A luxurious and comforting dish, this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is packed with rich flavors, tender seafood, and a velvety smooth texture. Made with a combination of lump crab meat, succulent shrimp, and a creamy broth, this bisque is perfect for a cozy dinner, a special occasion, or even a gourmet appetizer.
With aromatic garlic, butter, Old Bay seasoning, and a splash of sherry, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality seafood bisque that is surprisingly easy to make at home. Serve it with crusty bread, oyster crackers, or a light salad, and enjoy a bowl of pure indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich & Creamy – A perfect balance of velvety cream, butter, and seafood flavor.
✔ Gourmet Flavor – Tastes like a bisque from a fine-dining restaurant.
✔ Easy to Make – Ready in just 30 minutes, using simple ingredients.
✔ Customizable – Can be made spicier, thicker, or even dairy-free with a few tweaks.
Ingredients
Seafood & Broth
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- ½ pound lump crab meat (or imitation crab if preferred)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning for spice)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup seafood stock (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup dry sherry or white wine (adds depth of flavor)
Creamy Base
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup half-and-half (or whole milk for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for rich color and taste)
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to brighten flavors)
For Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Croutons or oyster crackers
- Extra Old Bay seasoning
- Drizzle of melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Base
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a light roux.
- Add the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour in the seafood stock and dry sherry, stirring to combine.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Cook the Seafood
- Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the delicate pieces.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, half-and-half, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir well and let the bisque simmer for 5 minutes, but do not let it boil.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Finish with lemon juice for a fresh, bright flavor.
Serving Suggestions
🍞 Pair With:
- Crusty French bread or garlic toast
- Oyster crackers or croutons
- A light Caesar salad or fresh greens
🍷 Best Wine Pairings:
- A buttery Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio complements the creamy bisque.
- For a bolder pairing, try a dry rosé or light-bodied Pinot Noir.
Expert Tips for the Best Bisque
✔ Use Fresh Seafood – Fresh shrimp and real lump crab meat give the best flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Seafood – Add shrimp last to keep it tender and juicy.
✔ Thicker Bisque? Add an extra tablespoon of flour or simmer longer.
✔ Want it Spicier? Increase cayenne pepper or use Cajun seasoning instead of Old Bay.
✔ For a Smoother Bisque: Blend part of the soup before adding the seafood.
Variations & Substitutions
🔹 Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
🔹 Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with whole milk or use Greek yogurt for creaminess.
🔹 Other Seafood Choices: Add lobster, scallops, or fish for a seafood medley.
🔹 Gluten-Free: Swap flour for cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
❓ Can I freeze seafood bisque?
Yes, but creamy soups can separate. If freezing, leave out the dairy and add it fresh when reheating.
❓ What’s the best way to reheat bisque?
Reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling. Avoid boiling.
Conclusion
This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is luxuriously creamy, packed with rich seafood flavors, and easy to make at home. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, this bisque will impress everyone at the table.
Try it today and let me know how it turns out! Would you like more seafood soup recipes? 🍲