Seafood Bisque

Creamy, rich, and full of ocean flavor—this Seafood Bisque is the ultimate comfort in a bowl. Made with a blend of tender seafood, aromatic vegetables, and a luxuriously smooth broth, it’s a restaurant-quality dish you can make right in your own kitchen. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or anytime you want to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant & Flavorful – Delicate seafood flavors infused into a creamy, seasoned broth.
Easy to Make – With step-by-step guidance, it’s simpler than you think.
Customizable – Use your favorite mix of seafood—shrimp, scallops, crab, or fish.
Perfect for Guests – A luxurious appetizer or main course for entertaining.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and store for later indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bisque Base:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)

For the Liquid & Seafood:

• 3 cups seafood stock (or low-sodium chicken stock as a backup)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• ½ lb scallops, chopped
• ½ cup crab meat (lump or claw)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (brightens the flavors)

For Garnish & Serving:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread or garlic toast
• A drizzle of cream (optional for presentation)

Tools You’ll Need
Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Ladle
Blender or immersion blender
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large soup pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
4. Add tomato paste, paprika, thyme, and cayenne (if using). Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. This helps thicken the bisque later.

Step 3: Add the Stock and Simmer
6. Slowly pour in seafood stock while stirring to avoid lumps.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
8. Let it cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes to deepen the flavor and soften the vegetables.

Step 4: Blend the Base
9. Turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly.
10. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a blender and blend carefully.
11. Return the smooth soup to the pot and warm over medium-low heat.

Step 5: Add Cream and Seafood
12. Stir in the milk and heavy cream.
13. Add chopped shrimp, scallops, and crab meat.
14. Simmer gently for 6–8 minutes, or until seafood is cooked through and tender.
15. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
16. Ladle the bisque into bowls.
17. Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of cream if desired.
18. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast on the side.

Tips for the Best Seafood Bisque
Use Fresh or Frozen Seafood – Just thaw frozen seafood completely before using.
Don’t Overcook – Seafood can become rubbery if cooked too long.
Blend with Caution – Cool slightly before blending to avoid steam buildup.
Customize the Heat – Omit or increase cayenne to suit your taste.
Make Ahead – Prepare the base in advance, then add seafood when reheating.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
Mixed Greens Salad – A light, fresh side to balance the richness.
Grilled Corn – Adds a sweet and smoky twist alongside the bisque.
White Rice – Serve the bisque over rice for a more filling meal.
Stuffed Mushrooms – Great as a fancy appetizer pairing.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Let bisque cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Leave space at the top for expansion.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring frequently. Do not boil.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and reheat in short intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use all shrimp or all crab instead of a mix?
   Yes, feel free to use your preferred seafood combination. The flavor will still be amazing.
2. Is seafood stock necessary?
   Seafood stock gives the best flavor, but low-sodium chicken stock can work in a pinch.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes, use coconut milk and plant-based cream alternatives, but expect a slight flavor shift.
4. How do I thicken the bisque more?
   You can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) at the end if needed.
5. Is this dish kid-friendly?
   Yes! Simply omit the cayenne and reduce any spicy elements for a milder version.

Final Thoughts
This Seafood Bisque is pure comfort food—a velvety blend of tender seafood, aromatic vegetables, and rich broth that delivers flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner, date night, or a cozy evening at home, it’s bound to impress.

Give it a try and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest. I’d love to see how your bowl turns out!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: French-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 540mg

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