Creamy Seafood Bisque Recipe – A Luxurious Soup for Special Occasions

If you’re searching for an indulgent, restaurant-quality soup to impress your family or guests, look no further than this Creamy Seafood Bisque recipe. Packed with succulent seafood flavors, this bisque is an elegant, luxurious dish perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or holidays. Whether you’re a fan of shrimp, lobster, or scallops, this bisque will make your meal unforgettable.

This recipe combines high-quality seafood with a velvety, flavorful broth that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Creamy Seafood Bisque Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound of scallops
• 1/2 pound of lobster or crab meat, cooked and chopped
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup of diced celery
• 1/4 cup of diced carrot
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 4 cups of seafood stock (or fish broth)
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare the Seafood: If using raw seafood, cook the shrimp, scallops, and lobster separately in a skillet over medium heat until they are just done. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook Vegetables: In a large saucepan or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Create the Base: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for about 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the bisque.
4. Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the seafood stock and white wine, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes until it begins to thicken.
5. Blend for Smoothness: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender in batches, blending until creamy, then return it to the pot.
6. Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, paprika, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
7. Add Seafood: Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, scallops, and lobster meat. Let the soup simmer for a final 5-10 minutes, just to warm the seafood.
8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the seafood bisque into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Seafood Bisque

This seafood bisque is not only delicious but also versatile. You can make it your own by adding other types of seafood, like crab or clams, or even a splash of sherry for extra depth of flavor. The combination of tender shrimp, scallops, and lobster in a creamy, flavorful broth makes this dish a memorable meal for any occasion. Plus, seafood is a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients, making this bisque as nourishing as it is delicious.

Health Benefits of Seafood Bisque

Not only is this seafood bisque a comforting dish, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Seafood is high in protein, low in fat, and loaded with vitamins and minerals. Here are a few health benefits of this creamy seafood bisque:

1. High Protein Content: With shrimp, scallops, and lobster, this soup provides an excellent source of protein to help keep you full and energized.
2. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Seafood is known for its omega-3s, which are essential for heart health and brain function.
3. Vitamin-Rich: Ingredients like shrimp and lobster are high in B-vitamins, selenium, and zinc, which support immune function and overall health.

Tips for Making the Perfect Seafood Bisque

1. Use High-Quality Seafood: Fresh or high-quality frozen seafood will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your bisque.
2. Blend to Perfection: For a smooth, velvety texture, blend the soup base well before adding the cream and seafood.
3. Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Seafood cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it, especially when adding it to the bisque at the end.
4. Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce, extra herbs, or even a splash of sherry or cognac for a flavor boost.

FAQ

Q: Can I use other seafood for this bisque?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can use crab, clams, or even fish like cod or salmon. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.

Q: How can I make this bisque keto-friendly?
A: To make this a keto seafood bisque, you can substitute the flour with almond flour or xanthan gum for a lower-carb option.

Q: Can I freeze seafood bisque?
A: While you can freeze this bisque, note that the cream may separate upon reheating. To avoid this, freeze the soup before adding the cream, then add it once reheated.

Conclusion

This Creamy Seafood Bisque is the perfect addition to your recipe collection if you’re a fan of rich, flavorful soups. Its velvety texture and luxurious taste make it a delightful treat for special occasions or just a cozy night in. Not only does it taste divine, but it’s also packed with nutrients and health benefits. Serve it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.