Seafood Bisque

Creamy, rich, and brimming with the flavors of the sea, this Seafood Bisque is a luxurious yet easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant starter. Filled with tender shrimp, crab meat, and scallops, this smooth bisque features a velvety tomato-cream base flavored with garlic, herbs, and a touch of spice. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy dish right from your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Decadent & Creamy – Ultra-smooth texture with a silky finish.
Full of Seafood – Shrimp, crab, and scallops add sweetness and depth.
Perfect for Special Occasions – Great for date nights or holidays.
Surprisingly Simple – Uses pantry staples and easy steps.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the base in advance and add seafood before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bisque Base:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
3 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Seafood:
½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped if large
½ lb scallops (bay or chopped sea scallops)
½ cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)

For Finishing:
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Crusty bread, for serving

Tools You’ll Need
Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Blender or immersion blender
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. Add tomato paste and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes.
2. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
3. Stir in smoked paprika and cayenne pepper if using.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer

1. Slowly pour in seafood stock, whisking to avoid lumps.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
3. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender.

Step 4: Add Cream and Seafood

1. Return the bisque to low heat and stir in milk and cream.
2. Add shrimp and scallops, simmer for 3–5 minutes or until just cooked.
3. Gently fold in crab meat and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Stir in lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley or chives, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Tips for the Best Seafood Bisque
Use Fresh or Frozen Seafood – Just thaw completely before cooking.
Don’t Overcook – Add seafood at the end so it stays tender and sweet.
Blend the Base – This gives the bisque its smooth, luxurious texture.
Balance the Flavors – Lemon juice and Worcestershire add brightness to the rich broth.
Add a Kick – A dash of cayenne or hot sauce adds a nice warmth.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for dunking into the creamy bisque.
Side Salad – A crisp, citrusy salad balances the richness.
Grilled Veggies – Light and flavorful contrast.
Glass of Iced Tea – Refreshing and neutral pairing.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze:
Freeze the bisque base without seafood for up to 2 months. Add fresh seafood after reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Gently warm over medium-low heat.
Microwave: Use low power in short intervals, stirring often.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned seafood?
   Yes, especially for crab. Drain well and add toward the end of cooking.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
3. What if I don’t have seafood stock?
   Chicken stock works well, though seafood stock offers the best flavor.
4. Is it gluten-free?
   Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken, and confirm all labels are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
This Seafood Bisque is rich, elegant, and bursting with flavor from the sea. With its creamy texture, delicate seafood, and aromatic base, it’s the kind of dish that feels fancy—but is easy enough to make anytime. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or the main event, it’s sure to impress and satisfy.

Once you try it, this soup will have a permanent place in your comfort food favorites!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 610mg

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