, optionally puree a portion of the bisque with an immersion blender and mix back in before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh seafood for best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overcook the seafood; add at the end to keep tender.
  • Simmer gently to develop deep flavors without boiling off liquids.
  • Adjust cream and stock ratio to control creaminess and richness.
  • Taste and season gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
  • For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce as desired.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
  • For dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: seafood bisque, crab bisque, shrimp bisque, creamy seafood soup, elegant appetizer, gluten free seafood soup

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/seafood-bisque-with-crab-shrimp/