Description
This rich and creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a comforting and indulgent dish, combining tender crab meat and succulent shrimp in a velvety, seasoned broth. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy meal, this bisque features a harmonious blend of fresh seafood, aromatic vegetables, and warming Old Bay seasoning.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Seafood
- 8 ounces crab meat
- 8 ounces cooked shrimp, cut in pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/3 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/3 cup celery, chopped
Dairy & Liquids
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
Other
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Vegetables: Over medium-high heat, melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the chopped celery and green onions, cooking them until they soften and release their flavors, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Flour and Cook: Stir in the flour and continue cooking for another minute to create a roux, which will help thicken the bisque.
- Warm Milk and Combine: Heat the milk until warm (but not boiling) and slowly add it to the saucepan, whisking continuously to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth mixture.
- Add Seasonings and Cream: Whisk in the Old Bay Seasoning, salt, pepper, heavy cream, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Simmer and Thicken: Lower the heat and cook the bisque until it gently simmers and begins to thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add Seafood and Heat Through: Stir in the cooked shrimp and crab meat, cooking just until the seafood is heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid overcooking to maintain tender texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a luxurious seafood experience.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm before adding it to the roux to avoid lumps.
- Do not boil the bisque after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
- Use fresh crab meat and shrimp for the best flavor, but canned or frozen seafood can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and Old Bay according to taste.
- For a thicker bisque, continue simmering gently to reduce further.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
