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Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe

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4.1 from 67 reviews

A rich and creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque combining savory seafood flavors with a smooth, creamy texture. This bisque features cooked crab meat and shrimp in a flavorful base of sautéed vegetables, tomato paste, and spices, finished with cream and optional sherry for depth. Perfect as an elegant starter or comforting main.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Flavorings

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Thickening and Broth

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups seafood or chicken broth

Main Seafood Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 pound cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut into bite-sized pieces

Finishing Touches

  • 2 tablespoons sherry (optional)
  • Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, celery, and carrot, and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add Flavorings: Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and spices to bloom.
  3. Create Roux Base: Sprinkle flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the seafood or chicken broth to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and flavors to meld.
  5. Incorporate Cream and Seafood: Lower the heat, stir in the heavy cream, then gently fold in the cooked crab meat and shrimp. Warm through but avoid boiling to keep the seafood tender, cooking for 5 minutes.
  6. Finish with Sherry and Herbs: If desired, stir in sherry for added depth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving.

Notes

  • To save time, use pre-cooked crab meat and shrimp.
  • For a spicier bisque, increase cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a complete meal.
  • Sherry is optional but adds a lovely complexity to the flavor.
  • Make sure to remove any shell fragments from crab meat for a smooth eating experience.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/crab-and-shrimp-seafood-bisque-recipe/