If you love rich, creamy, and flavorful seafood dishes, this Decadent Seafood Bisque is for you! Packed with succulent shrimp, sweet lobster, and delicate crab, this luxurious soup is infused with buttery, garlicky, and smoky flavors that make every spoonful unforgettable.
This recipe is perfect for special occasions, cozy nights, or when you want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish at home. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
For the Seafood Bisque:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1 small celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken)
- ½ cup white wine (optional, but adds depth)
- 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup crab meat
- ½ cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- ½ cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
How to Make Seafood Bisque
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Bisque Base
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw taste.
- Slowly pour in white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add seafood stock, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Let the bisque simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Add the Cream and Seafood
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and whole milk, mixing well.
- Add the crab meat, shrimp, and lobster, stirring gently.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes, then stir in lemon juice for brightness.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm, buttered baguette slices.
- Pair with a light white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Add a side of grilled asparagus or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Seafood Bisque
Use fresh seafood – It makes a huge difference in flavor.
Don’t boil the cream – Keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
Make it extra rich – Add a splash of cognac or brandy for a restaurant-style depth.
Thicker bisque? – Blend half of the soup before adding the seafood for a creamier consistency.
Spicy kick? – Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
Calories and Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra-creamy and flavorful – Every spoonful is packed with rich seafood taste.
Elegant and luxurious – Perfect for special dinners or holidays.
Easy to make at home – No need to visit an expensive seafood restaurant!
Customizable – Adjust the thickness, spice, or seafood mix to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that feels like a luxury meal at home. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to impress.