Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque, a luxurious dish perfect for any occasion. This velvety bisque combines the delicate sweetness of crab meat and the succulent tenderness of shrimp in a creamy broth that’s both hearty and elegant.

With a medley of aromatic vegetables, including green onion and celery, sautéed to perfection in butter, each spoonful offers a symphony of flavors. Thickened with flour and enriched with milk and heavy cream, this bisque achieves a luscious consistency that’s sure to please the palate.

Enhanced with hints of tomato paste and a splash of sherry wine, it’s a dish that elevates seafood to new heights. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a true delight for seafood lovers.

Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons chopped green onion

2 tablespoons chopped celery

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 1/2 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 cup heavy whipping cream

8 ounces crab meat

4 to 8 ounces small cooked shrimp or other seafood

2 tablespoon sherry win

Instructions:

Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium-low heat; add the chopped green onion and celery. Saute, stirring, until tender.

Blend the flour into the butter and vegetables until well incorporated. Continue cooking, stirring, for about 2 minutes.

Warm the milk in another saucepan over medium heat.

Slowly stir in the warmed milk and continue cooking and stirring until thickened.

Add the freshly ground black pepper, tomato paste, and heavy cream.

If desired, puree the soup in a blender or food processor** at this point and then return it to the saucepan.

Stir in the crab, shrimp, and the sherry. Bring to a simmer.

Serve hot.

Tips and Variations

Feel free to add small cooked bay scallops or lobster instead of the shrimp.

Replace the green onions with finely chopped shallots.

If desired, garnish the soup with thinly sliced green onion tops, cilantro, or parsley. Or add a spoonful of sour cream and swirl it.

Notes:

Butter and Aromatics: Butter provides richness to the bisque while sautéing green onions and celery enhances the flavor base, adding depth to the dish.

Flour for Thickening: Incorporating flour into the butter and vegetables creates a roux, serving as a thickening agent for the bisque, resulting in a creamy texture.

Gradual Addition of Milk: Slowly adding warmed milk while continuously stirring prevents lumps from forming, ensuring a smooth consistency in the bisque.

Creaminess: Heavy whipping cream contributes to the luxurious creaminess of the bisque, elevating its texture and mouthfeel.

Seasonings: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick of flavor, while tomato paste provides a hint of richness and depth to the bisque.

Seafood Selection: Combining crab meat and small cooked shrimp (or other seafood) adds a medley of flavors and textures to the bisque, making it hearty and satisfying.

Sherry Wine: The addition of sherry wine imparts a subtle sweetness and complexity to the bisque, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

Pureeing Option: Pureeing the bisque in a blender or food processor creates a smoother consistency, but this step is optional based on personal preference.

Variations: Bay scallops or lobster can be substituted for shrimp, providing different flavor profiles and textures to the bisque.

Garnishes: Thinly sliced green onion tops, cilantro, parsley, or a dollop of sour cream can be used to garnish the bisque, adding visual appeal and additional flavor nuances.

Nutrition Information:

Per Serving, Approximately 1 cup)

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Seafood Bisque?

Seafood bisque is a rich and creamy soup made with a combination of seafood, typically including crab, shrimp, or lobster.

It’s flavored with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and spices, and finished with cream for a luxurious texture.

How do I make Seafood Bisque thicker?

To thicken seafood bisque, you can use a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat (in this case, butter).

In this recipe, after sautéing the vegetables, flour is blended in to create a thickening agent before adding milk and other liquid ingredients.

Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe?

Yes, you can customize the seafood in this bisque according to your preference.

Besides crab and shrimp, you can add bay scallops, lobster meat, or even fish such as salmon or cod.

Just ensure the seafood is cooked before adding it to the soup.

Is Seafood Bisque gluten-free?

This particular recipe for Seafood Bisque contains all-purpose flour, which is not gluten-free.

However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative such as rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Can I make Seafood Bisque ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare seafood bisque ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two.

However, it’s best to add the seafood and sherry just before serving to maintain their freshness and flavor.

Simply reheat the bisque gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Can I use other types of seafood in this bisque besides crab and shrimp?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can use various types of seafood according to your preference.

Consider adding bay scallops, lobster meat, or even chunks of white fish like cod or halibut for a delightful variation.

Can I omit the heavy whipping cream to make a lighter version of this bisque?

While heavy whipping cream adds richness and creaminess to the bisque, you can certainly omit it if you prefer a lighter version.

You may need to adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk or broth to achieve the desired thickness.

How can I make this bisque gluten-free?

To make this seafood bisque gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Be sure to check that all other ingredients, including the tomato paste and sherry, are also gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I freeze leftovers of this seafood bisque?

While it’s possible to freeze this bisque, the texture and flavor of the seafood may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.

If you do choose to freeze leftovers, allow the bisque to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags.

Freeze for up to 1-2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.