Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a luxurious, creamy soup packed with tender seafood and deep, savory flavor. This classic bisque is perfect for special occasions, holiday meals, or anytime you want an elegant yet comforting dish. With a silky texture and rich aroma, it tastes like something straight from a fine-dining restaurant—but is easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Bisque
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Rich, creamy, and full of seafood flavor
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Made with real crab and shrimp
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Perfect for holidays or date-night dinners
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Elegant yet comforting
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Great as a starter or main dish
Ingredients
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½ lb (225 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
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½ lb (225 g) lump crab meat, shells removed
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3 tablespoons butter
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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3 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup half-and-half (optional, for extra creaminess)
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½ teaspoon paprika
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
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Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Seafood
Chop shrimp into small bite-size pieces. Set shrimp and crab aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Build the Bisque
Slowly whisk in seafood stock to avoid lumps. Add tomato paste and white wine (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Cream and Seasonings
Stir in heavy cream, half-and-half, paprika, cayenne, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
6. Add Seafood
Add shrimp and cook 3–4 minutes until pink and cooked through. Gently fold in crab meat and simmer 2 minutes, just until heated.
7. Blend (Optional)
For a smoother bisque, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some seafood pieces intact.
8. Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Seafood Bisque
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Use fresh or high-quality frozen seafood
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Do not overcook shrimp or crab
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Blend only part of the soup for best texture
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Adjust seasoning carefully—seafood stock varies in saltiness
Variations
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Extra Luxe: Add a splash of sherry or brandy
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Spicy Bisque: Increase cayenne or add hot sauce
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Lobster Version: Replace shrimp with lobster meat
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and olive oil instead of butter
Storage
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days
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Reheat gently over low heat (do not boil)
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Not recommended for freezing due to cream
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast
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Pair with a light green salad
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Excellent as a holiday starter or main dish
Final Thoughts
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a decadent yet comforting dish that delivers bold seafood flavor in every spoonful. Creamy, smooth, and perfectly seasoned, it’s ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.