If you have ever dreamed of creating a luxurious, creamy seafood dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with delicate flavors from tender crab meat and succulent shrimp, combined with a rich, velvety broth, this bisque is pure comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving something indulgent after a long day, this recipe effortlessly blends simplicity with elegance to deliver a taste that’s unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward achieving bisque perfection. Each item listed here plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding richness, building layers of flavor, or bringing that gorgeous color to your finished dish.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and depth to the bisque.
- Celery, chopped (1/3 cup): Provides a fresh, aromatic flavor base.
- Green onions, chopped (1/3 cup): Offers a natural sweetness that balances savory notes.
- Flour (3 tablespoons): Serves as the perfect thickening agent for that luscious texture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors to life.
- Heavy whipping cream (1.5 cups): Creates the creamy, dreamy texture bisques are famous for.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Balances the richness while adding volume without heaviness.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Infuses a subtle umami depth that complements seafood beautifully.
- Cooked shrimp, cut into pieces (8 oz.): The star protein offering tender sweetness.
- Crab meat (8 oz.): Adds a briny, buttery flavor that elevates the bisque.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): A beloved spice blend that enhances the seafood taste wonderfully.
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting your butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. You want it bubbling and fragrant, which takes about two minutes—this step lays down the foundation of warmth and richness. Then, toss in the chopped celery and green onions, sautéing them until they’re softened and their bright flavors awaken, roughly three to four minutes.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the softened veggies and stir well so everything is generously coated. This is where your bisque begins to build body and creaminess. Cook the flour for about one minute to get rid of any raw taste and develop a subtle nutty aroma.
Step 3: Add the Dairy and Flavorings
Warm your milk slightly—about a minute in the microwave works perfectly—and slowly whisk it into the pot to avoid lumps. Then, whisk in the heavy cream, tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, and sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will start to thicken and come together into the superbly creamy base for your bisque.
Step 4: Simmer the Bisque
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium heat, stirring regularly for about five to seven minutes. This cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to turn silky smooth, signaling you’re almost there.
Step 5: Fold in the Seafood
Gently stir in the cooked shrimp and crab meat, folding them into the bisque without breaking up their delicate textures. Let them warm through for two to three minutes, infusing the soup with their rich, ocean-fresh taste.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once everything is perfectly combined, remove your pot from heat and ladle the wonderfully creamy bisque into warm bowls, getting ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes a bisque like a thoughtful garnish. Try fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top for a vibrant pop of color and a touch of herbal brightness that cuts through the creamy richness. A few small croutons or a dusting of smoked paprika can add lovely texture and a hint of smoky warmth.
Side Dishes
Serve this bisque alongside a crusty baguette or warm garlic bread to soak up every last drop. A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides the perfect contrast, balancing the creamy bisque with crunch and acidity. For a heartier meal, roasted asparagus or grilled vegetables also complement wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your bisque in elegant ramekins or demitasse cups for a sophisticated appetizer. Drizzle a tiny swirl of cream or a splash of infused oil on top just before serving. You might even try hollowing out mini sourdough bread bowls—it’s a charming, edible vessel that amps up the cozy factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its silky texture and fresh flavors. Before serving leftovers, give it a gentle stir to reincorporate any separated cream.
Freezing
While seafood bisques can be tricky to freeze due to dairy, you can freeze this bisque if done carefully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your bisque gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the bisque thickens too much upon standing or in the fridge, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it back up to that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh seafood instead of cooked shrimp and crab?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh seafood, simply cook the shrimp and crab gently in a little butter or steam before adding them to the bisque. Just be careful not to overcook them during the final step to keep them tender and juicy.
Is there a non-dairy alternative to heavy cream for this recipe?
You can substitute coconut cream or a thick cashew cream if you want to avoid dairy, but keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor profile. These options still offer creaminess and richness but with a different subtle taste.
What can I use if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
A mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne will mimic Old Bay well. It’s the unique spice blend that really elevates the bisque’s seafood flavor, so try to keep a jar handy for recipes like this!
Can this bisque be made vegan or vegetarian?
Makeshift vegan bisque would require replacing seafood with vegetables like mushrooms and using vegetable broth with plant-based cream substitutes. While delicious in its own right, it won’t capture the same crab and shrimp essence at the heart of this recipe.
What wine pairs well with Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe?
A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with this bisque. The acidity cuts through the creaminess and complements the seafood flavors without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy comfort of a homemade bisque to brighten your day and dazzle your taste buds, and this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe hits all the right notes. With its silky texture, rich flavor, and simple preparation, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this seafood sensation—you deserve it!
Print
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a comforting classic, bursting with the sweet flavors of fresh seafood and enhanced with a velvety blend of cream, milk, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this bisque brings restaurant-quality elegance to your table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Bisque Base
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1/3 cup Celery, chopped
- 1/3 cup Green onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Soup
- 1.5 cups Heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Seafood
- 8 oz. Cooked shrimp, cut into pieces
- 8 oz. Crab meat
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until it’s bubbly and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add 1/3 cup chopped celery and 1/3 cup chopped green onions to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour and stir well to coat the vegetables. Sauté for an additional minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk: Warm 2 cups of whole milk in the microwave for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk the milk into the pot to form a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Incorporate Cream and Seasonings: Whisk in 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until fully combined.
- Simmer Bisque: Bring the bisque to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring regularly for about 5-7 minutes to thicken and develop flavors.
- Add Seafood: Gently fold in 8 ounces of cooked shrimp and 8 ounces of crab meat into the bisque. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through without overcooking the seafood.
- Serve: Remove from heat and ladle the bisque into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives as desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Warm the milk before adding to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Do not overcook the seafood to keep it tender and flavorful.
- Old Bay seasoning adds a classic seafood spice, but you can adjust to taste.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and freshness.
- Use freshly cooked seafood for best taste, but pre-cooked shrimp and crab meat work well too.
