Seafood Bisque

A silky-smooth seafood bisque that tastes like it came from a fine restaurant is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home, a festive gathering, or an elegant dinner party, this dish impresses with its rich flavors and luxurious texture. In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that highlights the freshness of seafood, making it an ideal choice for seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to Prepare: This seafood bisque can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
  • Rich Flavor: The combination of shrimp and crab meat creates a deep, satisfying flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.
  • Versatile Dish: Serve as a starter at formal dinners or as a hearty main course—this bisque fits any dining occasion.
  • Simple Ingredients: With basic pantry staples and fresh seafood, you can easily whip up this delightful soup without fuss.
  • Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment with different seafood or add spices to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

  • Dutch oven: This heavy pot retains heat well and allows for even cooking, perfect for soups like bisque.
  • Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate ingredients smoothly, preventing lumps when combining liquids with flour.
  • Sharp knife: Essential for finely chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently, saving time during prep.

Ingredients

A silky-smooth seafood bisque that tastes like it came from a fine restaurant! Ready in just 30 minutes.

For the Base

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium sweet onion (finely diced)
  • 3 celery stalks (minced)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the Broth

  • 3 cups seafood stock
  • 2 cups whole milk (warmed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves

For the Seafood

  • 1 pound jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 12 ounces lump crab meat (checked for shells)

For Seasoning

  • 1/4 cup quality dry sherry
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • Salt to taste

Garnishing Options

  • Fresh chives (minced)
  • Fresh tarragon (chopped)
  • Crème fraîche (optional)
  • Extra shrimp for garnish

How to Make Seafood Bisque

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Whisk in Liquids

Gradually whisk in warmed milk and seafood stock. Stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 5: Flavor the Broth

Add tomato paste, bay leaves, and Old Bay seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 6: Thicken the Bisque

Add heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 7: Cook the Shrimp

Add shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes until just pink.

Step 8: Fold in Crab Meat

Gently fold in crab meat and sherry. Heat through for another 2 minutes.

Step 9: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves and adjust seasonings with salt and white pepper to taste.

Step 10: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a swirl of crème fraîche if desired. Enjoy your delicious seafood bisque!

How to Serve Seafood Bisque

Serving seafood bisque is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal. The rich, creamy texture pairs beautifully with various accompaniments, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

  • Chives – Minced chives add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
  • Tarragon – Chopped tarragon offers a hint of anise and freshness.

Pair with Crusty Bread

  • Sourdough Bread – Its tangy flavor complements the bisque well, perfect for dipping.
  • Garlic Bread – Adds a savory crunch and enhances the seafood flavors.

Serve with Crème Fraîche

  • Swirl of Crème Fraîche – A dollop on top adds creaminess and richness to your bisque.

Add Extra Shrimp

  • Garnished Shrimp – Placing a few cooked shrimp on top makes for an elegant presentation.

Offer Lemon Wedges

  • Fresh Lemon Wedges – Squeezing lemon juice over the bisque brightens the flavors and adds acidity.
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How to Perfect Seafood Bisque

Creating the perfect seafood bisque is all about balancing flavors and achieving that silky texture. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

  • Use Quality Seafood Stock – A good stock enhances the depth of flavor in your bisque.
  • Control Heat Carefully – Simmer gently to avoid curdling the cream while developing rich flavors.
  • Fresh Ingredients Matter – Always opt for fresh seafood for the best taste and texture.
  • Adjust Seasoning Gradually – Taste as you go, adding salt and pepper incrementally to find your ideal balance.
  • Blend for Smoothness – For an ultra-smooth bisque, consider blending it before adding seafood, then gently fold in cooked ingredients.

Best Side Dishes for Seafood Bisque

Pairing side dishes with your seafood bisque can make your meal even more delightful. Here are some recommended sides that complement this rich soup perfectly.

  1. Garlic Butter Shrimp – Quick sautéed shrimp in garlic butter enhance the seafood theme.
  2. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
  3. Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a healthy green touch alongside the rich bisque.
  4. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits with cheese provide a warm, comforting addition to each bite.
  5. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins create a lovely balance with the savory flavors of seafood.
  6. Stuffed Mushrooms – Baked mushrooms filled with cheese or crab bring additional umami to your meal.
  7. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil brings brightness to each serving.
  8. Simple Green Salad – A mix of greens dressed lightly allows for palate cleansing between bites of hearty bisque.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Preparing a delicious seafood bisque is simple, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

  • Using stale seafood: Always use fresh or properly frozen seafood to ensure the best flavor and texture in your bisque.
  • Overcooking the shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to avoid a rubbery texture; this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
  • Neglecting seasoning: Taste your bisque before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed for a well-rounded flavor.
  • Skipping the aromatics: Don’t skip sautéing onions, celery, and garlic; these ingredients add depth to your bisque.
  • Not whisking properly: When adding liquids, whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming in your bisque.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftover seafood bisque in an airtight container.
  • It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Seafood Bisque

  • To freeze, let the bisque cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
  • It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Seafood Bisque

  • Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place bisque in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
  • Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through; add a splash of milk or cream if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making seafood bisque:

What is Seafood Bisque?

Seafood bisque is a creamy soup made with various types of seafood, typically including shrimp and crab. Its rich flavor comes from simmering seafood stock with aromatic vegetables.

Can I make Seafood Bisque ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare seafood bisque up to two days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat just before serving.

Is Seafood Bisque gluten-free?

Seafood bisque can be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

How can I customize my Seafood Bisque?

Feel free to add other seafood like lobster or scallops. You can also adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences for a unique flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This seafood bisque recipe offers an incredible dining experience with its silky texture and rich flavors. It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting meal at home. Feel free to customize with your favorite seafood or spices for an even more delightful dish!

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Seafood Bisque

Seafood Bisque


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  • Author: Tina
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Description

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this creamy Seafood Bisque, a dish that transports you straight to a fine dining experience. In just 30 minutes, you can create a rich and velvety soup featuring succulent shrimp and tender crab meat. Perfect for cozy dinners or elegant gatherings, this delightful bisque is sure to impress your guests and satisfy seafood lovers alike. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be savoring every spoonful in no time.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium sweet onion (finely diced)
  • 3 celery stalks (minced)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 3 cups seafood stock
  • 2 cups whole milk (warmed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 12 ounces lump crab meat
  • Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes.
  4. Gradually whisk in warmed milk and seafood stock, ensuring no lumps form.
  5. Mix in tomato paste, bay leaves, and Old Bay seasoning; simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. Add heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened (another 5 minutes).
  7. Cook shrimp for about 3–4 minutes until pink, then gently fold in crab meat.
  8. Remove bay leaves, adjust seasonings with salt and white pepper to taste.
  9. Serve hot with fresh herb garnishes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

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