Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque ( video )

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

This luxurious, French-inspired bisque is the perfect blend of tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a rich, seasoned broth. Enhanced with a splash of heavy cream, it’s an indulgent dish that’s ideal for special occasions or cozy evenings. Pair it with crusty bread to savor every flavorful bite. Easy to customize with your favorite herbs or a hint of spice, this bisque is sure to impress your guests or elevate your dinner table.

Ingredients

Shrimp: ½ lb, cooked, peeled, deveined, and chopped
Crab Meat: ½ lb, cooked, shells removed
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp, for sautéing vegetables
Vegetables: ¼ cup each of finely chopped celery and carrot, and ½ cup finely chopped onion
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Seasonings: 1 tsp paprika, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper to taste
Flour: ¼ cup all-purpose, for thickening
Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp, to enhance flavor
Broth: 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for richness
Sherry: 2 tbsp (optional), for a refined flavor
Fresh Herbs: Parsley, chives, or dill for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté celery, carrot, and onion for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 2:
Mix in tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma.

Step 3:
Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture and stir for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the broth, ensuring no lumps form, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4:
Let the bisque simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Stir in sherry for an added layer of flavor if desired.

Step 5:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Gently stir in the heavy cream, followed by the chopped shrimp and crab meat. Cook for 5 minutes until the seafood is warmed through.

Step 6:
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the bisque hot alongside crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if the bisque thickens too much.

Helpful Notes

Opt for high-quality shrimp and crab for the best flavor. Fresh seafood is preferred, but frozen, cooked options are also suitable.
For a smoother consistency, blend half of the bisque before stirring in the seafood.

Pro Tips from Chefs

Chef Simone: Add a pinch of saffron for a luxurious, aromatic twist.
Chef Thomas: Drizzle the bisque with truffle oil before serving for an elegant finish.