Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

🦀🍤 Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque (Mediterranean Style)

📝 Description

This Mediterranean Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque combines sweet crab meat, tender shrimp, ripe tomatoes, aromatics, and olive oil for a silky, comforting soup. Unlike heavy cream–laden versions, this bisque uses olive oil, seafood stock, and a touch of cream to create richness while staying balanced and heart-friendly—true to Mediterranean cooking principles.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Seafood

• 200 g (7 oz) crab meat (lump or claw)

• 250 g (9 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Aromatics

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small carrot, finely diced

• 1 small celery stalk, finely diced

Base & Flavor

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup crushed tomatoes

• 3 cups seafood stock

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Finish

• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook until soft (5–6 minutes). Stir in garlic.

2. Build flavor
   Add tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes until slightly caramelized. Stir in crushed tomatoes, paprika, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

3. Simmer
   Pour in seafood stock. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 15 minutes.

4. Blend
   Use an immersion blender (or countertop blender) to blend until smooth and velvety.

5. Add seafood
   Return soup to low heat. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes until just pink.

6. Finish
   Stir in crab meat, cream, and lemon juice. Simmer gently 2 minutes—do not boil.

7. Serve
   Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• With crusty whole-grain bread

• Alongside a Mediterranean salad

• Topped with extra crab meat and fresh herbs

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🧠 Nutrition Highlights

• High-quality protein from seafood

• Omega-3 fats from shrimp and crab

• Antioxidants from tomatoes

• Balanced fats using olive oil

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❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Replace cream with full-fat coconut milk or blended cauliflower.

Q: Can I use frozen seafood?

Absolutely. Thaw completely and pat dry before using.

Q: Is this bisque spicy?

Mild by default. Increase cayenne or add chili flakes for heat.

Q: Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Make the base ahead; add seafood and cream when reheating.

Q: How long does it keep?

Store in the fridge for 2–3 days. Avoid freezing due to cream.

Q: Can I make it thicker?

Yes. Simmer longer or blend in a small cooked potato.