Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the ultimate indulgent dish, combining tender shrimp, sweet crab, and a rich seasoned broth. This bisque is perfect for special dinners or when you want to treat yourself to a luxurious seafood experience. Pair it with crusty bread for the perfect accompaniment.

• Shrimp: 1/2 lb cooked, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• Crab Meat: 1/2 lb cooked, shells removed
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp, for sautéing vegetables
• Vegetables: 1/4 cup each of finely chopped celery and carrot, and 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for added flavor
• Seasonings: 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper to taste
• Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose, for thickening the bisque
• Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp, to add depth of flavor
• Broth: 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for richness
• Sherry: 2 tbsp (optional), for a sophisticated touch
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley, chives, or dill for garnish

Step 1:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add celery, carrot, and onion, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 2:

Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.

Step 3:

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the broth to avoid lumps, then bring to a simmer.

Step 4:

Simmer the bisque for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Add sherry if desired for added flavor.

Step 5:

Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, followed by the chopped shrimp and crab meat. Cook for 5 minutes until the seafood is heated through.

Step 6:

Season the bisque with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with crusty bread.

• Serve the bisque hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed.

• Use high-quality seafood for the best flavor. Fresh shrimp and crab are ideal, but frozen, cooked options work well too.
• For a smoother texture, blend half of the bisque before adding the seafood.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Simone suggests adding a pinch of saffron for an elevated flavor profile.
• Chef Thomas recommends serving the bisque with a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious finish.

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