Here’s a rich, creamy, and flavorful Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque recipe — perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress (or just treat yourself!).
🦀🦐 Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe
🍲 Servings: 4–6
⏱️ Time: 45–60 minutes
🧂 Ingredients:
Seafood:
-
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (save shells for stock if desired)
-
1/2 lb lump crab meat (fresh or good-quality canned)
For the Base:
-
3 tbsp butter
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
1 small carrot, finely chopped or grated
-
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
-
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)
-
2 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock if unavailable)
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1 cup whole milk
-
1/4 cup tomato paste
-
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or paprika + celery salt mix)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Dash of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
-
1 bay leaf
-
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)
Finishing:
-
1 tbsp sherry or cognac (optional, adds elegance)
-
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare Seafood (if not pre-cooked):
-
Lightly sauté shrimp in a bit of butter until just pink (do not overcook). Set aside and chop into bite-size pieces.
-
If crab is fresh, check for shells. Set aside.
2. Make the Bisque Base:
-
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
-
Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté until soft (about 5–7 minutes).
-
Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a light roux.
3. Deglaze and Simmer:
-
Pour in white wine (if using) and stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
-
Add tomato paste, stock, milk, and cream. Stir until smooth.
-
Add bay leaf, Old Bay, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Let simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Blend (Optional):
-
For a super smooth bisque, use an immersion blender to blend the soup base (before adding seafood). You can also carefully blend in batches in a blender.
5. Add Seafood:
-
Stir in chopped shrimp and crab meat.
-
Simmer on low heat for another 5–10 minutes until heated through. Avoid boiling at this stage.
6. Finish:
-
Add sherry or cognac, stir, and adjust seasoning.
-
Remove bay leaf before serving.
🥣 Serve With:
-
Crusty bread or garlic toast
-
A crisp green salad
-
A glass of chilled white wine (e.g., Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)