Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster
There’s something about a rich, creamy bisque that just feels like a warm hug in a bowl, and this Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster takes that feeling to a whole new level. With a blend of succulent seafood and a velvety, flavorful broth, this dish is pure indulgence. Imagine the smooth, buttery taste of lobster, the sweetness of shrimp, and the delicate richness of crab all mingling in a dreamy, aromatic soup. Trust me, every spoonful will have you swooning!
Perfect for a special occasion or just when you’re craving something luxurious yet comforting, this bisque is the ultimate treat. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, so you don’t need to be a professional chef to pull off something this delicious. Get ready to impress everyone with this seafood masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a fancy dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or just treating yourself, this bisque is perfect for all occasions. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can easily adjust the seafood selection to include your favorite varieties, or use what you have on hand.
Budget-Friendly: Despite the luxurious seafood, this dish doesn’t break the bank. With a little creativity, you can make it your own without compromising on flavor.
Quick and Easy: In just under an hour, you’ll have a rich, creamy soup that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or even a splash of brandy for extra depth. This bisque is highly adaptable to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: This bisque is sure to wow everyone around the table with its rich flavors and comforting texture. Whether served as an appetizer or the main dish, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients in Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster
A few simple ingredients come together to create this indulgent bisque. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Lobster Meat: Tender and sweet, lobster is the star of this bisque. You can use fresh or frozen lobster meat.
Shrimp: Sweet, juicy shrimp add a nice contrast to the lobster, making this bisque both flavorful and texturally satisfying.
Crab Meat: Lump crab meat adds richness and a touch of sweetness to the bisque, making it extra indulgent.
Heavy Cream: The base of the bisque’s creamy texture. It makes the soup velvety and smooth.
Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and adding that rich, buttery flavor that makes bisque so comforting.
Onion, Celery, and Carrot: These aromatic vegetables provide a flavorful base for the soup and create a wonderful depth of flavor.
Garlic: A little garlic adds that savory punch we all love in a good bisque.
Tomato Paste: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup.
White Wine: A splash of white wine helps to deglaze the pan and infuses the soup with a hint of acidity that balances the richness.
Fish Stock: The foundation of the bisque, fish stock gives it that wonderful seafood flavor. If you don’t have fish stock, you can substitute with chicken stock.
Bay Leaves and Thyme: These herbs provide aromatic depth that enhances the flavors of the soup.
Paprika and Cayenne Pepper: Add warmth and a touch of spice to the soup. Adjust the cayenne for your preferred heat level.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh finish to the bisque.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this luxurious bisque:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. You’ll need enough room to comfortably cook the vegetables and simmer the seafood.
Sauté the Vegetables
Melt butter in the pot, then add the onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add the Garlic and Tomato Paste
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow it to caramelize slightly.
Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine cook off for about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Stock and Herbs
Add the fish stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Make it Creamy
Stir in the heavy cream, then continue simmering for another 5 minutes. This will give the bisque its signature creamy texture.
Add the Seafood
Carefully fold in the lobster, shrimp, and crab meat. Let the seafood cook in the bisque for about 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and the lobster is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the seafood.
Finish with Seasonings
Season the bisque with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more spice if desired.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this indulgent seafood delight!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 480
(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster
This bisque is perfect on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
Pair with a light salad, like a simple mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette
Serve with warm, buttery baguette slices for dipping
A crisp glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the bisque beautifully
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
If you’re in a hurry, you can substitute the seafood with a pre-cooked seafood mix
To make the bisque spicier, add a few dashes of hot sauce or more cayenne pepper
For an even richer flavor, stir in a tablespoon of brandy or cognac after deglazing with wine
You can make the bisque a day ahead and store it in the fridge just reheat gently when ready to serve
If you want a thicker bisque, you can puree part of the soup before adding the seafood to create a creamier texture
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes! Frozen seafood works perfectly fine. Just be sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup.
2. Can I make this bisque without lobster?
Yes, you can substitute the lobster with more crab or shrimp, depending on your preference.
3. Can I use heavy milk instead of cream?
Heavy cream gives the bisque its rich texture, but you can substitute with heavy milk for a lighter version.
4. How long can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
5. Can I freeze this bisque?
While the bisque can be frozen, the cream may separate upon reheating, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
6. Can I add vegetables to the bisque?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like leeks, fennel, or spinach for added flavor and texture.
7. Is this bisque spicy?
The cayenne adds a subtle kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. Adjust to your spice preference.
8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the base of the bisque ahead of time and add the seafood just before serving.
9. Can I use chicken stock instead of fish stock?
Fish stock is ideal for this recipe, but you can use chicken stock if that’s what you have available.
10. Can I serve this bisque as a main dish?
Absolutely! It makes for a decadent and satisfying main course, especially with a side of crusty bread.
Conclusion
Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster is the perfect way to elevate any meal, with its rich, creamy texture and savory seafood flavors. Whether you’re celebrating something special or treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this bisque will not disappoint. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and prepare for a dish that’s bound to impress!
Print
Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A luxurious, creamy seafood bisque loaded with tender crab, shrimp, and lobster, creating a rich and indulgent soup perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
- 1 (10 oz) can tomato paste
- 4 cups seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb lobster meat, chopped
- 1/2 lb crab meat
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Carefully add brandy to the pot (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes until the alcohol evaporates.
- Stir in the tomato paste, seafood stock, heavy cream, white wine, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- If you prefer a thicker bisque, make a roux by melting butter in a separate pan, then adding the flour and cooking for 2-3 minutes. Slowly whisk in some of the hot broth, then add it back to the bisque, stirring to thicken.
- Add the shrimp, lobster, and crab meat to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the seafood is tender and fully cooked through.
- Remove from heat and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed. Serve the bisque hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a smoother bisque, use an immersion blender to purée the soup before adding the seafood.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream.
- This bisque can be made in advance and reheated gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: seafood bisque, crab shrimp lobster bisque, creamy seafood soup, lobster bisque, seafood soup recipe