Description
Creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque delivers rich coastal flavors from French culinary traditions. Chefs can elevate home cooking with this luxurious seafood soup that welcomes diners to savor ocean-inspired comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 pound crab meat
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
- Sprinkle flour into the butter mixture, stirring constantly to create a smooth, golden roux that will thicken the bisque’s base.
- Gradually incorporate seafood stock and white wine, whisking methodically to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
- Introduce tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper, allowing the flavors to meld together during a gentle 10-minute simmer.
- Pour in heavy cream, creating a rich and velvety consistency, then gently fold in succulent shrimp and delicate crab meat.
- Continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turns a vibrant pink and becomes perfectly tender.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness.
- Serve piping hot in warm bowls, inviting diners to savor the luxurious seafood bisque.
Notes
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains a creamy texture.
- Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour to make the bisque celiac-friendly.
- Choose wild-caught seafood for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious dish.
- Control spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper to suit individual heat preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 646
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 84 g
- Cholesterol: 310 mg