Shrimp and Crab Bisque

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious seafood bisque recipe, then you’ve come to the right place. A shrimp and crab bisque is the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Here, we’ll give you all the details you need to make the perfect seafood bisque, plus some helpful tips and tasty variations.

Your grocery list

Produce

Fresh garlic
Yellow onion – green onions, shallots, and leeks can all be used instead of a yellow onion
Celery
A fresh ear of corn
Curly parsley (for garnish)

Dairy

Heavy cream
Unsalted butter

Meat & Seafood

Large or jump shrimp, raw, peeled, and deveined
Claw or lump crab meat

Pantry Items & Seasonings

Extra virgin olive oil
All-purpose flour
Seafood or chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian option – see notes for more info)
Smoked paprika
Creole Seasoning or Old Bay
Salt
Black pepper

Equipment/tools you’ll need

Large pot with a lid or dutch oven
Nonstick pan or cast iron pan (for cooking shrimp for garnish)
Small bowl (for preparing crab garnish)
Immersion blender or food processor (for a smooth, puree-style bisque)

Tips for making the perfect seafood bisque

Making a seafood bisque can feel tricky and intimidating, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make a delicious seafood bisque any and every time. Here are some tips to get you started:

Start with good-quality shrimp and crab meat. The better the ingredients, the better the bisque.
Try to cut your vegetables to small, even(ish) sizes for a quick and even cook time.
If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before using them.
When adding the broth, be sure to stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
When adding the heavy cream, be sure to stir constantly to prevent it from curdling.
If you prefer a thicker bisque, cook it a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency. The heavy cream will reduce over time.
Taste the bisque before serving to adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve the bisque with a side of croutons, crackers, crusty bread, or a fresh garden salad.

Switch it up!

The best part about this recipe is that it’s versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste. Here are some possible variations for the shrimp and crab bisque:

For a spicier bisque, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
For another layer of flavor complexity, add a splash of white wine.
For a creamer bisque, stir in ½ cup of cream cheese.
For a smokier flavor, add an additional ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, or liquid smoke.
For a lighter version, use vegetable broth instead of seafood or chicken broth.
For a more intense seafood flavor, add crushed dried shrimp as a garnish.
For a vegetarian option, replace the shrimp and crab with sautéed mushrooms and kale.
Switch up the seafood by using clams, crawfish, oysters, and/or scallops.

Creative ways to serve shrimp and crab bisque

Shrimp and crab bisque is a great dish for any occasion, and there are so many creative ways to serve it. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Serve the bisque in individual soup cups as an elegant appetizer.
Place a scoop of the bisque in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl.
Top the bisque with crispy bacon crumbles or fried shrimp.
Serve the bisque on a bed of wild rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
Create a shrimp and crab bisque bar by offering a variety of toppings, such as diced tomatoes, diced onions, grated cheese, herb croutons, cheddar bay biscuit pieces, and more.
Use the bisque as a sauce for your favorite pasta.