Name: Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables.; 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds a sweet and savory base to the bisque.; 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a fragrant depth of flavor.; 1 celery stalk, chopped – Brings a subtle crunch and flavor.; 1 carrot, chopped – Adds sweetness and color to the bisque.; 1 teaspoon dried thyme – For a warm, earthy note.; 1 bay leaf – A classic herb that enhances the richness of the bisque.; 4 cups seafood stock – The base of the bisque that provides depth.; 2 cups heavy cream – Makes the bisque velvety and smooth.; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined – Sweet, tender shrimp that adds texture and flavor.; 1/2 pound crab meat, preferably lump crab – For a rich, succulent bite in every spoonful.; 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Adds a rich depth and slight tang.; 1 tablespoon brandy (optional) – For a subtle depth of flavor (feel free to leave it out if you prefer).; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning – A classic seafood seasoning that brings all the flavors together.; Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning the bisque to your liking.; Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish and a touch of freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables.
1 medium onion, chopped – Adds a sweet and savory base to the bisque.
2 cloves garlic, minced – For a fragrant depth of flavor.
1 celery stalk, chopped – Brings a subtle crunch and flavor.
1 carrot, chopped – Adds sweetness and color to the bisque.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – For a warm, earthy note.
1 bay leaf – A classic herb that enhances the richness of the bisque.
4 cups seafood stock – The base of the bisque that provides depth.
2 cups heavy cream – Makes the bisque velvety and smooth.
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined – Sweet, tender shrimp that adds texture and flavor.
1/2 pound crab meat, preferably lump crab – For a rich, succulent bite in every spoonful.
2 tablespoons tomato paste – Adds a rich depth and slight tang.
1 tablespoon brandy (optional) – For a subtle depth of flavor (feel free to leave it out if you prefer).
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning – A classic seafood seasoning that brings all the flavors together.
Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning the bisque to your liking.
Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish and a touch of freshness.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prep the Vegetables:
Begin by chopping your onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. These veggies create the flavor base for the bisque, so make sure to chop them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Sauté the Veggies:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning.
Add the Seasonings:
Sprinkle in the dried thyme and add the bay leaf. These two ingredients will infuse the bisque with warmth and depth. Stir everything together, letting the herbs release their flavors.
Incorporate the Seafood Stock:
Pour in the seafood stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then let it cook for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If you don’t have seafood stock, you can substitute with chicken stock, but the seafood stock really adds that extra oomph.
Add Tomato Paste and Brandy:
Stir in the tomato paste and brandy (if using). The tomato paste adds richness and a touch of tang, while the brandy deepens the flavor. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes.
Creamify the Bisque:
Slowly add in the heavy cream, stirring gently. This will create the luscious, creamy texture that makes bisque so irresistible. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Cook the Shrimp and Crab:
Add the shrimp to the bisque, cooking until they’re pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Then, gently stir in the crab meat, taking care not to break up the lumps. Allow the bisque to cook for another 5 minutes to heat the crab through.
Season to Taste:
Taste the bisque and add salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning to your liking. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra of the seasoning—it really brings out the seafood flavors.
Simmer and Rest:
Once everything is cooked, remove the bay leaf and let the bisque rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop even more.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8
Calories: 450
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g