Seafood Bisque is a smooth, creamy, and flavorful soup that brings together the rich taste of the sea with a touch of luxury. Made with tender pieces of shrimp, crab, or lobster simmered in a velvety broth infused with butter, cream, and a hint of sherry, this dish is warm, comforting, and elegant. It’s perfect for special occasions, cozy dinners, or when you simply want a restaurant-style seafood soup at home. Every spoonful delivers a gentle sweetness from the seafood and a depth of flavor that feels both comforting and indulgent.
1. Cooking Time: 45 minutes
2. Serving: 6 servings
3. Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 stalk celery, finely chopped
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1 small carrot, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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4 cups seafood or fish stock (or chicken broth)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup milk
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½ cup dry sherry or white wine (optional)
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1 bay leaf
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½ teaspoon paprika
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
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½ pound crab meat or cooked lobster
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
4. Instructions:
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Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for 6–8 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add garlic and cook another minute.
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Make the base: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
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Add liquid: Slowly whisk in seafood stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Add bay leaf, paprika, and cayenne. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Blend for smoothness: Remove the bay leaf, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches). Return the bisque to the pot.
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Add cream and seafood: Pour in the cream, milk, and sherry. Stir in the shrimp and crab (or lobster). Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, just until the seafood is cooked through and tender.
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Finish: Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve warm with toasted bread or garlic croutons.
5. Nutrition (per serving):
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Calories: 340
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Carbohydrates: 10g
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Protein: 24g
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Fat: 22g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 4g
6. Tips:
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For extra flavor, sauté shrimp shells and use them to make homemade seafood stock.
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Avoid boiling once the cream is added to prevent curdling—keep it on low heat.
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You can use any seafood combination you like—scallops, clams, or even chunks of white fish work well.
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Add a pinch of saffron for a golden color and rich aroma.
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Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a complete meal.
