New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque

Creamy, comforting, and bursting with Creole flavor, this New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque brings Southern charm to your table in every spoonful. Tender shrimp swim in a rich, velvety soup filled with sweet corn, aromatic spices, and a touch of heat. It’s the perfect blend of coastal seafood goodness and down-home comfort—ideal for chilly nights, weekend gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a bowl of something special.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Southern Comfort in a Bowl – Bold, hearty, and filled with authentic New Orleans flavor.
Creamy & Flavorful – Sweet corn and succulent shrimp create a luxurious texture and taste.
One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Crowd Pleaser – A hit at family dinners, potlucks, and casual parties.
Customizable Spice Level – Turn up or tone down the heat as you like.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bisque Base:

• 2 tbsp butter (or oil of choice)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 3 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Shrimp & Corn:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing shrimp)
• 2 cups fresh, frozen, or canned sweet corn (drained if using canned)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (brightens the dish)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning for extra depth
• ½ cup diced tomatoes for a tangy twist
• Dash of hot sauce for an extra kick

Tools You’ll Need

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle
• Blender or immersion blender (optional for a smoother bisque)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Roux

1. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
2. Gradually whisk in the broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
3. Add milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Simmer

1. Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp

1. In a separate skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
3. Drizzle with lemon juice and set aside.

Step 5: Add Corn and Blend (Optional)

1. Stir corn into the bisque base and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
2. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup (leave some whole kernels for texture). You can also transfer half the soup to a blender, blend, and return it to the pot.

Step 6: Combine Shrimp & Finish

1. Stir the cooked shrimp into the soup and cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add salt, pepper, or hot sauce to your preference.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Ladle the bisque into bowls.
2. Top with chopped green onions and fresh parsley.
3. Serve hot with crusty bread, garlic toast, or over white rice if you like a heartier dish.

Tips for the Best Shrimp and Corn Bisque
Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp – Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for convenience.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp – Cook just until pink to keep them juicy and tender.
Blend for Creaminess – Blending part of the soup gives it a bisque-like silkiness.
Use Quality Broth – A rich seafood or chicken broth makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Adjust Heat – Like it spicier? Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to your taste.

Serving Suggestions
Crusty French Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy bisque.
Side Salad – A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
Fried Okra or Cornbread – Add a true Southern touch to your meal.
Rice – A scoop of white rice makes it even heartier and more filling.
Grilled Cheese – For the ultimate comfort combo.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: The bisque base (without shrimp) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Add fresh shrimp when reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen corn?
   Yes, just thaw before using. Fresh or frozen corn both work beautifully.
2. Is this soup spicy?
   It has a mild heat, but you can adjust cayenne or skip it altogether if you prefer it mild.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Use plant-based milk and cream alternatives. Coconut milk can give a lovely creamy texture and flavor.
4. Can I add other seafood?
   Absolutely. Lump crab meat or small pieces of firm fish like cod or tilapia make great additions.
5. What’s the difference between chowder and bisque?
   Bisque is typically smoother and creamier, while chowder is chunkier. You can blend the soup more if you want a traditional bisque texture.

Final Thoughts
This New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque is pure Southern comfort in a bowl. With sweet corn, tender shrimp, and layers of bold, smoky spice, it’s an easy way to bring the spirit of Louisiana into your kitchen. Whether you serve it up for Sunday dinner, a casual lunch, or a cozy evening in, this bisque is sure to warm hearts and satisfy cravings.

Try it once, and you’ll be hooked! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your twist in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you make it your own.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American (New Orleans / Creole-inspired)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 400 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 580mg

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