Crab Bisque

5 from 7 votes

A creamy and flavorful shrimp and crab bisque that's perfect for a special holiday meal, an easy lunch, or a quick prep-ahead dinner!

Course Dinner, Lunch, Soup

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword crab bisque, crab bisque recipe, crab soup, shrimp and crab bisque

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings cups

Calories 336kcal

Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

¼ cup (½ stick) butter (I typically use salted butter, but unsalted butter is also fine)
¼ cup finely chopped onion
¼ cup finely chopped celery
¼ cup sliced scallions
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth, vegetable broth, or seafood stock
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay seasoning)
2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
8 ounces jumbo lump or lump crabmeat
8 ounces fully-cooked baby shrimp or “salad shrimp” (or additional 8 ounces of crabmeat)
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish: sliced scallions (green onions) or chives and chopped fresh parsley or thyme
For serving: oyster crackers or bread

Instructions

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and scallions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-high and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the broth thickens and the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the sherry, ketchup, tomato paste, seafood seasoning, and cream.
Bring to a simmer, but do not let it boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add the crab and shrimp. Cook just until the crab and shrimp are warmed through, about 5 more minutes.
Ladle into individual bowls and garnish with additional sliced scallions or fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

This recipe yields a relatively small portion of soup -- about 5 cups. If you're feeding a larger family, I recommend doubling all of the ingredients.

Nutrition