If you’re a fan of rich, velvety seafood soups, this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a must-try! Packed with succulent shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a luxuriously creamy broth, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, special occasion, or when you simply crave something elegant and indulgent.

This bisque is surprisingly easy to make, yet it tastes like something straight out of a gourmet seafood restaurant. The combination of fresh seafood, butter, cream, and aromatic spices results in a silky, flavorful soup that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

Seafood

• Shrimp (peeled, deveined, chopped) – 250g (9 oz)
• Lump crab meat – 250g (9 oz)

Base & Aromatics

• Unsalted butter – 50g (3.5 tbsp)
• Shallot, finely chopped – 1
• Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
• Celery, finely chopped – 1 stalk
• Carrot, finely grated – 1 small
• Tomato paste – 1 tbsp
• All-purpose flour – 2 tbsp
• Paprika – 1 tsp
• Old Bay seasoning – 1 tsp
• Cayenne pepper – ¼ teaspoon (optional for spice)

Liquid Ingredients

• Seafood stock (or chicken stock) – 500ml (2 cups)
• Heavy cream – 250ml (1 cup)
• Milk – 250ml (1 cup)
• Dry white wine – 120ml (½ cup)
• Worcestershire sauce – 1 tsp
• Salt & black pepper – to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped – 2 tbsp
• Lemon wedges – for serving

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add shallots, garlic, celery, and grated carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to develop depth in the flavor.

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Step 2: Build the Bisque Base

1. Sprinkle in flour, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw taste.
2. Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually add seafood stock, whisking to avoid lumps.
4. Season with paprika, Old Bay, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.

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Step 3: Simmer & Thicken

1. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
2. Stir in milk, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes until smooth and creamy.

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Step 4: Cook the Seafood

1. Add the chopped shrimp and crab meat to the pot.
2. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook to keep the seafood tender.

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Step 5: Serve & Garnish

1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
3. Serve hot with crusty bread and a lemon wedge for an extra burst of flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

🥖 Pair it with: A side of toasted garlic bread or buttery crostini.

🍷 Drink pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the creamy seafood flavors.

🥗 Side options: A light green salad or roasted asparagus balances the richness of the bisque.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.)

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Seafood Bisque

✔ Use Fresh Seafood – Fresh shrimp and lump crab meat bring the best flavor. If using frozen seafood, thaw completely before cooking.

✔ Don’t Overcook the Seafood – Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it toward the end for the perfect tender texture.

✔ Blending Option for Extra Creaminess – For an ultra-smooth bisque, blend half the soup before adding the seafood.

✔ Make It Spicier – Add a dash of hot sauce or more cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

✔ Use a Rich Stock – A homemade seafood stock elevates the flavor. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality brand.

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How to Store & Reheat

🧊 Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🔥 Reheating:

• Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Do not boil to prevent the cream from separating.

🚫 Freezing:

• Not recommended, as dairy-based soups may separate when thawed.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Rich & Velvety – The perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors.

✅ Packed with Seafood – Loaded with tender shrimp and sweet crab meat.

✅ Restaurant-Quality at Home – A gourmet dish made easily in your kitchen.

✅ Perfect for Special Occasions – Great for a cozy date night, holiday meal, or celebratory dinner.