Description
A rich and creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque combining tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a blend of aromatic spices in a smooth, buttery broth finished with heavy cream and a splash of white wine or brandy. Perfect for a comforting and elegant seafood meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb crab meat (lump or claw, fresh or canned)
Base and Aromatics
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups seafood stock or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or brandy
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is golden and bubbly. This forms the base for your bisque and helps thicken the soup.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine or brandy, stirring to deglaze the pot and lift any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
- Add the Stock and Spices: Gradually add the seafood stock (or chicken broth) while stirring to combine. Add Old Bay seasoning (if using), smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the Shrimp and Crab Meat: Stir in the shrimp and crab meat, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and pink.
- Finish with Cream: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the bisque simmer gently for another 5 minutes, ensuring it is heated through and well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Notes
- Using seafood stock enhances the bisque’s depth of flavor, but chicken broth can be used as a substitute.
- Old Bay seasoning adds a classic seafood flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount for preferred spice level.
- For a smoother texture, blend the bisque before adding the shrimp and crab.
- Lemon wedges add a bright freshness when served alongside the bisque.
