Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

 Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a luxurious, comforting dish full of rich flavor. Make this restaurant-style recipe easily at home with simple ingredients!

 

Discover the Comfort of Homemade Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

There’s something incredibly soothing about a bowl of warm, creamy bisque – especially one that brings the flavors of the ocean straight to your kitchen. This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the kind of soul-hugging dish that turns ordinary dinners into cozy celebrations.

Perfect for chilly nights, romantic dinners, or even as a showstopper appetizer, this bisque is fancy enough to impress, yet simple enough to make without stress. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventure, this recipe is going to win you over.

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium or large saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Immersion blender or regular blender (optional but recommended)
• Ladle

Ingredients

Aromatics & Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• ¼ cup finely chopped celery
• ¼ cup finely chopped carrot
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Seafood & Creaminess (Add these to complete the full recipe):

• 1 cup cooked crab meat
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups seafood stock (or fish/chicken stock)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Optional: pinch of cayenne or Old Bay seasoning for heat
• Optional garnish: fresh chives or parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat olive oil.
Add onion, celery, and carrot. Cook until softened – about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

2. Build the Flavor Base

Add tomato paste and paprika. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

3. Thicken the Base

Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute – this will help thicken the bisque later.

4. Add the Liquid

Gradually pour in the seafood stock while stirring to avoid lumps.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

5. Blend for Creaminess (Optional)

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the bisque at this point.
If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully, then return to the pot.

6. Add Seafood & Finish

Stir in the crab meat and chopped shrimp. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Heat gently – do not boil.

7. Serve and Garnish

Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

 

Tips for Bisque Perfection

• Use fresh seafood if possible – it enhances the flavor and texture.
• Don’t rush the sauté stage – letting the vegetables caramelize builds a deeper flavor.
• Avoid boiling after adding cream – it can curdle. Simmer gently for that silky-smooth texture.
• Want it thicker? Add a touch more flour during the base-building stage.
• Want it thinner? Just splash in extra stock or cream.

 

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Smoky Twist: Use smoked paprika instead of regular.
• Extra Seafood: Add scallops or lobster chunks if you're feeling fancy.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace seafood with mushrooms and use vegetable stock – still rich and comforting!

 

 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month – thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently and avoid boiling to keep the cream from separating.

 

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Servings: 4

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned crab or frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just drain canned crab and thaw frozen shrimp before adding. Always check for shells!

Can I make this ahead?

Definitely. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store and reheat gently.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot powder.

Is a blender necessary?

No – the bisque will still taste amazing. But blending gives it that classic smooth finish.

 

 Final Thoughts

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the culinary equivalent of a warm ocean breeze – rich, smooth, comforting, and elegant. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat but comes together easily in your own kitchen.

Whether you're sipping it slowly with a glass of white wine or dishing it out for guests at your next dinner party, one thing’s for sure: they’ll be asking for seconds.

So what are you waiting for? Let your spoon dive in! 

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a luxurious, comforting dish full of rich flavor. Make this restaurant-style recipe easily at home with simple ingredients!

 

Discover the Comfort of Homemade Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

There’s something incredibly soothing about a bowl of warm, creamy bisque – especially one that brings the flavors of the ocean straight to your kitchen. This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the kind of soul-hugging dish that turns ordinary dinners into cozy celebrations.

Perfect for chilly nights, romantic dinners, or even as a showstopper appetizer, this bisque is fancy enough to impress, yet simple enough to make without stress. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventure, this recipe is going to win you over.

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium or large saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Immersion blender or regular blender (optional but recommended)
• Ladle

Ingredients

Aromatics & Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• ¼ cup finely chopped celery
• ¼ cup finely chopped carrot
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Seafood & Creaminess (Add these to complete the full recipe):

• 1 cup cooked crab meat
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups seafood stock (or fish/chicken stock)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Optional: pinch of cayenne or Old Bay seasoning for heat
• Optional garnish: fresh chives or parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat olive oil.
Add onion, celery, and carrot. Cook until softened – about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

2. Build the Flavor Base

Add tomato paste and paprika. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

3. Thicken the Base

Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute – this will help thicken the bisque later.

4. Add the Liquid

Gradually pour in the seafood stock while stirring to avoid lumps.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

5. Blend for Creaminess (Optional)

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the bisque at this point.
If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully, then return to the pot.

6. Add Seafood & Finish

Stir in the crab meat and chopped shrimp. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Heat gently – do not boil.

7. Serve and Garnish

Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

 

Tips for Bisque Perfection

• Use fresh seafood if possible – it enhances the flavor and texture.
• Don’t rush the sauté stage – letting the vegetables caramelize builds a deeper flavor.
• Avoid boiling after adding cream – it can curdle. Simmer gently for that silky-smooth texture.
• Want it thicker? Add a touch more flour during the base-building stage.
• Want it thinner? Just splash in extra stock or cream.

 

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Smoky Twist: Use smoked paprika instead of regular.
• Extra Seafood: Add scallops or lobster chunks if you're feeling fancy.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace seafood with mushrooms and use vegetable stock – still rich and comforting!

 

 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month – thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently and avoid boiling to keep the cream from separating.

 

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Servings: 4

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

---

 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned crab or frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just drain canned crab and thaw frozen shrimp before adding. Always check for shells!

Can I make this ahead?

Definitely. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store and reheat gently.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot powder.

Is a blender necessary?

No – the bisque will still taste amazing. But blending gives it that classic smooth finish.

 

 Final Thoughts

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the culinary equivalent of a warm ocean breeze – rich, smooth, comforting, and elegant. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat but comes together easily in your own kitchen.

Whether you're sipping it slowly with a glass of white wine or dishing it out for guests at your next dinner party, one thing’s for sure: they’ll be asking for seconds.

So what are you waiting for? Let your spoon dive in!