If you’re looking for a rich, restaurant-quality soup to wow your family or guests, this Creamy Seafood Bisque is the answer. Bursting with succulent seafood flavors, it’s an elegant and luxurious dish ideal for cozy dinners, special occasions, or holiday gatherings. Whether you enjoy shrimp, lobster, or scallops, this bisque will leave a lasting impression.
The recipe features premium seafood combined with a velvety, flavorful broth that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Creamy Seafood Bisque Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound scallops
- 1/2 pound lobster or crab meat, cooked and chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced carrot
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups seafood stock or fish broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Prepare the Seafood: Cook shrimp, scallops, and lobster (if raw) in a skillet over medium heat until just done. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
- Create the Base: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw taste.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in seafood stock and white wine until smooth. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to create a smooth texture or blend in batches, then return the mixture to the pot.
- Incorporate Cream and Seasonings: Stir in cream, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 more minutes.
- Add Seafood: Gently fold in cooked seafood and simmer for 5-10 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bisque combines tender shrimp, scallops, and lobster in a creamy, flavorful broth, making it a memorable meal. Its versatility allows you to customize with additional seafood, a splash of sherry, or extra herbs. Plus, it’s as nourishing as it is delicious, with plenty of protein and essential nutrients.
Health Benefits
- Protein-Rich: High in protein to keep you full and energized.
- Loaded with Omega-3s: Promotes heart and brain health.
- Vitamin-Packed: Rich in B-vitamins, selenium, and zinc for immune support.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, high-quality seafood for optimal flavor.
- Blend the soup base thoroughly for a velvety texture.
- Avoid overcooking seafood by adding it at the end.
- Experiment with additional seasonings like hot sauce or cognac for extra depth.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other seafood?
A: Yes! Try crab, clams, or fish like cod or salmon—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Q: How can I make this keto-friendly?
A: Substitute the flour with almond flour or xanthan gum to reduce carbs.
Q: Can I freeze seafood bisque?
A: You can freeze it before adding cream, then stir in the cream after reheating.
Conclusion
This Creamy Seafood Bisque is a standout dish for any occasion, offering velvety texture, rich flavors, and wholesome nutrients. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete, indulgent meal.