Description
This creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich and flavorful soup perfect for seafood lovers. Made with delicate crab meat and succulent shrimp combined in a smooth, seasoned cream base with hints of Old Bay seasoning and tomato paste, this bisque is a comforting and elegant dish that can be enjoyed as a starter or a main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 8 oz. Cooked shrimp, cut into pieces
- 8 oz. Crab meat
Vegetables & Aromatics
- ⅓ cup Celery, chopped
- ⅓ cup Green onions, chopped
Dairy & Liquids
- 4 Tbsp. Butter
- 1 ½ cups Heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups Whole milk
Seasonings & Others
- 3 Tbsp. Flour
- 1 Tbsp. Tomato paste
- 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Add the chopped celery and green onions, sautéing until they begin to soften and release their flavors.
- Add Flour: Stir in the flour and continue to sauté for another minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux base for thickening the bisque.
- Warm Milk and Combine: Heat the whole milk in the microwave until warm, then slowly pour it into the saucepan while whisking vigorously to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Whisk in the heavy whipping cream, tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste, blending all ingredients into a velvety soup base.
- Simmer Bisque: Bring the mixture to a low simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until the bisque thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Seafood and Heat Through: Stir in the cooked shrimp and crab meat, cooking just until heated through, preserving the delicate texture of the seafood.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired, serving hot for optimal flavor and comfort.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain the bisque before adding the seafood.
- Use fresh seafood if possible for the best flavor, but cooked and peeled shrimp and canned crab meat work well.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a complete meal.
- This bisque can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crab bisque, shrimp bisque, seafood soup, creamy seafood bisque, Old Bay seafood soup, comfort food, easy bisque recipe
