Shrimp Bisque – This creamy, velvety shrimp bisque is the perfect comfort food for a cozy evening. Made with succulent shrimp, rich stock, and a blend of aromatic vegetables, it’s simmered to perfection and finished with a touch of heavy cream for a smooth, indulgent texture.
What is Shrimp Bisque?
Shrimp bisque is a creamy, smooth seafood soup that typically features shrimp as the star ingredient. It is often made by sautéing shrimp with onions, garlic, and herbs, then adding stock (often seafood or chicken) and a mixture of cream to create a rich base. Unlike a traditional chowder, which has a chunkier texture, bisque is pureed to achieve a silky, smooth finish. The subtle flavors of shrimp are enhanced with seasonings like thyme, bay leaves, and white wine, creating a deeply comforting dish.
Ingredients for Shrimp Bisque
To make the perfect shrimp bisque, here’s what you’ll need:
Lemon juice – A little squeeze of lemon brightens up the richness of the bisque.
Shrimp – You’ll need around 1 pound of medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined. The shrimp are the main source of flavor in this bisque.
Butter – For sautéing the vegetables and giving the bisque a creamy texture.
Onion – A small yellow or white onion will add depth to the flavor.
Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves provide a strong aromatic base.
Tomato paste – Adds a slight acidity and deep flavor to balance out the richness of the cream.
Flour – Used to thicken the soup, giving it that desirable velvety texture.
Seafood stock – This adds a savory, flavorful base to the bisque.
Heavy cream – The key to making the bisque rich and creamy.
White wine – A splash of dry white wine enhances the bisque’s flavor.
Seasonings – Fresh thyme, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper are essential for balancing the flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Making Shrimp Bisque
Use fresh shrimp – Fresh shrimp will give the bisque a more pronounced, sweeter flavor compared to frozen shrimp.
Don’t overcook the shrimp – Since the shrimp will cook further when added back to the soup, avoid overcooking them in the initial step.
Strain the bisque for an ultra-smooth texture – For an even smoother bisque, strain the soup after pureeing to remove any remaining bits of shrimp or vegetables.
For extra richness, use half-and-half or whole milk – If you prefer a slightly lighter bisque, substitute some of the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind this will alter the creamy consistency.
Make it spicy – If you enjoy a spicy kick, add a bit more cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the bisque.
Shrimp Bisque Variations
While the classic shrimp bisque recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to personalize your dish:
- Add vegetables – You can incorporate additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks to enhance the flavor.
- Make it seafood bisque – Include other seafood like crab, lobster, or scallops to create a mixed seafood bisque.
- Curry shrimp bisque – Add curry powder or coconut milk to give the bisque a more exotic, bold flavor.
- Tomato-based bisque – Some variations use a tomato base or blend in roasted tomatoes for a more robust flavor.
How to Serve Shrimp Bisque
Shrimp bisque can be served in a variety of ways:
- With crusty bread – A slice of warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the bisque.
- As a starter – Serve shrimp bisque as an appetizer to impress guests at dinner parties or holiday gatherings.
- Pair with a salad – A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich and creamy bisque.
How to Store Shrimp Bisque
Shrimp bisque can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. When reheating, do so gently on low heat, as high temperatures may cause the cream to curdle. If you have leftover shrimp bisque, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. However, keep in mind that the texture may slightly change after freezing and thawing.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make shrimp bisque without shrimp stock? Yes, you can use store-bought seafood stock, chicken stock, or even vegetable broth. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp bisque? Frozen shrimp will work fine in this recipe, but make sure to thaw them before using.
Can I make shrimp bisque ahead of time? Yes! In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting for a few hours. Make it a day ahead for the best results.
Can I use a different type of seafood in place of shrimp? Absolutely! Lobster, crab, or scallops are great alternatives that will make the bisque just as delicious.
Shrimp Bisque (Best Creamy)
Shrimp Bisque - This creamy, velvety shrimp bisque is the perfect comfort food for a cozy evening. Made with succulent shrimp, rich stock, and a blend of aromatic vegetables, it’s simmered to perfection and finished with a touch of heavy cream for a smooth, indulgent texture.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. shrimp chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- ½ stick butter
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 5 Tbsp. flour
- 2 cups half & half
- 64 oz. chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, once hot. Add chopped celery stalks and minced garlic and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add chopped shrimp and green onions and stir cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add butter stick and let it melt.Cook for additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add flour and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour white wine, give it a good stir and simmer until thickens.
- Add tomato sauce and bubbly thicken, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and add broth and simmer.
- Slowly pour in half & half stirring constantly. Sprinkle parmesan and stir cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium and let the soup starts to bubble. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 392Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 286mgSodium 2530mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 1gSugar 6gProtein 33g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Shrimp bisque is an exceptional dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various sides for a complete meal. With its smooth, creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this homemade shrimp bisque recipe will surely impress!
