Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

If you’re looking for a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful, this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the perfect choice! Made with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a velvety, seasoned broth, this dish is rich, comforting, and sure to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy – A smooth and indulgent texture that’s full of flavor.
• Loaded with Seafood – Packed with sweet crab and succulent shrimp.
• Easy & Elegant – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
• Customizable – Add extra seafood or veggies to make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Seafood:

• Shrimp (½ lb, peeled, deveined, chopped) – Tender and juicy.
• Lump Crab Meat (½ lb, cooked) – Sweet and delicate.

For the Bisque:

• Butter (3 tbsp) – Adds richness.
• Shallot (1 small, finely chopped) – Mild and sweet onion flavor.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Essential for depth of flavor.
• Tomato Paste (2 tbsp) – Provides a touch of umami.
• Flour (2 tbsp) – Helps thicken the bisque.
• Seafood or Chicken Broth (2 cups) – The base of the bisque.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Creates a luxurious texture.
• Milk (1 cup, whole or 2%) – Lightens the bisque while keeping it creamy.
• Old Bay Seasoning (1 tsp) – A classic seafood seasoning.
• Paprika (½ tsp, optional) – Adds warmth and color.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Enhances the flavors.
• Cayenne Pepper (¼ tsp, optional) – For a hint of spice.
• White Wine Vinegar (1 tbsp) – Balances the richness.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish, chopped) – Adds freshness.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon
• Immersion blender (optional for a smoother texture)

How to Make Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the shallot and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

1. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
2. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 3: Add the Broth & Simmer

1. Slowly pour in the seafood or chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
2. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Blend for a Smooth Texture (Optional)

• If you prefer a smoother bisque, use an immersion blender to blend the soup base until creamy.

Step 5: Add the Seafood & Cream

1. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and milk.
2. Add the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
3. Stir in the chopped shrimp and lump crab meat, letting them cook gently for 5 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque and pink.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

1. Stir in the white wine vinegar for a touch of acidity.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

What to Serve with Seafood Bisque

• Toasted Baguette or Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping.
• Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Steamed Asparagus or Roasted Veggies – Complements the richness.

Tips for the Best Seafood Bisque

• Use High-Quality Seafood – Fresh or high-quality frozen seafood makes a big difference.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture.
• For a Thicker Bisque – Add an extra tablespoon of flour or reduce the broth slightly.
• Make it Even Creamier – Blend part of the bisque before adding the seafood for a smoother consistency.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as it can separate the cream.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as cream-based soups can become grainy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes! Just thaw and drain it before adding it to the bisque.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but it won’t be as rich.

What other seafood can I add?
Lobster, scallops, or white fish would all work well in this bisque!

Conclusion

This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the ultimate indulgence—smooth, rich, and bursting with seafood flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!

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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: French-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 30g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 780mg

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