The Ultimate Comfort Bowl for Seafood Lovers
There’s something magical about a warm, creamy bowl of seafood bisque—especially when it’s loaded with tender crab meat and juicy shrimp. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a luxurious seafood dish at home, this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque delivers elegance, comfort, and big coastal flavor in every spoonful.
Let’s dive into how you can make this restaurant-worthy bisque in your own kitchen—easily!
Table of Contents
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Seafood Bisque
- Silky & Luxurious: A rich blend of heavy cream and seafood broth creates a smooth, velvety texture.
- Loaded with Flavor: Tomato paste, herbs, sautéed aromatics, and seafood create an irresistible depth.
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques, just simple steps anyone can follow.
- Perfect for Guests or Cozy Nights In: It looks impressive but is easy to prepare in under an hour.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Seafood Bisque:
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped
- ½ pound crab meat (preferably lump or claw)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 3 cups seafood or fish broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Thickening:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
👨🍳 How to Make Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque
🦐 Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
Bring a pot of water to boil. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Drain and let cool slightly. Roughly chop and set aside.
🥕 Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and aromatic.
🍅 Step 3: Add the Flavor Base
Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and thyme. Let it cook for 2 minutes to release the flavors and deepen the color.
🍲 Step 4: Build the Bisque
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Slowly pour in the seafood broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
🦀 Step 5: Finish with Seafood & Cream
Add the chopped shrimp and lump crab meat. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
🌿 Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Ladle into warm bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers. Enjoy your coastal comfort creation!
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 4 Servings)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 385 kcal |
Protein | 24 g |
Fat | 28 g |
Saturated Fat | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 14 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 4 g |
Sodium | 820 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
📝 Tips & Variations
- No crab? Use all shrimp or substitute with scallops for a different twist.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
- Make it ahead: This bisque tastes even better the next day—just reheat gently on the stove.
- For extra depth: Add a splash of white wine when sautéing vegetables.
🧡 Final ThoughtsDisclaimer
This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is more than just a soup—it’s a flavorful experience in a bowl. Whether it’s a cold evening or a special celebration, it brings comfort, elegance, and pure seafood delight.
💬 Have you tried this recipe?
Tag your creations with #WaniaRecipes or visit www.waniarecipes.com for more cozy seafood classics!