If you’re craving a luxurious, comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug from the sea, look no further than this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe. It combines the sweet, delicate flavors of fresh crab and shrimp with a creamy, velvety broth that’s rich without being heavy. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests, this bisque is a celebration of seafood in every spoonful.

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe comes together beautifully with simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one is chosen to create layers of flavor, from the sweetness of the seafood to the aromatic depth of the seasonings and the lush creaminess that ties it all together.

Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp brings sweetness and tender bite to the bisque.
Crab meat (1/2 lb, lump or claw): Adds that delicate, ocean-fresh flavor that’s pure luxury in every spoon.
Butter (4 tablespoons): Provides a rich base to sauté vegetables and build flavor.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Softens into sweetness and forms an essential aromatic foundation.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a gentle punch of savory warmth.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the bisque, creating that silky texture you love.
Seafood stock or chicken broth (4 cups): Enhances the bisque’s depth with savory, oceanic richness.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the bisque luxuriously smooth and creamy.
Dry white wine or brandy (1/2 cup): Adds complexity and helps deglaze, lifting flavors from the pot.
Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon, optional): Brings in a classic seafood spice hit for extra flavor.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Offers subtle smokiness and color.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a tiny spice kick to wake up the palate.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential to balance and enhance every ingredient.
Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brightens the dish as an herbaceous garnish.
Lemon wedges (optional): Perfect for adding a zesty finish to each serving.

How to Make Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Base

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat—this is where all the magic begins. Toss in the chopped onion and cook it gently until it turns translucent and sweet, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add minced garlic just long enough to become fragrant. This aromatic base sets the tone for the whole bisque.

Step 2: Create a Roux for Thickness

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir continuously for a couple of minutes until it forms a golden, bubbly roux. This step is crucial because it will thicken your bisque, giving it that luscious, velvety texture that makes seafood soups so irresistible.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine or Brandy

Pour in the white wine or brandy slowly while stirring. This lets you lift all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot, adding layers of complexity. Let it cook for about two minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the liquid to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Add Stock and Seasoning

Gradually add your seafood stock or chicken broth while stirring to combine everything smoothly. Time to season the bisque with Old Bay, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to your taste. Bring the pot to a simmer and let those flavors meld together in a cozy dance for about ten minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Seafood

Gently stir in the shrimp and crab meat, cooking them just until the shrimp turns pink and opaque—about 3 to 4 minutes. You don’t want to overcook the seafood here; tender bites are key to a perfect bisque.

Step 6: Finish with Cream

Turn the heat to low and swirl in the heavy cream. Let your bisque gently simmer for another five minutes, ensuring it’s tinted with a creamy richness and all the seasoning is well balanced. Taste and adjust seasoning, because a great bisque meets your personal flavor needs.

Step 7: Serve Your Bisque Up

Ladle this dreamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe into bowls and get ready for applause from anyone lucky enough to taste it.

How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the bisque for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes. A squeeze of lemon on top can brighten the richness with a lovely hint of acidity. These simple touches enhance both presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve this bisque with crusty artisan bread or buttery garlic toast to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully, bringing balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the bisque in hollowed-out bread bowls or elegant soup cups garnished with a swirl of cream and a delicate crab claw on top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can also elevate the visual appeal to restaurant-quality.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your bisque cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will keep well for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even better the next day.

Freezing

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe freezes nicely. Pour into freezer-safe containers and leave some space at the top for expansion. Frozen bisque can be kept for up to two months without losing quality.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling. If needed, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the texture. Avoid boiling to maintain that creamy consistency you cherish.

FAQs

Can I use canned seafood instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Fresh seafood offers the best flavor and texture, but quality canned crab meat or shrimp work well, especially when you’re short on time. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid watering down the bisque.

What can I substitute for seafood stock?

If you can’t find seafood stock, chicken broth is a solid alternative. While it won’t add the same ocean depth, good-quality chicken broth combined with the seafood itself will still deliver delicious results.

Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?

Old Bay is optional but highly recommended for that authentic seafood flavor. If you don’t have it, feel free to boost the smoked paprika and add a pinch of celery salt or cayenne for similar notes.

How spicy is this bisque?

The bisque has a gentle warmth from smoked paprika and a touch of cayenne pepper, but it’s not overpowering. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or removing the cayenne based on your preference.

Can I make this bisque vegetarian?

This particular Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe is seafood-centric for good reason, but if you want a vegetarian version, consider using vegetable stock and omitting the seafood, then adding mushrooms or roasted vegetables to capture a savory umami flavor instead.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself to a bowl of something truly special, this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe is your new best friend. It’s elegant without being complicated, rich but balanced, and always a crowd-pleaser. Dive in and savor every silky spoonful; I promise it’ll become a comfort food classic you’ll adore forever.

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.4 from 50 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This rich and creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a comforting and elegant soup featuring succulent shrimp and tender crab meat simmered in a flavorful, spiced seafood broth finished with heavy cream. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, this bisque delivers a smooth texture with a touch of heat and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb crab meat (lump or claw, fresh or canned)

Base and Aromatics

4 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Liquids & Seasonings

4 cups seafood stock or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup dry white wine or brandy
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the Seafood and Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the flour is golden and bubbly. This step creates a thickening base for the bisque.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the dry white wine or brandy while stirring to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for about 2 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate.
Add Stock and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the seafood stock or chicken broth, stirring constantly to combine. Add Old Bay seasoning (if using), smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
Cook Seafood: Stir in the shrimp and crab meat. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
Finish the Bisque: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the bisque simmer gently for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Ladle the hot bisque into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an optional bright citrus touch.