Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster

Here’s a rich, creamy, and indulgent Seafood Bisque recipe featuring crab, shrimp, and lobster — a perfect dish for special occasions or a comforting, elegant dinner.

🦀🦐🦞 Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp & Lobster

Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Seafood:

• 8 oz cooked lump crab meat

• 8 oz cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (chopped if large)

• 6 oz cooked lobster meat, chopped

Base:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

• 1 small carrot, grated or finely chopped

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, or use more broth)

• 4 cups seafood stock or fish stock (or chicken broth if needed)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Dash of cayenne (optional, for heat)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)

Garnish (optional):

• Chopped chives or parsley

• Crusty bread or oyster crackers

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

   • Add onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Sauté 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant.

2. Make the Roux:

   • Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to make a paste (don’t let it brown).

3. Deglaze and Simmer:

   • Slowly whisk in white wine, then tomato paste.

   • Add stock gradually while whisking to avoid lumps.

4. Season and Simmer:

   • Add Old Bay, paprika, salt, pepper, Worcestershire (if using), and cayenne (if desired).

   • Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Blend (Optional for Smooth Texture):

   • Use an immersion blender to puree the base slightly for a silky texture (leave some chunks for character if you prefer).

6. Add Cream & Seafood:

   • Stir in cream and half-and-half.

   • Add crab, shrimp, and lobster. Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes, until seafood is heated through. Do not boil.

7. Adjust Seasoning & Serve:

   • Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spice level.

   • Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley or chives.

💡 Tips:

• Make it ahead: Flavors develop beautifully overnight.

• Don’t overcook seafood: If starting with raw seafood, simmer gently until just cooked before adding cream.

• No immersion blender? Carefully blend part of the soup in batches using a regular blender (cool slightly first).