Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the kind of elegant, soul-warming dish you’d expect to find in a seaside restaurant — rich, velvety, and brimming with sweet seafood flavor. Tender shrimp and delicate lump crab meat swim in a buttery, creamy broth infused with garlic, onion, and classic coastal spices like Old Bay and paprika.

It’s luxurious enough for a dinner party or a holiday starter, yet simple enough to make at home on a chilly evening. Serve it with crusty bread or oyster crackers, and prepare for pure comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

Seafood Base:

½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (reserve shells if making homemade stock)
½ lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned, well-drained)

For the Bisque:

4 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups seafood or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (for extra richness, you can use half-and-half)
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Optional additions for extra depth:

1–2 tablespoons sherry wine or white wine
1 teaspoon lemon juice
A pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Tip: Don’t rush this step — the foundation of your bisque’s flavor builds right here.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to absorb the butter and coat the onions.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, until the mixture turns a pale golden color — this helps thicken the bisque later and gives it that silky restaurant texture.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Slowly whisk in the seafood or chicken broth, one cup at a time, ensuring no lumps form.
Keep whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.

If you want to deepen the flavor, you can also add a splash of sherry or white wine here — it brings a subtle sweetness and elevates the seafood notes beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer the Base

Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and let the bisque simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

Optional step for extra smoothness: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup base for a velvety, professional finish.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Seafood

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it warm gently — don’t boil, or the cream may separate.

Add the shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes, until pink and tender.
Then gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the delicate pieces.

Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the bisque is rich and creamy, and all the seafood is perfectly cooked.

Taste and adjust the seasoning — add a touch more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot bisque into warm bowls.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dusting of paprika, or even a few extra flakes of crab meat on top for presentation.

Serve immediately with crusty French bread, garlic toast, or buttery oyster crackers for dipping.

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Luxuriously creamy and silky texture
Loaded with tender shrimp and rich crab meat
Seasoned to perfection with coastal spices
Quick and easy — ready in under 40 minutes
Perfect for special occasions or cozy seafood nights

Pairing Suggestions

Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness.
Sides: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus.
Dessert: Finish with a light lemon tart or key lime pie to balance the meal.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat slowly on the stove over low heat — don’t boil or it may separate.
Not ideal for freezing due to the cream base, but fresh batches come together quickly!

Final Note:

This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque is elegance in a bowl — the kind of meal that feels both indulgent and soothing. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a holiday starter, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Serve it steaming hot with a drizzle of melted butter or a splash of sherry on top — one spoonful, and you’ll be transported straight to the coast.