Nothing beats the warmth of a comforting bowl of soup on a chilly evening. I remember one particularly hectic week when deadlines were looming, and I felt like I barely had time to breathe. I was craving something rich and satisfying, but the thought of spending hours in the kitchen felt impossible. That’s when I decided to throw together a quick seafood bisque with some shrimp and crab I had in the freezer. The result was so delicious and comforting that it instantly became a favorite. Today, I want to share my easy and delicious Shrimp and Crab Seafood Bisque recipe with you, ready in approximately 30 minutes! This recipe is a great way to use the focus keyword while creating a quick and simple dish.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Crab Seafood Bisque
- Quick and Easy: This bisque comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for quick and easy busy weeknights.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of shrimp, crab, and creamy tomato broth creates a truly decadent flavor.
- Comforting: A warm bowl of bisque is the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
- Simple Ingredients: I’ve designed this recipe using everyday ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store.
Ingredients for Shrimp and Crab Seafood Bisque
- 4 oz crab meat
- 6 oz shrimp
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large red pepper (roughly chopped)
- 1 medium onion (roughly chopped)
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced )
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp Old Bay
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp chives (chopped)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Sourcing: Choosing the Best Shrimp and Crab
When it comes to shrimp and crab, quality makes all the difference. For shrimp, I often opt for frozen, wild-caught shrimp, as they’re typically more sustainable and readily available. Fresh shrimp is wonderful when you can find it, just make sure it smells fresh and doesn’t have any discoloration. As for crab meat, the “best” kind depends on your preference and budget. Lump crab meat is the most expensive and has the best flavor and texture, but claw meat is a more affordable option that still works beautifully in this bisque. I always check the crab meat carefully for any shell fragments before adding it to the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Shrimp and Crab Seafood Bisque
- Gently pick through the crab meat to remove any shells. Remove the tails and the legs from the shrimp and devein them.
- Add the olive oil to a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Add in the red pepper and onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, hot sauce, Old Bay and half-and-half. Stir until combined, then mix in the crab and the shrimp. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
- Transfer the soup to a food processor or high powered blender and process until smooth.
- Pour into bowl and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with chives and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Yes, you can prep this ahead of time! To get a head start, chop the red pepper and onion and mince the garlic earlier in the day or even the day before. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp can be peeled and deveined ahead of time, too. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. You can also make the entire bisque a day or two in advance. Just allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Storing and Freezing Shrimp and Crab Seafood Bisque
Leftover bisque can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the bisque. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion. The bisque can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight. Be aware that the texture might change slightly after freezing.
Shrimp and Crab Seafood Bisque Variations
| Variation | Ingredient Swap/Addition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-Free | Coconut Milk or Cashew Cream | Substitute for half-and-half. Adjust seasoning as needed. |
| Spicier | More Hot Sauce or Cayenne Pepper | Add to taste. Start with a small amount and increase as desired. |
| Different Seafood | Lobster, Scallops | Substitute or add in addition to shrimp and crab. Adjust cooking time accordingly. |
Troubleshooting Common Bisque Problems
If your bisque turns out too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water), or a roux. Bring the bisque to a simmer, then whisk in the slurry or roux and cook until thickened. For those with gluten sensitivities, cornstarch is an excellent option. If the bisque is too thick, simply add a little more half-and-half until you reach your desired consistency.
Equipment Recommendations
For making this bisque, I recommend using a good quality medium saucepan. A Dutch oven would also work well. For blending, a high-powered blender or food processor is essential for achieving that smooth, velvety texture.
Serving Suggestions for Shrimp and Crab Seafood Bisque
This bisque is delicious served on its own with a side of crusty bread for dipping. You could also pair it with a light salad for a complete and satisfying meal. For a more elaborate seafood feast, serve it as a starter before a main course of grilled fish or seafood pasta.
Nutrition Information
(Estimated per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 10g
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use imitation crab meat? A: While you can, I highly recommend using real crab meat for the best flavor.
Q: Can I make this bisque vegetarian? A: To make a vegetarian bisque, omit the shrimp and crab and substitute with vegetables like roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes.
Amazing Quick Shrimp and Crab Seafood Bisque
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gently pick through the crab meat to remove any shells. Remove the tails and the legs from the shrimp and devein them.
- Add the olive oil to a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Add in the red pepper and onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, hot sauce, Old Bay and half-and-half. Stir until combined, then mix in the crab and the shrimp. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
- Transfer the soup to a food processor or high powered blender and process until smooth.
- Pour into bowl and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with chives and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Notes
Conclusion
I hope this Shrimp and Crab Seafood Bisque recipe brings you as much joy and comfort as it has brought me. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and let’s get cooking! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. I would love to hear from you!
