There's nothing quite like a rich, velvety bowl of crab and shrimp seafood bisque to warm your soul. The creamy texture, combined with the sweet brininess of crab and shrimp, creates a luxurious dish that's both comforting and elegant.

I first made this bisque for a special anniversary dinner, wanting to recreate the flavors of a memorable seaside vacation. Since then, it has become a go-to recipe whenever I want to impress guests or indulge in something truly decadent.

Why You'll Love This Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Get ready to fall in love with a seafood soup that tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant. This crab and shrimp seafood bisque is a must-try for seafood lovers!

First off, it's surprisingly easy to make. While it may seem fancy, this recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a special weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer.

The flavor is out of this world. The combination of tender shrimp, succulent crab, and a creamy, well-seasoned broth ensures every spoonful is packed with rich seafood goodness.

Not only is this bisque delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, add extra seafood, or even swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this crab and shrimp seafood bisque lies in the quality of its ingredients. Each one contributes to the depth and richness of the dish.

Shrimp and Crab – Fresh or frozen, these seafood staples provide a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy broth. Be sure to use high-quality lump crab meat and deveined shrimp for the best results.

Heavy Cream – This is what gives the bisque its signature luxurious texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but expect a slightly thinner consistency.

Seafood Stock – A good seafood stock elevates the flavor of the bisque. If you don’t have seafood stock on hand, you can make a quick substitute using clam juice and a bit of chicken broth.

Tomato Paste – A small amount of tomato paste adds a hint of sweetness and a richer depth to the bisque without overpowering the seafood flavors.

Shallots and Garlic – These aromatics enhance the overall flavor profile, providing a subtle but essential savory backbone to the soup.

How To Make This Crab And Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Creating this rich and flavorful bisque is easier than you might think. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Start by sautéing your finely chopped shallots and minced garlic in a bit of butter over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning, cooking until they become soft and fragrant.

Next, add the tomato paste and cook for a minute or two. This helps to deepen the flavors and remove any raw taste from the paste.

Pour in the seafood stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Now, it’s time to blend. Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer it to a regular blender in batches and blend until silky.

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the bisque to gently heat through, but avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate.

Finally, add the shrimp and crab, stirring gently to ensure even distribution. Cook for just a few minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the crab is heated through. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, this bisque stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bisque, but keep in mind that dairy-based soups may have slight textural changes upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, warm the bisque over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this bisque is how adaptable it is. Here are a few variations you can try:

Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
Extra Seafood – Feel free to add scallops or even lobster for an even more decadent dish.
Dairy-Free – Substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream to create a dairy-free version with a slight tropical twist.
Thicker Texture – If you prefer a thicker bisque, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) while simmering.
Herbal Infusion – Fresh thyme or a bay leaf can add an aromatic depth to the soup while simmering.

No matter how you customize it, this crab and shrimp seafood bisque is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!