Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster
Rich, Creamy, and Irresistibly Delicious
This elegant Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster is the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers. Luxuriously smooth, with layers of deep, savory flavor, it’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily recreate at home—no wine required. Whether served as a starter or a hearty main, this bisque is sure to impress guests or elevate a quiet evening in.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb crab meat
- 1/2 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups seafood broth or fish stock (or more as needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Seafood
Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Chop the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces. Set all the seafood aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and fragrant.
3. Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2–3 minutes. This step helps thicken the bisque and removes the raw flour taste.
4. Add the Broth
Gradually pour in the seafood broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10–12 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the broth to thicken slightly.
5. Stir in Cream and Seasonings
Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the bisque is smooth and creamy.
6. Add the Seafood
Gently stir in the shrimp, crab, and lobster. Let the bisque simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the seafood is fully cooked and heated through.
7. Blend for a Creamier Texture (Optional)
For a smoother bisque, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the pot, or blend a portion and return it to the pot. This enhances the texture while keeping some chunks for heartiness.
8. Serve
Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright finish.
Tips for the Best Seafood Bisque
- Fresh is Best: High-quality shrimp, crab, and lobster deliver the richest flavor.
- Customize the Heat: Increase the cayenne or add hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Extra Creamy Option: For a velvety finish, blend more of the bisque and add a touch more cream if desired.
- No Wine Needed: The depth of flavor comes naturally from the seafood and vegetables—no wine necessary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This seafood bisque is luxuriously creamy, filled with tender chunks of shrimp, crab, and lobster, and finished with warming spices. It’s indulgent, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
This bisque is delicious on its own or served with:
- Crusty baguette or garlic toast
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Fresh lemon wedges for added brightness