There's nothing quite like a rich and creamy bowl of Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque to warm you up on a chilly evening. This luxurious soup is brimming with tender seafood, infused with a delicate blend of spices, and finished with a silky-smooth texture that will have you savoring every spoonful.

I first discovered this recipe on a trip to the Gulf Coast, where fresh seafood is abundant, and bisques are a staple on many restaurant menus. After one taste, I knew I had to recreate it at home, and after some trial and error, I landed on a version that rivals any coastal eatery.

Why You'll Love This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Get ready to fall in love with this velvety, flavor-packed bisque. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal or an elegant dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

First off, it's incredibly easy to make. Despite its restaurant-quality taste, this bisque comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

It's also rich and indulgent. The combination of crab and shrimp creates a deep seafood flavor, while the addition of cream and butter gives it an irresistibly smooth texture.

This bisque is budget-friendly compared to restaurant versions. You get all the decadence without the hefty price tag, and you can even use frozen seafood if fresh isn't available.

Best of all, it's versatile. You can tweak the seasonings, swap out seafood, or even make a lighter version if you're watching your calories.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in creating a perfectly balanced dish.

Shrimp and Crab Meat are the stars of this bisque. I prefer using jumbo lump crab meat for its sweet, delicate flavor and plump shrimp for a tender bite. If fresh seafood isn’t available, frozen works just fine—just be sure to thaw and drain it properly.

Butter and Heavy Cream give the bisque its signature velvety texture. The butter adds richness, while the cream creates a luscious mouthfeel. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, but the soup won't be quite as indulgent.

Seafood Stock is essential for enhancing the depth of flavor. You can buy it pre-made or make your own by simmering shrimp shells and crab shells with aromatics like onion, garlic, and bay leaves.

Tomato Paste and White Wine add a subtle acidity that balances out the richness. The tomato paste deepens the flavor, while the white wine gives the bisque a hint of brightness. Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

You'll also need Old Bay seasoning, garlic, shallots, and thyme to add layers of savory goodness to the bisque. These spices and herbs help bring out the natural sweetness of the seafood while giving the bisque a well-rounded taste.

How To Make This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Creating this indulgent bisque is easier than you think. Follow these steps to bring restaurant-quality seafood bisque to your own kitchen.

Start by sautéing the aromatics. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the bisque.

Next, deglaze the pan with white wine. Pour in the wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to cook off the alcohol, leaving behind a delicate acidity that enhances the seafood.

Now, build the bisque base. Stir in tomato paste and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, then slowly add the seafood stock, whisking to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, so the flavors have time to meld together.

Once the broth is flavorful, blend to smooth perfection. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup base until it's silky smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender and process in batches.

With the base ready, it's time to add the seafood. Lower the heat and stir in the shrimp and crab meat, cooking just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. This should take about 3-5 minutes—be careful not to overcook!

Finally, finish with cream and season to taste. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently until fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Old Bay if needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, you're in luck! This bisque stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

For refrigeration, transfer the bisque to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating.

For freezing, it's best to freeze the soup before adding the seafood and cream. Store the blended base in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat and add fresh seafood and cream.

To reheat, warm the bisque over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the seafood to become tough and the cream to curdle.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this bisque is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Want a lighter version? Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use a touch less butter. You’ll still get a creamy texture with fewer calories.

No seafood stock? No problem! You can use chicken broth with a splash of clam juice for a similar depth of flavor.

Prefer spicier bisque? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup an extra kick.

Not a fan of shrimp? Swap it out for lobster or scallops for an equally decadent dish. You can even use a mix of seafood for variety.

Looking for a thicker bisque? Stir in a cornstarch slurry (a mix of cornstarch and water) towards the end of cooking to achieve a richer consistency.

No matter how you customize it, this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is sure to be a hit. Experiment with different ingredients and make it your own!