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Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

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Prep Time 45 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb lump crab meat cooked and shell-free
  • ½ lb shrimp peeled, deveined, and cooked
  • 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup celery finely chopped
  • ½ cup carrots finely diced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional Add-Ins for Depth of Flavor
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • A splash of sherry for richness
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preparing the Seafood
  2. If using fresh seafood, ensure the crab meat is free of shells and cartilage. Devein the shrimp and set both aside.
  3. Step 2: Building the Bisque Base
  4. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to enhance its depth of flavor.
  5. Step 3: Deglazing with Wine
  6. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off while intensifying the broth’s complexity.
  7. Step 4: Adding the Stock and Seasonings
  8. Stir in the seafood broth and seasonings (Old Bay, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper). Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  9. Step 5: Blending for a Smooth Consistency
  10. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches a silky consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender, then return it to the pot.
  11. Step 6: Finishing with Cream and Seafood
  12. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, crab meat, and shrimp. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, just enough to warm the seafood without overcooking it.
  13. Step 7: Garnishing and Serving
  14. Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle with a bit of sherry or a dollop of crème fraîche. Serve warm.

Notes

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the perfect blend of rich, creamy, and savory flavors. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal, this bisque is sure to impress. With its smooth texture and deep seafood taste, it’s an elegant yet easy dish to prepare at home. Serve it with warm bread and a glass of white wine, and you have a restaurant-quality meal in your kitchen.