Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

A luxurious and comforting soup, this bisque combines tender shrimp and crab in a velvety, flavorful base. Perfect for special occasions or cozy evenings, this dish will elevate any meal. 🦀🍤

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock if unavailable)
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Seafood:

½ pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
½ pound cooked crab meat, shredded

For the Garnish:

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Crusty bread or oyster crackers

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant and lightly golden.

2. Build the Soup Base:

Add the tomato paste to the pot, stirring well to coat the onions and garlic.
Pour in the seafood stock and mix until the tomato paste is fully incorporated.
Sprinkle in the Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

3. Add the Dairy:

Slowly stir in the milk and heavy cream.
Let the soup simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure a smooth consistency.

4. Add the Seafood:

Gently fold the cooked shrimp and crab meat into the soup.
Allow the bisque to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, letting the seafood warm through and the flavors meld together.

5. Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the bisque into serving bowls.
Top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve with a side of crusty bread or oyster crackers for dipping.

Notes & Tips

Seafood Options: Feel free to substitute lobster, scallops, or even chunks of white fish for a variation.
Thicker Bisque: For a richer texture, blend a portion of the soup base before adding the seafood, or stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Pairings

Serve this bisque with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus to balance the richness. A glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the delicate seafood flavors.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent curdling.
Freeze: While freezing is not ideal due to the dairy content, you can freeze the soup base without the seafood for up to 1 month. Add fresh shrimp and crab after reheating.

This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is indulgent, elegant, and sure to impress your family or guests. It’s the ultimate seafood lover’s dream in a bowl!