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Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

A sumptuous and rich creamy seafood soup featuring fresh crab meat and shrimp, blended into a velvety base for a cozy dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Seafood Ingredients
  • 1 lb crab meat Sweet and tender, perfect for bisque.
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Plump and juicy, adding a delightful texture.
Vegetables
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing, adding healthy fat.
  • 1 small onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Brings a beautiful aroma and flavor.
  • 1 cup celery, chopped For freshness and crunch.
Base Ingredients
  • 4 cups seafood stock The base of the bisque, rich and flavorful.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For that signature creaminess.
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste Introduces umami and a touch more flavor.
  • 2 tbsp butter Enhances richness and flavor.
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning A classic seafood blend to elevate taste.
  • 1 tsp paprika For warmth and a subtle kick.
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper A hint of heat to tantalize the palate.
  • to taste salt and pepper To round out the flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and carrot to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  4. Pour in the seafood stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Gently fold in the crab meat and shrimp, cooking for an additional 5–7 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  2. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and butter, cooking just until everything is heated through and the bisque is luxuriously creamy.
  3. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the bisque to your desired consistency.
  4. Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream if desired.

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, consider roasting the shrimp shells before adding them to the bisque. Optional extras include scallops. Use pre-chopped vegetables for time saving.