Description
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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Ingredients
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
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
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Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
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Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
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Add tomato paste and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes.
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Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
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Stir in smoked paprika and cayenne pepper if using.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
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Slowly pour in seafood stock, whisking to avoid lumps.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
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Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender.
Step 4: Add Cream and Seafood
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Return the bisque to low heat and stir in milk and cream.
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Add shrimp and scallops, simmer for 3–5 minutes or until just cooked.
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Gently fold in crab meat and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
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Stir in lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley or chives, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American