Recipe: Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster

by

Introduction

Seafood bisque is a rich, creamy, and luxurious soup that showcases the delicate flavors of the ocean. This version, featuring crab, shrimp, and lobster, is the perfect indulgence for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to a comforting yet elegant dish. With its velvety texture and seafood-rich broth, this bisque is a seafood lover’s dream.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

  • For the Seafood Stock:
  • 1 lobster tail, shell-on
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • For the Bisque:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup seafood stock (from above)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz lump crab meat
  • 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lobster tail, cooked and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Additions

  • Sherry: For an extra depth of flavor, drizzle in a bit of dry sherry during the final steps of cooking.
  • Saffron: A pinch of saffron can enhance the bisque’s color and add a subtle floral note.
  • Crème fraîche: A dollop of crème fraîche on top adds a luxurious, tangy finish.

Tips for Success

  • Homemade Stock is Key: If possible, make the seafood stock from scratch using the shells of the lobster and shrimp. This will give the bisque a deeper, richer flavor.
  • Cook the Seafood Gently: To prevent overcooking, add the seafood near the end of cooking so it stays tender.
  • Blend for Smoothness: For a velvety texture, blend the bisque before adding the seafood.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Seafood Stock:
  • In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the lobster tail, onion, celery, carrot, garlic, bay leaf, and tomato paste.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the lobster tail and set it aside to cool. Strain the stock, discard the solids, and reserve the liquid for the bisque.
  • Once the lobster has cooled, remove the meat from the shell and chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  1. Make the Bisque Base:
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  • Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the soup. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  • If using, pour in the white wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
  1. Add the Cream and Stock:
  • Slowly whisk in the seafood stock and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
  1. Blend the Bisque:
  • For a smooth bisque, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy. You can also transfer the soup to a blender, working in batches if necessary. Once blended, return the soup to the pot.
  1. Cook the Seafood:
  • Add the shrimp, chopped lobster, and crab meat to the bisque. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through and the seafood is heated.
  1. Serve and Garnish:
  • Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Description

This Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster is a decadent, creamy soup bursting with oceanic flavors. The homemade seafood stock, enriched with lobster, forms the foundation of this dish, giving it an incredibly rich and smooth texture. The combination of lump crab, sweet shrimp, and tender lobster creates a luxurious bite in every spoonful. With hints of paprika, garlic, and a touch of heat from cayenne, this bisque is deeply flavorful and comforting—perfect for a special occasion or whenever you’re craving something indulgent.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~500 kcal
  • Protein: ~25g
  • Fat: ~35g
  • Carbohydrates: ~15g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Sugar: ~3g
  • Sodium: ~900mg

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

For a lighter version, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk, which still adds richness without as many calories. You can also use less butter or opt for a lower-fat crab or shrimp option. This bisque remains luxurious while offering an incredible seafood flavor in every spoonful, perfect for indulging without too much guilt.

Leave a Comment