When it comes to impressing your guests at a special occasion, few dishes can match the elegance and sophistication of a rich and creamy seafood bisque. With its velvety texture and bursting flavors, this classic French soup is sure to delight even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re hosting a luxurious dinner party or a casual gathering with friends, our collection of 18 creamy seafood bisques has got you covered.
From classic lobster bisque to bold and spicy Cajun-inspired recipes, we’ve rounded up some of the most mouthwatering seafood bisque recipes that are sure to make your taste buds sing. With flavors ranging from rich and buttery to bright and zesty, there’s something for everyone in this collection. So why settle for a boring old soup when you can elevate your game with one of these show-stopping, creamy seafood bisques?
Classic Lobster Bisque with Sherry Cream
This rich and creamy bisque is a perfect representation of French cuisine’s luxurious side. With succulent lobster meat and aromatic flavors, this recipe will surely impress your dinner guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lobster meat (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup dry white wine
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons sherry (dry)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add lobster meat, white wine, tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
6. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the bisque has thickened slightly.
7. Stir in sherry and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rich Crab and Shrimp Bisque
A creamy and flavorful soup that combines succulent crab and shrimp with aromatic spices, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, drained and flaked
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in crab meat, shrimp, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the seafood is lightly browned.
4. Gradually add heavy cream and whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer bisque over low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Cajun Seafood Bisque
A rich and bold bisque that combines the flavors of the Gulf Coast with a spicy kick. This hearty soup is perfect for a cold winter’s night or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 pound shrimp, crab, and scallops (or 1/2 pound of your preferred seafood mix)
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup fish stock or chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add seafood, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and fish stock or chicken broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Velvety Scallop and Corn Bisque
This rich and creamy soup is a perfect blend of sweet corn and tender scallops, sure to impress your guests at any gathering. With its velvety texture and subtle flavors, it’s a delight for the senses.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large scallops
– 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add corn kernels and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly tender.
4. Add scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they start to turn opaque.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-12 minutes or until scallops are cooked through.
7. Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender, puree until smooth.
8. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Lobster Bisque
This luxurious soup is a perfect blend of succulent lobster, aromatic garlic, and rich butter, all simmered together to create a creamy and indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lobster meat (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup fish stock (or chicken stock)
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add lobster meat, heavy cream, fish stock, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Creamy Tomato and Crab Bisque
Rich and flavorful, this creamy bisque combines fresh tomatoes with succulent crab meat, perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying this decadent soup in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 2 cans of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup jumbo lump crab meat
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, crab meat, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Herbed Clam and Mussel Bisque
This creamy bisque is a perfect blend of fresh seafood, herbs, and spices, making it an ideal starter for any special occasion. With its rich flavor profile and velvety texture, this recipe will surely impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1/2 pound mussels, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 cup fish stock (or clam juice)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add clams and mussels; cook until they open, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add fish stock and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoky Salmon and Dill Bisque
This Smoky Salmon and Dill Bisque is a rich and flavorful soup that combines the savory taste of smoky salmon with the bright, freshness of dill. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of smoked salmon (6 oz), drained
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon of dried dill weed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and dried dill weed. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the smoked salmon and stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coconut Curry Seafood Bisque
Experience the tropical flavors of Southeast Asia with this creamy Coconut Curry Seafood Bisque. A rich and aromatic soup made with a medley of seafood, coconut milk, and warm spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and chopped
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 cups fish stock or water
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add seafood, coconut milk, fish stock or water, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 10-12 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Truffle-Infused Lobster Bisque
Elevate your soup game with this luxurious Truffle-Infused Lobster Bisque, featuring succulent lobster meat and the earthy richness of truffles.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup cognac (optional)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup lobster meat (fresh or frozen, thawed)
– 1/4 cup truffle oil or shaved black truffles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. If using cognac, add it to the pot and cook until reduced by half.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
6. Stir in lobster meat and truffle oil or shaved black truffles. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper and Shrimp Bisque
Roasted Red Pepper and Shrimp Bisque Recipe
This rich and flavorful bisque combines succulent shrimp with the sweetness of roasted red peppers, all blended together with aromatic spices. Perfect for a chilly evening or as an appetizer for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until charred.
3. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in a little oil until softened. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add roasted peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Leek and Potato Seafood Bisque
A rich and creamy bisque that combines the sweetness of leeks and potatoes with the brininess of seafood, perfect for a cozy dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and chopped
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 1 cup fish broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add sliced leeks and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add diced potatoes, seafood, garlic, white wine, fish broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Purée the mixture with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
White Wine and Crab Bisque
This rich and creamy bisque is a perfect combination of flavors, featuring sweet crab meat, fresh herbs, and the subtle hint of white wine. Serve as an appetizer or use as a soup course.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dry white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in white wine and bring to a simmer. Let reduce by half, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add crab meat, heavy cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and let bisque simmer for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chorizo and Scallop Bisque
This rich and flavorful bisque combines the spicy kick of chorizo with the tender sweetness of scallops, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound scallops
– 1/2 cup chorizo sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fish broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the scallops and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until they start to firm up.
5. Pour in the fish broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir to combine.
7. Return the chorizo to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai-Inspired Coconut Seafood Bisque
This creamy and aromatic bisque combines the rich flavors of coconut milk with succulent seafood, perfect for a warm and comforting meal. With a hint of spice and freshness from Thai herbs, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and chopped
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 cups fish broth
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic, seafood, coconut milk, fish broth, ginger, and curry paste. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Roasted Garlic and Clam Bisque
Roasted Garlic and Clam Bisque: A rich and creamy soup that combines the flavors of roasted garlic and briny clams, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cloves of garlic
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the garlic: Cut the top off each clove, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large pot, sauté the onion in butter until softened. Add the clams and cook until they open.
4. Add the roasted garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Purée the soup with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Saffron-Infused Seafood Bisque
Saffron-Infused Seafood Bisque: A Luxurious and Flavourful Soup
This recipe yields a rich and creamy seafood bisque infused with the subtle earthy flavour of saffron, perfect for special occasions or a cozy evening in.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and chopped
– 1/2 cup fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add seafood and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add fish stock, heavy cream, and saffron mixture. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let bisque cook for 10-15 minutes or until flavours have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoked Gouda and Crab Bisque
Rich and creamy, this Smoked Gouda and Crab Bisque is a decadent twist on traditional bisques. Perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add crab meat and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
3. Stir in smoked Gouda cheese until melted and smooth. Add heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let bisque cook for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your guests with these 18 creamy seafood bisque recipes perfect for special occasions! From classic lobster bisque to spicy Cajun seafood and coconut curry, there’s something for every taste. Try rich crab and shrimp bisque, velvety scallop and corn bisque, or smoky salmon and dill bisque. You can also indulge in truffle-infused lobster, roasted red pepper and shrimp, or saffron-infused seafood bisques. Whatever the occasion, these mouthwatering recipes are sure to delight your palate.
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