Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque: A Rich and Creamy Delight

Seafood bisque is a luxurious and flavorful soup that combines the rich essence of seafood with a velvety, creamy base. One of the most beloved variations is Crab and Shrimp Bisque, a dish that brings together the delicate sweetness of crab meat and the succulent texture of shrimp. This bisque is perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or whenever you crave a warm and comforting meal. Follow this step-by-step guide to create an unforgettable seafood bisque at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and seafood broth creates a luscious texture.
• Full of Flavor: The natural sweetness of crab and shrimp is enhanced by aromatic vegetables and seasonings.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and guests with this gourmet dish.
• Customizable: Adjust the thickness, spice level, or seafood selection to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Seafood Base:

• 1/2 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
• 1/2 pound lump crab meat
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional but recommended for extra seafood flavor)

For the Liquid Base:

• 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Croutons or toasted bread
• A sprinkle of paprika for color

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crab and Shrimp Bisque

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

1. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done.
2. Roughly chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
3. Check the crab meat for any shell fragments and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

1. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
2. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring continuously to form a thick roux.
4. Gradually add the seafood stock, stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

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