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Creamy crab and shrimp seafood bisque served in a white bowl with garnish
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Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Creamy, silky, and brimming with fresh seafood flavor, this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the kind of comfort that warms the soul and impresses the palate.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Whisk
  • Ladle

Ingredients

Seafood

  • 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lb Crab meat, picked over for shells

Aromatics

  • 2 tbsp Butter, unsalted, melted In the pot
  • 1 small Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks Celery, finely chopped
  • 1 medium Carrot, finely chopped

Thickening Agent

  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour For thickening

Liquid Base

  • 4 cups Seafood stock Warm or at room temperature
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Chilled or cold

Seasoning

  • Salt and pepper To taste, adjust at the end
  • Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped carrot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste and form a light roux; this will help thicken the bisque.
  • Gradually pour in 4 cups seafood stock while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the broth simmer for 5 to 8 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken slightly.
  • Add 1 lb shrimp and 1 lb crab meat to the simmering broth. Cook gently for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep it tender.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Warm through without boiling — simmer just enough to incorporate the cream and bring everything to serving temperature. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat, ladle into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

For best results, avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent separation. Adjust seasoning at the end for optimal flavor.