Get ready to swoon over this velvety, decadent Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque! Picture yourself curling up with a steaming bowl of this creamy soup packed with succulent shrimp and sweet, tender lump crab, all floating in a savory, delicately spiced broth. Every spoonful is pure comfort and luxury, whether you serve it as a classy dinner party starter or make it the star of a cozy weeknight meal. The best part? It comes together faster than you’d think, making it perfect for both special occasions and indulgent everyday dinners.

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque starts with a handful of simple, thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one brings its own personality: depth, richness, a hint of the sea, or just the right pop of color to make your bowl irresistible.

Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): This adds a luscious, creamy base and a gentle richness without extra salt.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the butter shine without burning, and adds a fruity undertone to your bisque.
Yellow onion, finely chopped (1 small): Onions add sweetness and depth, melting into the base for classic soup flavor.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Just a hint of garlic brings warmth and makes the bisque extra aromatic.
Celery, finely chopped (1 stalk): Celery provides freshness and rounds out the base with a subtle savory crunch.
All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Turns into a light roux, thickening the bisque for a perfectly creamy texture.
Dry white wine (1/4 cup): Adds acidity and complexity for a restaurant-worthy flavor.
Seafood or fish stock (2 cups): Absolutely key for that briny, authentic seafood taste.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings unrivaled silkiness and richness, making every bite luxurious.
Whole milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the cream ever so slightly so the bisque isn’t too heavy.
Old Bay seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): The classic seafood blend that ties every flavor together in each delicious spoonful.
Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle color and just a whisper of earthy sweetness.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a subtle kick of heat.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): To bring all the flavors into harmony.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a mild bite and rounds things out perfectly.
Cooked lump crab meat (1/2 pound): The showstopper ingredient — opt for fresh if you can, but good-quality canned works beautifully too.
Cooked shrimp, chopped (1/2 pound): Juicy, bite-sized, and just right for soaking up those creamy flavors.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A final, bright pop that lifts all the rich flavors.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): For a burst of color and garden-fresh flavor at the finish.

How to Make Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Begin by placing a large pot over medium heat, then melt the butter with the olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Let them sweat for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and fragrant. This simple step builds a flavorful foundation your Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque will be grateful for!

Step 2: Create a Light Roux

Once the aromatics are soft, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute. You’re aiming to coat the veggies and cook off the raw flour taste, ensuring your bisque thickens beautifully but stays silky smooth.

Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine

Slowly pour in the dry white wine and stir as it sizzles, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. The wine adds a subtle depth and brings out the sweetness in your vegetables.

Step 4: Add Broth and Creamy Goodness

Pour in the seafood or fish stock, then stir in the heavy cream and whole milk. Use your spoon to blend everything together until the mixture looks dreamy and pale. This is what gives Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque its decadent body and luscious texture.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the Old Bay, paprika, cayenne (if you love a touch of spice), salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let your bisque cook for around 10 minutes, stirring every so often — the flavors will mingle and the soup will thicken to perfection.

Step 6: Add Crab and Shrimp

Gently stir in the lump crab meat and chopped shrimp. Let the bisque simmer for another 5 minutes, just until the seafood is heated through and the bisque is overflowing with irresistible flavor.

Step 7: Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Right before serving, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and taste for seasoning, adding a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle over the chopped parsley. Now your Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is ready for the spotlight!

How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Garnishes

Garnishing this bisque is pure joy! A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley gives a burst of color and fresh flavor. If you want to get fancy, add a swirl of cream, a twist of lemon curl, or an extra spoonful of crab and shrimp right in the center for a showstopping look.

Side Dishes

The best partners for Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque are crusty bread, buttery baguette slices, or oyster crackers for dipping. If you crave greens, pair your bisque with a crisp arugula salad tossed in a light vinaigrette — the pepperiness is a perfect match for the creamy, seafood-rich soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, ladle your bisque into warmed soup cups or elegant wide bowls. You can even serve it in small shooters or espresso cups as an appetizer at a party. Topping each serving with mini skewers of shrimp or a small crab claw adds an extra-special touch and makes every guest feel pampered.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep its fabulous flavor and creamy texture for up to three days, making it an amazing treat for lunches.

Freezing

While cream-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen, this bisque holds up surprisingly well because it isn’t overloaded with dairy. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheating Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is best done gently: pour the chilled soup into a saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring frequently until hot but not boiling. This keeps the cream from breaking and ensures the seafood stays tender and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this bisque?

Absolutely! Thawed, good-quality frozen shrimp and crab meat work perfectly in Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque. Just be sure to cook and drain them well before adding to avoid excess water.

Is there a way to make it lighter but keep it creamy?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or use all whole milk for a lighter (but still silky) texture. Your bisque will still taste rich, just with a little less decadence.

Which wine is best for deglazing?

Opt for a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio — their crisp acidity brightens up the Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque without overpowering the delicate seafood.

Can I blend the soup for a smoother texture?

You sure can! For a more elegant, restaurant-style bisque, blend the soup with an immersion blender before adding the crab and shrimp. For some texture, blend just half the batch.

How can I spice it up a bit more?

A pinch more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce can transform your bowl. Add gradually to suit your heat tolerance and remember — even a little goes a long way in Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque to make any meal feel extraordinary. Even if you’re new to making seafood soup, this recipe is a breeze and sure to impress. Go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to this luscious, crowd-pleasing bisque!

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and flavorful Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque, a creamy soup that’s perfect for seafood lovers. This bisque is a comforting blend of lump crab meat, chopped shrimp, and aromatic seasonings in a velvety base.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Soup:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 cups seafood or fish stock
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 pound cooked lump crab meat
1/2 pound cooked shrimp, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and celery, sauté until softened.
Create Roux: Sprinkle in flour, stir constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.
Deglaze and Add Liquids: Slowly pour in white wine, stirring to deglaze. Add seafood stock, cream, and milk. Season with Old Bay, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer, cook for 10 minutes. Add crab meat and shrimp, simmer for another 5 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley before serving.