Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Rich Crab and Shrimp Bisque

Rich Crab and Shrimp Bisque

Rich Crab and Shrimp Bisque is a luxurious and creamy seafood soup that blends succulent lump crab meat and tender shrimp in a velvety, flavorful broth. This elegant yet comforting bisque delivers deep ocean flavors balanced with fresh herbs, cream, and a touch of lemon, perfect for cozy dinners or impressive starters.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 8 oz fresh lump crab meat
  • 8 oz peeled and deveined shrimp

Base & Aromatics

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

Liquids & Herbs

  • 4 cups fish or seafood stock
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Seasoning

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Melt the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking and stirring occasionally until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This creates the flavorful base of the bisque.
  2. Build the Broth: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Add the fish stock, dry white wine, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Increase heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  3. Cook the Seafood: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the simmering broth. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside to prevent overcooking. Add the fresh crab meat just before serving, gently warming it through without breaking up the lumps.
  4. Blend the Bisque: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the pot. Use an immersion blender to puree the bisque until smooth and velvety, achieving the signature creamy texture that is indulgent with every spoonful.
  5. Finish with Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream, then season the bisque with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Return the cooked shrimp and warmed crab meat to the pot and gently heat through. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh crab and shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture; remove as soon as they turn pink.
  • Maintain a low simmer to develop rich flavors without boiling off delicate notes.
  • For an ultra-smooth bisque, strain the blended soup through a fine mesh sieve before adding cream.
  • A splash of lemon juice or white wine balances the bisque’s richness and acidity.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American Seafood
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: crab bisque, shrimp bisque, seafood soup, creamy bisque, seafood appetizer, gluten free seafood