Description
Luxurious “Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque” brings coastal elegance to your dining table with rich, velvety textures and ocean-fresh flavors. Seafood enthusiasts will savor each spoonful of this indulgent, warmly comforting soup that whispers maritime magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- ½ lb (225g) cooked crab meat, picked over for shells
- ½ lb (225g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cut into bite-sized pieces
Dairy and Base:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups seafood or chicken stock
- ¼ cup dry sherry or white wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Initiate the flavor foundation by gently melting butter in a spacious pot over moderate heat. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to transform into a translucent, aromatic base through delicate sautéing.
- Dust the softened aromatics with a light veil of flour, creating a smooth roux. Continuously stir and blend the ingredients, developing a golden, nutty undertone that will enrich the bisque’s complexity.
- Gradually incorporate seafood or chicken stock, whisking meticulously to eliminate potential lumps. Stream in heavy cream, milk, and a splash of sherry, creating a luxurious, silky liquid canvas.
- Elevate the bisque’s depth by introducing paprika, a hint of cayenne, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, permitting the spices and herbs to harmonize and intensify.
- Carefully introduce delicate crab meat and succulent shrimp into the simmering liquid. Monitor the seafood’s transformation, ensuring the shrimp achieve a vibrant pink hue without compromising their tender texture.
- Perform a final flavor assessment, calibrating seasonings to personal preference. Ladle the velvety bisque into warm serving vessels, adorning with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Choose high-quality, fresh seafood to elevate the bisque’s flavor and ensure a luxurious texture.
- Control heat carefully when sauteing aromatics and making the roux to prevent burning and maintain a smooth base.
- Use light-colored roux for a delicate flavor and darker roux for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Substitute dairy with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
- Add a splash of white wine instead of sherry for a subtle acidic complexity.
- Cut shrimp into smaller pieces for more even distribution throughout the bisque.
- Enhance seafood sweetness by adding a pinch of nutmeg or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or alternative gluten-free thickening agents.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg