Crab and shrimp bisque soup recipe is a heartwarming, creamy seafood treat on your table stuffed with crab meat, soft shrimp, and a silky broth that’s fragrant with herbs and spices. This bisque is the meal for a snuggling dinner alone or an adoring night in and dinner in company.
Seafood, compliments of a creamy base, makes it a dish of choice among seafood lovers, with just the right amount of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or main course, this bisque will be sure to impress your guests and satisfy your craving!
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, if you like heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 4 cups of seafood stock (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Seafood
- 1/2 lb shrimp, defrosted, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Garnishes (Optional)
- Croutons or crusty bread
- Additional fresh parsley
- A splash of heavy cream, for garnish
- A pinch of cayenne pepper to add extra heat
Procedure
To prepare the base, melt the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion, celery, and grated carrot, and cook, stirring frequently, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the flour sprinkled over the vegetables, stir very well, and cook for 1–2 minutes to get rid of the raw taste. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and Old Bay seasoning.
To make bisque, slowly stream in the seafood stock, stirring to avoid lumps. Add the white wine and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, mixing it now and then to mix the flavors.
After the broth has achieved a depth of flavor, add the heavy cream and milk while continuously stirring to keep the broth silky smooth. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer for another 5 minutes, so soft and delicate it doesn’t catch a bubble for fear of curdling. Add the shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque, then gently fold in the crab meat and lemon juice, stirring just until heated through.
To finish, taste the bisque and season to your liking with salt and black pepper. Add in the freshly chopped parsley. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender, or leave it chunky for a more rustic texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bisque in bowls and drizzle it with a bit of heavy cream for a fancy touch. Pair with crunchy croutons or crusty warm bread to soak up the broth.
Serve the Better Korean Toast with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Serve the meal with a light salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette to offset the richness of the bisque.
Variations and Additions
For a Spicy Cajun Bisque, stir in another 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and a few dashes of hot sauce for Louisiana-inspired boldness. To make this dairy-free, just replace the heavy cream with coconut milk as well as use dairy-free butter, and it stays creamy with a different, yet equally delicious flavor!
If a thicker bisque is desired, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and add to the soup before the cream. So that gives it a more luxurious texture. For seafood variations, use scallops instead of shrimp for a texture change, or a combination of lobster meat and crab for a decadent version, or combine clams or mussels for a mixed seafood approach.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If storing, transfer the leftover bisque to an airtight container and refrigerate it, where it will be kept for three days. Do not freeze dairy-based soups. They usually separate when thawed. If needed, when reheating, remember to warm it gently on the lowest heat setting, stirring as needed to help prevent separation. Do not boil the cream to keep the creamy texture. A splash of seafood stock or milk may be added while re-heating if the bisque seems a bit too thick after it’s been stored in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information
Crab and Shrimp Bisque per serving:
- 450-500 kcal calories
- 30 grams protein,
- 25 grams carbohydrates,
- 30 grams fats
- Sodium content hovers around 850mg per serving, depending on the seasoning and broth;
- Fiber content remains low at about 2 grams per serving.
Wine Pairing Recommendations
One way to enhance the overall experience of your Crab and Shrimp Bisque is to pair it with the right wine. A lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the bisque’s silken texture, adding depth to its flavor as well. The tart, citrusy notes of Sauvignon Blanc balance with the richness of the dish and complement the seafood’s sweetness. Viognier, with its floral and stone fruit notes, provides an aromatic counterpoint to the bisque. A glass of Champagne or Prosecco is also refreshing, providing effervescence and cleaning the palate between bites.
Perfect Stepping Stone to Serve Crab and Shrimp Bisque
Crab and Shrimp Bisque is an anytime dish. It’s a great appetizer for holiday dinners, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve feasts. If you’re going for something more romantic, it’s also an elegant choice for date night.
Hosting a dinner party? To impress your guests, serve it as an appetizer course ahead of a seafood entrée such as grilled salmon or lobster tail. This warm, comforting soup is the ideal meal to huddle around on cold winter nights. It is also a great special occasion or celebratory meal for anniversaries, birthdays, or any milestone celebration that calls for an occasional blowout meal.
Conclusion
Crab and Shrimp Bisque Soup is a serious indulgence, with rich seafood flavors in a creamy roux. Easily served as either a starter or a main course, it’s a show-stopping dish that’s deceptively simple to prepare. Serve it with friends and family for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home. This bisque has endless variety and serving options, making it a recipe you will always come back to!
