Name: New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 1 bell pepper, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon thyme; ½ teaspoon oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bisque is everything you want in a comfort dish: creamy, savory, and just the right amount of spice. The combination of shrimp and corn gives it a delicious sweetness, while the Cajun seasoning adds a lovely warmth and depth of flavor. The creamy broth, enriched with heavy cream and milk, makes this bisque irresistibly smooth and satisfying. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or when you need something hearty to warm you up on a chilly day.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and set all ingredients aside.
Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, then roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Make the Bisque Base:

Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the bisque.
Add Broth and Milk: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer, allowing the mixture to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add Shrimp and Corn:

Cook the Shrimp and Corn: Add the shrimp and corn to the pot, stirring gently. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the shrimp is cooked through and the corn is tender.

5. Stir in the Cream:

Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the bisque simmer for another 5 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

6. Finish the Bisque:

Season: Taste the bisque and season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if desired) to balance the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Add More Heat: If you like your bisque spicier, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the pot to give it a little extra kick.
Use Different Seafood: This recipe is versatile, and you can easily swap the shrimp for other seafood like crab, lobster, or scallops if you prefer.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, omit the shrimp and use a plant-based protein or additional vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, for a hearty, flavorful bisque.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the bisque gently on the stove over low heat. You can add a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the consistency if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly fine. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand before adding them to the bisque.

2. Can I make this bisque ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this bisque ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

3. Can I freeze New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the bisque without the shrimp for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it and add freshly cooked shrimp.

4. How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?

The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

5. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with seafood broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile, depending on your preference.

6. What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and a little bit of butter for a lighter version of the bisque.

7. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or even add some diced jalapeños to the bisque for more heat.

8. What can I serve with this bisque?

This bisque pairs perfectly with crusty bread, cornbread, or crackers. A side salad or simple vegetable dish can also complement the richness of the bisque.

9. Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, frozen corn works just as well as fresh corn in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it before adding it to the pot.

10. Can I add other vegetables to this bisque?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like carrots, spinach, or tomatoes to the bisque for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque is a deliciously creamy, comforting dish that combines the sweetness of shrimp with the warmth of Cajun spices and the freshness of corn. This bisque is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering. With its rich flavors and smooth texture, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque

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Author: Paula
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines shrimp, corn, and Cajun seasoning, perfect for a cozy meal with a Southern twist.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and set aside. Peel and devein the shrimp, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Bisque Base: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables, stirring for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the chicken broth and whole milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes to thicken the base.
Add Shrimp and Corn: Stir in the shrimp and corn. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the corn is tender.
Stir in the Cream: Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the bisque simmer for another 5 minutes.
Finish the Bisque: Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.