Description
Savor Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque—rich, velvety soup with tender crab, shrimp, and savory flavors for a comforting, indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of fresh crab meat: This is the star of the bisque, providing sweetness and a delicate texture. For the best flavor, opt for lump crab meat.
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined: Shrimp adds a tender bite and complements the crab beautifully. Choose large shrimp for a more satisfying texture.
- 1 tablespoon of butter: This will be used for sautéing, adding richness to the base of the bisque.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Onions enhance the flavor profile and provide sweetness. A yellow onion works best.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds aromatic depth and complements the seafood.
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add acidity and balance to the richness of the soup.
- 1 cup of heavy cream: This ingredient creates the luxurious texture and rounds out the flavors.
- 4 cups of seafood broth: A quality seafood broth infuses the bisque with savory flavors. Homemade works best if you have it!
- 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning: This classic seasoning blend enhances the seafood flavors and adds a hint of spice.
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped: Used as a garnish, fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
Instructions
- Sauté the base: In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 medium diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and continue to cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes: Stir in 1 cup of diced tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the juices to release and mix with the onions and garlic.
- Pour in the broth: Add 4 cups of seafood broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate the seafood: Add 1 pound of shrimp and 1 pound of fresh crab meat to the pot. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and opaque.
- Blend for smoothness: Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until it achieves a smooth consistency. If you don’t have one, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
- Finish with cream: Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a regular blender). Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes on low heat, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
- Serve: Taste the bisque and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.