Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of The Best Crab Bisque. This elegant seafood soup is a true delight for crab lovers, with a perfect blend of flavors and a smooth, velvety texture. Serve this restaurant-quality bisque at your next dinner party or special occasion for a dish that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/4 cup dry sherry or white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups seafood stock (or fish/chicken stock)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a light roux.
- Deglaze and Add Stock: Slowly pour in the sherry or wine, stirring to deglaze the pan, followed by the seafood stock.
- Add Seasonings: Add the heavy cream, milk, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne (if using), salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Puree the Soup: Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to carefully puree the soup until smooth. Stir in the crab meat and lemon juice and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or parsley.
Notes
- For a richer bisque, add an extra splash of cream just before serving.
- Use high-quality lump crab meat for best flavor and texture.
- This bisque can be made ahead and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
