There’s something undeniably elegant about a steaming bowl of seafood bisque. Rich, velvety, and full of deep ocean flavor, this Homemade Crab and Shrimp Bisque turns an ordinary evening into a coastal dining experience.
Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests, elevate a weeknight meal, or simply treat yourself to a bowl of cozy luxury, this bisque is pure comfort in a spoon. With tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, aromatic vegetables, and a dreamy cream base kissed with a splash of white wine—every bite is a reminder that gourmet doesn’t have to be complicated.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Seafood:
- 250g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g lump crab meat (fresh or good-quality canned)
Base:
- 30g unsalted butter (2 tbsp)
- 30g all-purpose flour (2 tbsp)
- 80g yellow onion, finely diced
- 70g celery, finely diced
- 70g carrot, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves (about 10g), minced
- 500ml seafood stock (or chicken stock as a backup)
- 100ml dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a little heat)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Cream Finish:
- 250ml heavy cream
- 60ml tomato paste (about 4 tbsp)
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Seafood
Chop shrimp into bite-sized pieces and set aside. If using canned crab, drain it gently. Keep both chilled until ready to add.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in garlic and cook another minute.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps remove the raw flour taste and thickens your bisque.
Step 4: Add Wine & Stock
Slowly pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then gradually stir in the seafood stock. Add bay leaf, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Blend (Optional for Smoothness)
For a smoother bisque, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer half to a blender and puree, then return to the pot.
Step 6: Stir in Tomato & Cream
Add tomato paste and heavy cream. Stir until fully combined. Simmer gently for 10 minutes on low heat—do not boil.
Step 7: Add the Seafood
Fold in the shrimp and crab meat. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Step 8: Final Touches
Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 6 servings)
- Calories: ~390 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: ~720mg
Tip: Use low-sodium stock to control the saltiness and balance the rich cream.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Seafood Bisque
- Restaurant-quality at home: Silky smooth, rich flavor, and loaded with seafood.
- Quick and satisfying: Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish.
- Elegant comfort food: Feels special, tastes luxurious, but is secretly simple.
- Customizable: Add lobster, scallops, or even a splash of brandy for variation.
🔥 Tips & Tricks for the Best Bisque
- Use quality seafood: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp and real crab meat make a difference.
- No wine? Use a splash of lemon juice and extra stock for brightness.
- Smooth or chunky? Puree the base before adding seafood for a silky bisque or leave it rustic with texture.
- Freeze leftovers: This bisque freezes well—just reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
💡 Add Your Own Twist
- Add a swirl of chili oil or truffle oil before serving for extra decadence.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices or a grilled cheese for a cozy dinner.
- Turn it into a date night dish by pairing it with a crisp white wine and candlelight.
🧑🍳 From My Kitchen to Yours…
This recipe was born from my love of coastal comfort food. It brings together the briny sweetness of the sea with warm, familiar flavors of creamy bisques. It’s a dish that feels like a celebration—of flavor, simplicity, and the joy of cooking at home.
Whether you’re treating guests or simply nourishing yourself after a long day, this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is pure bliss in a bowl. I hope it brings you the same joy it brings my kitchen.
