1. Prepare the Vegetables
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
2. Add the Tomato Paste and Flour
Stir in the tomato paste, coating the vegetables evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly, enhancing the depth of flavor.
Next, sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. The flour will help thicken the bisque later.
3. Deglaze with Wine and Add Stock
If using white wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.
Slowly add the seafood stock, whisking as you pour to avoid lumps from the flour. Add the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer and Blend
Bring the bisque to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
Once the bisque has simmered, carefully remove the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the bisque to a regular blender in batches, then return it to the pot.
5. Add the Cream and Seafood
Stir in the heavy cream, giving the bisque its signature rich and velvety texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne if needed.
Next, gently fold in the shrimp, crab meat, and lobster. Allow the seafood to cook through in the bisque, which should only take about 5-7 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque, and the crab and lobster should be heated through without becoming tough.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the seafood is fully cooked, your Seafood Bisque is ready to serve! Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers for dipping, and enjoy the creamy, seafood-packed goodness!
Serving Suggestions
Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster is rich enough to stand on its own as a main course, but you can also pair it with these sides for a complete meal:
- Crusty French bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious bisque.
- A simple green salad: A light, crisp salad helps balance the richness of the bisque.
- Roasted vegetables: Pair the bisque with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a complete dinner.
- White wine: Serve a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the seafood flavors.
Tips and Tricks
- Homemade seafood stock: If you have leftover shells from the shrimp or lobster, you can use them to make a quick homemade seafood stock by simmering the shells with water, onion, celery, and herbs.
- Don’t overcook the seafood: To keep the shrimp, crab, and lobster tender, add them at the very end and cook just until done.
- Blending the bisque: For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the bisque after blending to remove any bits of vegetables.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the bisque up to the point of adding the seafood and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the bisque and add the seafood just before serving.
Customizing the Recipe
- Add more seafood: Feel free to add scallops, clams, or even mussels to the bisque for an even heartier seafood experience.
- Use light cream: If you’re looking to lighten up the bisque, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, though the soup will be less rich.
- Vegetarian version: For a non-seafood version, substitute the seafood stock with vegetable broth and add roasted vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms for a creamy, veggie-packed bisque.
Final Thoughts
Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster is the ultimate indulgence for seafood lovers. With its creamy, smooth texture and chunks of tender shrimp, sweet crab, and buttery lobster, it’s a dish that brings the ocean’s best flavors right to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it as an elegant appetizer or a satisfying main course, this bisque is sure to impress.
Rich, flavorful, and comforting, this bisque is a recipe you’ll want to return to time and time again. Enjoy!