Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich, velvety soup made with tender shrimp, sweet lump crab meat, and a creamy, aromatic base. This luxurious dish is perfect for special occasions or cozy weeknight dinners. Its elegant flavors and comforting texture will transport you to a seaside restaurant, all from the comfort of your kitchen. Let’s dive into the details of making this delightful seafood bisque!
Why You’ll Love This Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque
This recipe offers a myriad of reasons to fall in love with it. First, the combination of shrimp and crab creates a symphony of flavors. Second, it’s incredibly easy to make at home, ensuring you can enjoy a gourmet experience without the restaurant price tag. Third, this dish can be made gluten-free while still delivering on taste. Fourth, you can customize it with various spices and ingredients; think of it as a canvas for your culinary creativity. Fifth, it’s perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy night in. Lastly, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight meal. Enjoy this rich seafood bisque that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients for Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Gather these items:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups seafood stock or broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and celery and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
- Step 2: Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to form a light roux.
- Step 3: Slowly whisk in the seafood stock until smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add heavy cream, milk, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes, until pink and opaque.
- Step 6: Gently stir in the crab meat and simmer for 2–3 minutes, just to heat through.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips for the Best Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t rush the simmering process; it enhances the overall flavor.
- Adjust the spices to your preference for heat and flavor depth.
- For a thicker bisque, blend a portion of the soup and then return it to the pot.
Best Ways to Serve Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque
This bisque is perfect on its own but can be accompanied by:
- Crusty bread for dipping.
- Fresh salad to balance the richness.
- Pair with a crisp white wine to complement the seafood flavors.
How to Store and Reheat Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque
To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if it has thickened. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque
What is seafood bisque?
Seafood bisque is a creamy soup made with shellfish, typically including ingredients like shrimp and crab. It’s known for its rich, velvety texture and is often flavored with herbs and spices. Learn more about bisque here.
Can I make crab shrimp seafood bisque ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bisque in advance. It actually tastes better after the flavors meld together. Just reheat gently before serving!
How do I avoid common mistakes with crab shrimp seafood bisque?
Avoid overcooking the seafood, which can make it tough. Also, remember to season gradually, tasting as you go to ensure the best flavor.
Variations of Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque You Can Try
Here are a few delicious twists you can explore:
- Add lobster for a luxurious touch in a gourmet crab and shrimp bisque.
- Incorporate different seafood like scallops or clams.
- For a spicy kick, include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as dill or thyme, to enhance the flavor profile.

For more delicious seafood recipes, check out this link, here, and also this one.
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Luxurious Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque for Your Table
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich, velvety soup made with tender shrimp, sweet lump crab meat, and a creamy, aromatic base.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups seafood stock or broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and celery and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to form a light roux.
- Slowly whisk in the seafood stock until smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add heavy cream, milk, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes, until pink and opaque.
- Gently stir in the crab meat and simmer for 2–3 minutes, just to heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque