🦀🦐 Creamy Crab & Shrimp Seafood Bisque 😋

by

🦀🦐 Creamy Crab & Shrimp Seafood Bisque 😋

Indulgent, comforting, and bursting with coastal flavor — this seafood bisque is a hug in a bowl. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with tender shrimp and sweet crab meat, simmered in a velvety blend of cream, wine, aromatics, and spices.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something extra delicious, this bisque is a showstopper. And the best part? It’s easier to make than you might think — no fancy equipment required, just a big pot and a big appetite!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Bisque:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lb crab meat (lump or claw — both work great!)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional but adds a lovely kick!)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Add in the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Cook everything down for about 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and the kitchen smells amazing.

Step 2: Thicken the Base

Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a light roux. This will help thicken your bisque and give it that classic creamy texture.

Step 3: Add the Liquid Gold

Slowly whisk in the broth, making sure there are no lumps.
Add the heavy cream, milk, white wine, tomato paste, bay leaf, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper.
Bring the bisque to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens — all the flavors come together!

Step 4: Add the Seafood

Now for the stars of the show — the shrimp and crab!
Stir them in gently and let everything simmer for another 5–7 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked. The crab meat will soak up all that flavor and add a touch of sweetness to balance the heat and creaminess.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Remove the bay leaf and give your bisque a taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Ladle the bisque into bowls, top with freshly chopped parsley, and serve it hot with toasted bread, oyster crackers, or even a grilled cheese sandwich on the side if you’re feeling cozy.

💡 Tips & Variations:

  • Make it extra smooth: Use an immersion blender before adding the seafood to puree the vegetables and broth for a silky-smooth finish.
  • Seafood swap: No crab? You can use more shrimp, lobster, or even scallops!
  • Extra decadent: Add a splash of sherry or a pat of extra butter right at the end for bonus richness.
  • Meal prep bonus: This bisque tastes even better the next day — the flavors deepen overnight. Perfect for make-ahead dinners!

🥣 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • It’s restaurant-quality bisque made at home.
  • The flavor is rich, creamy, buttery, and perfectly balanced with a hint of heat.
  • It’s a one-pot recipe with minimal cleanup.
  • Perfect for cozy nights, dinner parties, or holiday starters.

Treat yourself to something special tonight — and don’t forget to snap a pic before diving in! 📸
Tag your bisque with #SeafoodLoversClub and share the comfort.

Leave a Comment