Name: Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Tbsp. Butter; ⅓ C. Celery, chopped; ⅓ C. Green onions, chopped; 1 ½ C. Heavy whipping cream; 2 C. Whole milk; 3 Tbsp. Flour; 1 Tbsp. Tomato paste; 8 oz. Cooked shrimp, cut into pieces; 8 oz. Crab meat; 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’ve ever dreamed of savoring a rich, creamy, and comforting bowl of bisque that tastes like it belongs in a fancy restaurant, you’re going to fall head over heels with this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe. It’s a luscious seafood soup bursting with the sweet, briny flavors of crab and shrimp, perfectly balanced with a silky cream base that warms you from the inside out. This recipe not only invites you into the indulgence of Five Star Dining but also makes it incredibly easy to whip up at home, saving you both time and money. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or treat yourself on a cozy evening, this bisque is a jewel every seafood lover should have in their culinary repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and containers arranged on a wooden table with a blue cloth on the left side. At the top left, there is a bowl full of pink and white cooked shrimp with orange tails, while to its right is another bowl filled with white crab meat pieces. Below these, there is a small gray bowl with chopped green onions and a small white bowl filled with diced green celery. To the right of the celery bowl, a small blue plate holds four pale yellow pats of butter. A glass measuring cup filled with a white liquid is on the bottom left, next to a small white dish of flour. Two small glass cups of white liquid appear next to the measuring cup. Two metal measuring spoons lie in the front center, and to their right, two silver spoons hold red seasoning and a thick red paste. Two small metal shakers are also present near the blue cloth. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to nailing the taste, texture, and beautiful color of this bisque. Each one plays an essential role, from building the deep flavor with aromatic vegetables to ensuring the bisque’s signature creamy consistency.

Butter – Provides a rich, velvety base and helps sauté the aromatics.
Celery (⅓ cup, chopped) – Adds a subtle earthy crunch and freshness.
Green onions (⅓ cup, chopped) – Lends gentle sharpness that brightens the soup.
Heavy whipping cream (1 ½ cups) – Creates that luxurious creamy texture that’s essential in bisque.
Whole milk (2 cups) – Balances creaminess with a light, silky mouthfeel.
Flour (3 tablespoons) – Thickens the bisque into that perfect spoon-coating consistency.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon) – Adds a subtle depth and a delightfully rich color tint.
Cooked shrimp (8 ounces, cut into pieces) – Brings sweet, tender seafood bites throughout.
Crab meat (8 ounces) – The star ingredient, delivering a luscious briny sweetness.
Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon) – Infuses that classic seafood zing and aromatic warmth.
Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to round out all flavors perfectly.

How to Make Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat—this is your flavor foundation. Toss in the chopped celery and green onions, and sauté until they soften and become fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. This gentle sauté releases their natural sweetness and sets the stage for the bisque’s savory depth.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and continue to sauté for another minute. This step cooks the raw flour taste out and forms a roux, the magical thickening agent that will give your bisque its silky, luscious body.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Liquids

Warm the whole milk in the microwave until just hot, and slowly pour it into the saucepan while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth base. Next, whisk in the heavy whipping cream, tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The tomato paste adds subtle sweetness and a beautiful rosy tint to the soup.

Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened

Allow the bisque to reach a gentle simmer. Keep cooking and stirring occasionally until the soup thickens to your desired consistency—typically 8 to 10 minutes. The heat will coax out the rich flavors and meld everything together beautifully.

Step 5: Fold in the Seafood

Finally, stir in the chopped cooked shrimp and the delicate crab meat, letting them warm through for a few minutes without boiling. This careful step preserves the seafood’s tenderness and fresh flavor, making each spoonful a delight.

How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

The image shows a creamy sauce cooking in a black pan with visible small chunks mixed in the pale orange sauce. The sauce has a smooth and slightly thick texture with a few green herb pieces scattered throughout. On top, three sprigs of bright green parsley are placed in the center, adding a fresh pop of color against the creamy background. The edge of the pan has a rough texture, and the photo is taken on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top not only adds a burst of color but also a hint of herbal brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the bisque’s creamy richness. For a special touch, a drizzle of a good quality olive oil or a dollop of crème fraîche can elevate it even more.

Side Dishes

This bisque pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop. A crisp, lightly dressed green salad can refresh your palate and balance the indulgence, making the meal complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bisque in elegant soup bowls or even hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun twist. For a dinner party, garnish with a sprig of dill or a few whole shrimp perched on top—it’s as pretty as it is delicious and sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a treat on their own.

Freezing

If you want to save your bisque for longer, freezing is an option. Because it contains cream and seafood, freeze it in airtight containers and consume within 1 to 2 months for best quality. Thaw slowly in the fridge to maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to avoid curdling the cream. If the bisque has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up while warming.

FAQs

Can I use fresh seafood instead of cooked shrimp and crab?

Absolutely! If using fresh, cook the shrimp and crab separately before adding them at the end to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.

Is there a good substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

If you don’t have Old Bay on hand, a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne can mimic the flavor profile nicely.

Can I make this bisque dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond cream, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different from the classic creamy bisque.

What’s the best way to thicken the bisque if it’s too thin?

Mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering soup gradually until the desired thickness is reached.

Can I add other types of seafood to this recipe?

Definitely! Lobster, scallops, or clams can be delicious additions, just adjust cooking times accordingly so nothing gets overcooked.

Final Thoughts

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe is a delightful way to bring restaurant-quality luxury to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just craving something cozy, this bisque promises rich seafood flavor and creamy comfort in every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need