Creamy Crab & Shrimp Seafood Bisque
This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a luxurious, restaurant-quality seafood soup made with tender shrimp, sweet lump crab meat, and a silky garlic-butter cream broth. Infused with Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs, this homemade bisque is perfect for special occasions, cozy dinners, or holiday meals.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Bisque:
Rich & creamy texture just like a high-end restaurant bisque
Loaded with protein-rich shrimp and crab
Easy to make at home in under 45 minutes
Perfect as a starter or elegant main course
Naturally comforting and full of deep seafood flavor
Ingredients:
For the Seafood
½ lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
½ lb lump crab meat, shell-free
Salt & black pepper, to taste
½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Bisque Base
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Creamy Broth
3 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup half-and-half
½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
½ tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Finishing Touches
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Extra butter or cream (optional)
Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion and celery and cook until soft and translucent (5–6 minutes).
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to enhance flavor.
Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a light roux.
Slowly whisk in seafood stock until smooth.
Add Old Bay, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
Remove bay leaf. Blend partially or fully using an immersion blender for a smooth, creamy texture. Return to pot.
Stir in heavy cream and half-and-half.
Add shrimp and simmer 3–4 minutes until cooked.
Gently fold in crab meat and cook 1–2 minutes more.
Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
Adjust seasoning and add extra butter or cream if desired.
Recipe Details:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~520 per serving
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this creamy seafood bisque with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad for a complete, comforting meal.
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Creamy Crab & Shrimp Seafood Bisque made with tender shrimp, sweet lump crab, garlic butter, and a rich, velvety cream broth. Easy restaurant-style seafood soup ready in 45 minutes.
