This creamy shrimp bisque is a warm hug in a bowl! Made with tender shrimp, rich broth, and a touch of spices, it’s perfect for tasting comfort.
Whenever I make this dish, I feel like a chef! It’s so easy to whip up and tastes so fancy. Serve it with fresh bread for a cozy meal! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give the best flavor, but frozen shrimp is a good alternative. Just make sure to thaw them first! If you’re allergic or prefer not to use shrimp, try using crab meat or a mix of veggies for a veggie bisque.
Seafood stock: If you don’t have seafood stock, chicken stock will work fine. You can also make a quick homemade stock using shrimp shells and water. It adds depth and flavor!
Heavy cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. Coconut milk is a nice dairy-free alternative that adds its own unique flavor.
Tomato paste: Tomato sauce can stand in for tomato paste. Just use a little less since it’s thinner. It still adds that nice depth to the bisque.
How Do You Make Sure Your Bisque is Smooth and Creamy?
Getting that smooth texture is crucial for a great bisque! Here’s how to do it right:
- Use an immersion blender or a countertop blender to puree the soup. Be careful with hot liquids; allow it to cool slightly if using a standard blender.
- Blend in batches if needed. Overfilling the blender can lead to splashes, which isn’t fun!
- Ensure all veggies are cooked tender before blending. This ensures they blend easily into a smooth consistency.
- Always taste before serving. You can adjust the thickness by adding a bit more stock or cream if it’s too thick for your liking!
This shrimp bisque is not only delicious but also a delightful dish to impress your guests. Enjoy making it, and don’t forget to savor every spoonful!
How to Make Shrimp Bisque
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bisque:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (reserve shells)
- 4 cups water or seafood stock
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped for garnish
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This shrimp bisque takes approximately 15 minutes for preparation and 45 minutes of cooking time. Allow about an hour for the flavors to meld perfectly, making it a lovely dish for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Shrimp Stock:
In a large pot, combine the shrimp shells with 4 cups of water or seafood stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes. Once done, strain the mixture to discard the shells, keeping the stock for later.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Set aside 6-8 whole shrimp for garnishing your bisque. Finely chop the remaining shrimp and set them aside to add into the soup later.
3. Prepare the Base:
In the same pot used for the stock, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté these until they are softened, around 5-7 minutes, filling your kitchen with delicious aromas!
4. Add Tomato Paste and Spices:
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling brave!). Allow this mixture to cook for an additional 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
5. Thicken the Bisque (Optional):
If you want a thicker bisque, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
6. Add Stock and Wine:
Slowly pour in the warm shrimp stock and, if you’re using it, the white wine. Stir continuously while letting the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens a bit.
7. Blend the Bisque:
Carefully puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or a countertop blender. Always take precautions with hot liquids, so let it cool slightly if needed!
8. Add Cream and Shrimp Meat:
Return the bisque to the pot on low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the chopped shrimp meat, heating it through for about 3-5 minutes but making sure not to boil it.
9. Season the Bisque:
Give your bisque a taste and add salt and black pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.
10. Serve with Love:
Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish it with the reserved whole shrimp and fresh chopped chives or parsley. Serve warm, and enjoy this wonderful dish!
This shrimp bisque is rich, creamy, and bursting with seafood flavor, perfect as a comforting starter or a delightful main dish. You’re in for a treat!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the shrimp are completely thawed before using them. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Make This Bisque Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut-based cream to keep it creamy without dairy. Just remember that coconut milk will add a subtle coconut flavor to the bisque!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bisque a day in advance up to the point of adding the shrimp and cream. Store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, heat it gently on the stove before adding the cream and cooked shrimp.
What Should I Serve with Shrimp Bisque?
This bisque pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of rice for a more filling meal. A fresh side salad can also complement the richness of the bisque wonderfully!
