Name: Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (Fresh or frozen); 8 ounces lump crab meat (Backfin or imitation crab can be used as alternatives); 1 onion, diced (Sauté until translucent); 2 cloves garlic, minced (Add more if you love garlic); 0.5 cup celery, diced (Can replace with diced bell peppers); 0.5 cup carrots, diced (Shredded carrots or parsnips are alternatives); 4 cups seafood stock (Homemade or store-bought, vegetable or chicken stock can be used); 1 cup heavy cream (Half-and-half or plant-based cream can be used for a lighter version); 0.25 cup flour (Use cornstarch with water for a gluten-free alternative); 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (Substitute with a mix of paprika, thyme, and cayenne if necessary); 0 Salt and pepper to taste (Taste before serving); 4 tablespoons butter (Unsalted preferred for better sodium control)

This creamy and flavorful Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque comes together in about 30 minutes, all in one pot, making it a easy weeknight dinner! Switch up the seafood or use what you have on hand to create your own unique version, or, hey, feel free to clean out the fridge, whatever you’ve got will work! Let me tell you, this bisque is comfort food at its finest, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need something warm and cozy.

Ingredient Breakdown

Crab Meat
Shrimp
Butter
Onion
Garlic
Celery
Carrots
Flour
Seafood Stock
Heavy Cream
Old Bay Seasoning
Salt and Pepper
Chopped Parsley

Let’s Get Cooking!

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this delicious Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque!

In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced celery, and carrots. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. You want the onions translucent and all those aromas wafting around your kitchen like a warm hug.
Next, stir in the 1/4 cup of flour and cook for about 2 minutes. This will help create a nice roux and thicken the bisque. Just keep stirring to avoid any lumps!
Gradually whisk in the 4 cups of seafood stock, bringing everything to a simmer. Be sure to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pot; it’s where all that flavor hides!
Now, add in the crab meat and shrimp, and simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through and pink. The smell will be nothing short of irresistible!
Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning. Mix it all together until it’s combined and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t skip this step, you want to make sure everything is well-rounded!
Serve hot, and don’t forget to garnish with some chopped parsley for that fresh touch and gorgeous color.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is my go-to recipe when I want to treat my family to something special without spending all day in the kitchen. I’m a real sucker for comfort food that feels indulgent yet is so simple to prepare! And the best part is, you can whip it up in about 30 minutes. Plus, when my kids see me making this bisque, their eyes light up. I mean, who can resist creamy seafood goodness? It’s versatile, so you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, making it a fantastic clean-out-the-fridge meal too!

If you loved this bisque, be sure to check out my Nova Scotia Seafood, my Chinese Coconut Shrimp, or my Cioppino Seafood Stew!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This bisque comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated!

One Pot

You’ll only need one pot for this flavorful feast, minimal cleanup required! Who doesn’t love that?

Crowd-Pleaser

The whole family will love it! Serve it on a Friday night or when you want to wow your guests, and they’ll be begging for the recipe!

Customizable

Use whatever seafood ingredients you have. Not into crab? Feel free to switch it for all shrimp or lobster, or try adding some clams for that extra seafood kick!

Loaded with Flavor

It’s loaded with tons of flavor, from the buttery sautéed veggies to the creamy broth and tender seafood. Every bite is a warm hug in a bowl!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve this bisque with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or some buttery crackers to complement those rich flavors. A sprinkle of fresh lemon juice over the top can elevate the dish beautifully too!

Storage

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. It can be stored in an airtight container, just make sure it cools completely before putting it away.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently to ensure it warms evenly. Don’t let it boil, as that can make it tough! You might need to add a splash of additional seafood stock or cream to loosen it up if it thickens too much upon cooling.

Freezer Friendly?

While I wouldn’t recommend freezing this bisque due to the cream, if you want to freeze it, I suggest leaving the cream out and adding it in fresh when you reheat it later. This will ensure you maintain that perfect creamy texture!

Food is all about bringing comfort and joy to the table, and this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque does just that. It’ll warm you up and remind you of family dinners and cozy nights in. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking! Enjoy! Follow us on Pinterest for daily cooking inspiration that proves you don’t need a deep fryer to make amazing food!