Seafood Bisque

Silky, rich, and brimming with flavor, this Seafood Bisque is the kind of dish that turns any dinner into a luxurious experience. Made with a creamy tomato base, sweet chunks of shrimp, crab, and scallops, and layered with aromatic herbs and a touch of spice, this elegant soup is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether served as a starter or the star of the meal, it’s comfort food with a coastal twist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Velvety Texture – Smooth, creamy, and full of depth.
Restaurant-Quality at Home – Impress your guests with minimal effort.
Customizable – Use your favorite combination of seafood.
Perfect for Special Occasions – Or whenever you feel like treating yourself.
One Pot – Easy to cook and clean up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bisque:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, peeled and finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock in a pinch)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Seafood (use any combination, about 1 lb total):

• ½ lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• ¼ lb lump crab meat
• ¼ lb bay scallops or chopped sea scallops

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or chives
• Crusty bread or garlic toast
• Extra cream for drizzling

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Immersion blender or countertop blender
• Ladle and whisk
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

1. In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

1. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
2. Slowly whisk in seafood stock to prevent lumps.
3. Add bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15–20 minutes.

Step 3: Blend to Smooth

1. Remove bay leaf.
2. Use an immersion blender to purée the mixture until smooth.
3. (Alternatively, transfer carefully to a countertop blender in batches and blend, then return to the pot.)

Step 4: Finish the Bisque

1. Stir in heavy cream and milk.
2. Add shrimp, crab, and scallops. Simmer for 4–6 minutes until the seafood is just cooked through.
3. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast.

Tips for the Best Seafood Bisque
Use Fresh or Frozen Seafood – Just be sure it’s fully thawed before adding.
Blend Before Adding Seafood – Keeps the texture silky while the seafood stays tender.
Don’t Overcook – Add seafood at the end and simmer gently to prevent rubbery texture.
Make it Ahead – Flavors deepen as it sits. Reheat gently to avoid separating the cream.
Add Wine – Add ¼ cup white grape juice (non-alcoholic) before the stock for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions
With Crusty Bread – A rustic baguette or sourdough makes the perfect dipping tool.
Side Salad – Lighten things up with a fresh green salad and vinaigrette.
Over Rice – Pour over white or wild rice for a hearty seafood bowl.
In Mini Cups – Serve in small bowls or mugs for elegant starters at dinner parties.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring often.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Avoid boiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use just one type of seafood?
   Yes! Shrimp alone or crab alone works beautifully—just keep the total around 1 lb.
2. Is there a dairy-free option?
   You can use coconut cream and almond milk, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
4. What’s the difference between chowder and bisque?
   Bisques are smoother and creamier, often blended, while chowders are chunky and often have potatoes.
5. Can I add vegetables?
   Sure! Add finely chopped bell pepper or mushrooms in the sautéing step for added flavor.

Final Thoughts
This Seafood Bisque is a bowl of coastal comfort—smooth, savory, and loaded with luxurious flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Serve it with warm bread, a crisp salad, or simply enjoy it on its own—you won’t be disappointed.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your bisque turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 13g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 580mg

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