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Delicious seafood bisque with shrimp and scallops served in a bowl

Seafood Bisque

A creamy, rich seafood soup that's comforting and feels special, perfect for cozy nights at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the soup base
  • 2 tablespoons butter Unsalted preferred
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste Adds sweetness and depth
  • 1 tablespoon flour To thicken the soup
For the seafood
  • 1 pound shrimp, raw Peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup crab or scallops Use what you prefer or have on hand
For the broth
  • 4 cups seafood stock or chicken broth Seafood stock is preferred
  • 1 cup heavy cream For richness
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika Optional for flavor
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for heat

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, then add the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine, helping the soup thicken later.
  5. Slowly pour in the broth while stirring to maintain a smooth consistency.
Cooking
  1. Let the mixture simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  2. Optionally, blend part of the soup using an immersion blender to achieve a creamier texture, but keep some chunkiness.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream, then add the seafood and simmer gently until the shrimp turns pink and the seafood is cooked through.
  4. Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, and cayenne if desired.

Notes

The bisque can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day. Avoid boiling hard after adding cream to prevent curdling. For serving, crusty bread or a simple green salad pairs well.