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Rich Crab and Shrimp Bisque

Rich Crab and Shrimp Bisque
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Rich Crab and Shrimp Bisque is a luxurious and comforting creamy seafood soup blending the sweet flavors of fresh crab and shrimp with a velvety broth infused with aromatic herbs, white wine, and spices. Perfect for special occasions or a gourmet treat, this bisque delivers a rich, flavorful, and elegant dining experience that’s easy to prepare with accessible ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 1 cup fresh lump crab meat
  • 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped

Liquids and Dairy

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
  • 4 cups seafood stock (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Celery salt, to taste
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Seafood: Clean and chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces, keeping the crab meat in large tender lumps to maintain texture in the bisque.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a heavy pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add finely chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until fragrant and softened, forming a savory flavor base.
  3. Add Tomato Paste and Wine: Stir in the tomato paste and let it caramelize slightly. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits to enrich the broth.
  4. Pour in Seafood Stock and Herbs: Add the seafood stock, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt, pepper, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne. Let the mixture simmer gently to meld flavors and reduce slightly.
  5. Puree and Return to Pot: Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Using an immersion blender or food processor, puree the soup until smooth to achieve the velvety bisque texture.
  6. Add Shrimp and Cream: Stir in the chopped shrimp and heavy cream. Cook just until the shrimp turn pink and the soup thickens to creamy perfection.
  7. Fold in Crab Meat and Serve: Gently fold in the crab meat, warming it through without breaking up the lumps. Serve immediately for the best experience.

Notes

  • Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture.
  • Add shrimp and crab at the end to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture.
  • Simmer gently after adding cream to prevent curdling.
  • Optionally add a splash of brandy before the stock for added complexity.
  • For an extra smooth bisque, strain the soup after pureeing.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/rich-crab-and-shrimp-bisque/