Go Back

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

This rich and creamy bisque features the delightful flavors of crab and shrimp, bringing a taste of the sea right to your bowl. Perfect as a starter or a main course, this bisque is comforting and elegant, making it ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course starter
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 4 People
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Blender or immersion blender
  • 1 Ladle
  • 4 Soup bowls for serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 cups seafood stock or fish stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces crab meat, cooked and picked over for shells
  • 8 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Pour in the seafood stock, bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
  • Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the bisque until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, only blend part of the mixture.
  • Return the bisque to the pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and let it warm through for about 5 minutes.
  • Add the crab meat and shrimp, and cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Season the bisque with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables.
This bisque can be made ahead of time; just reheat gently before serving. Adding the seafood just before serving helps maintain its texture.
Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.