Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and comforting: The combination of shrimp, crab, and heavy cream creates a luxurious bisque that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
- Perfectly spiced: The smoked paprika and cayenne pepper add depth and a subtle heat that makes every bite intriguing.
- Elegant and easy: While it feels like a special-occasion dish, this bisque is simple to prepare, making it ideal for an impressive meal without the fuss.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level or add more seafood depending on your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ pound crab meat, picked through for shells
- 1 ½ cups fish or seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
- Stir in the diced carrot and celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Step 3: Incorporate Garlic
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Mix in Tomato Paste
- Stir the tomato paste into the mixture, letting it cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor and remove the raw taste of the paste.
Step 5: Spice it Up
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper (if using), stirring to combine. These spices will add a smoky, mildly spicy kick to the bisque.
Step 6: Add Stock
- Pour in the fish or seafood stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Blend for Smoothness
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to achieve the desired creaminess.
Step 8: Return to Heat
- Once blended, return the bisque to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream slowly, warming it through without bringing it to a boil.
Step 9: Add Seafood
- Gently fold in the shrimp and crab meat, cooking until the shrimp turns opaque and is fully cooked, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 10: Season to Taste
- Taste the bisque and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
Step 11: Garnish
- Once the bisque is ready, remove it from the heat and garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or chives.
Servings and timing
- Serves: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 33 minutes
Variations
- Additional seafood: Add scallops, lobster, or clams for a more luxurious bisque.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce for a bolder kick.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the seafood and use vegetable stock for a vegetarian bisque.
- Lighter version: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter, dairy-free bisque.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to thin the soup.
- Freezing: This bisque can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the texture of the seafood may change slightly when thawed.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, frozen shrimp and crab meat can be used. Just make sure they’re thawed before adding them to the bisque.
2. Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
Yes, this bisque can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop and improve overnight.
3. What can I serve this bisque with?
Serve this seafood bisque with warm crusty bread, a side salad, or over a bed of rice for a fuller meal.
4. Can I adjust the spiciness?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder bisque, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount. Add more to suit your spice preference.
5. What’s the best type of seafood stock to use?
You can use homemade seafood stock or store-bought fish stock. If you can’t find seafood stock, chicken stock can be a suitable substitute.
6. Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?
Yes, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to achieve the smooth consistency you desire.
7. Can I make this bisque without the cream?
Yes, for a lighter bisque, you can use coconut milk or evaporated milk as a substitute for heavy cream.
8. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. They typically cook quickly, within 3-5 minutes.
9. Can I make this bisque spicier?
If you want more heat, add more cayenne pepper or even a pinch of chili flakes to the soup during cooking.
10. What should I do if my bisque is too thick?
If the bisque becomes too thick, add a bit more seafood stock or water to thin it to your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Seafood Bisque Bowl is the ultimate dish for anyone who loves rich, creamy, and flavorful seafood soups. With a perfect blend of shrimp, crab, and aromatic vegetables, all enhanced with smoked paprika and a touch of spice, this bisque is sure to impress. It’s easy to prepare, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the taste of the sea in a bowl!
Seafood Bisque Bowl: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for an Amazing Experience
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Seafood Bisque Bowl is a creamy, rich, and indulgent soup featuring shrimp, crab meat, and aromatic vegetables. With a smooth, velvety base and a delicate blend of spices, this bisque provides an extraordinary dining experience that feels like a luxurious treat. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ pound crab meat, picked through for shells
1 ½ cups fish or seafood stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Aromatics – In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add Vegetables – Stir in the diced carrot and celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Incorporate Garlic – Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Mix in Tomato Paste – Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Spice it Up – Add smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, stirring to combine.
- Step 6: Add Stock – Pour in the fish or seafood stock, bring to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Step 7: Blend for Smoothness – Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer it in batches to a regular blender.
- Step 8: Return to Heat – Return the bisque to low heat and stir in heavy cream, warming without boiling.
- Step 9: Add Seafood – Add shrimp and crab meat, cooking until the shrimp turns opaque, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 10: Season to Taste – Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Step 11: Garnish – Serve with a garnish of fresh parsley or chives.
Notes
For a richer bisque, add scallops, lobster, or clams.
If you prefer a spicier bisque, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce.
For a lighter version, substitute coconut milk for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing, Blending, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
