Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque Recipe
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 237kcal
Rich, creamy crab and shrimp bisque with tender seafood, velvety broth, and bold flavor. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
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Equipment
- Chef Knife
- Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot
- Immersion Blender
- Slotted Spoon
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Airtight Containers
Ingredients
For the Bisque:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled, deveined, chopped (reserve 4-6 whole for garnish)
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 8-10 green onions sliced (white and light green parts; reserve dark green for garnish)
- 3/4 cup carrots diced (about 1)
- 3/4 cup celery ribs diced (about 2)
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ¼ - ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 32 oz carton seafood broth
- 2 bay leaves
To Finish:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz lump crab meat divided
- Hot sauce to taste (optional)
Instructions
Sauté Shrimp:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until opaque.
- Remove shrimp, reserving 4-6 for garnish. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, melt remaining 3 tbsp butter.
- Add green onions (white and light green parts), carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the Bisque:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until caramelized.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
- Deglaze with white wine, scraping up browned bits. Cook until mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes.
Add Broth & Simmer:
- Slowly whisk in seafood broth, stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add bay leaves, smoked paprika, Old Bay, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, whisking occasionally.
Blend for Creaminess:
- Turn off heat. Add sautéed shrimp (except reserved garnish).
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
Finish with Cream & Crab:
- Return pot to medium-low heat. Stir in heavy cream and half the crab meat.
- Simmer gently for 5 minutes—do not boil. Adjust seasoning and cream to taste.
Serve:
- Ladle bisque into bowls. Top with reserved shrimp, remaining crab, and dark green onions.
- Garnish with parsley, smoked paprika, and hot sauce if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 412mg | Potassium: 217mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2382IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 1mg