When it comes to special occasions, nothing says luxury like a rich and creamy seafood bisque. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a decadent meal, these 20 creamy seafood bisque recipes are sure to impress. From classic flavors like lobster and crab to more adventurous options featuring spicy shrimp and smoky salmon, there’s something for every taste and occasion.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, exploring different regions and cuisines that showcase the best of seafood in a creamy, comforting bowl. With recipes ranging from simple and quick to elaborate and impressive, you’re sure to find inspiration for your next special meal.
Classic Lobster Bisque with Sherry Cream
Classic Lobster Bisque with Sherry Cream Recipe
Savor the rich flavors of this luxurious bisque, perfect for a special occasion or a decadent treat any time of year. This recipe combines succulent lobster meat with aromatics and creamy sherry cream for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lobster meat (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup cognac (or dry white wine)
– 1/2 cup fish stock
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
– Sherry cream (see below)
Sherry Cream:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons sherry wine
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add cognac; flambé until reduced by half.
4. Add fish stock, heavy cream, and flour; whisk to combine.
5. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until thickened.
6. Stir in lobster meat and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives. Top with sherry cream before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rich Crab Bisque with Old Bay Seasoning
Experience the bold flavors of the Chesapeake Bay with this creamy crab bisque infused with the iconic Old Bay seasoning. This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening or as a starter for your next seafood feast.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter 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, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Old Bay seasoning.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Shrimp Bisque with Cajun Flavors
Spicy Shrimp Bisque with Cajun Flavors: A rich and bold soup that combines succulent shrimp with the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine, perfect for a chilly evening or as an appetizer for your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or scallions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook for an additional minute.
3. Add shrimp; cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let bisque cook for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or scallions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Velvety Scallop Bisque with Saffron Infusion
This rich and creamy bisque is a perfect showcase for the delicate flavor of scallops, elevated by the subtle warmth of saffron. Serve as an appetizer or use as a base for other seafood dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound scallops
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add scallops; cook until opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Add white wine; cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in heavy cream and saffron mixture. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low; let bisque simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Salmon Bisque with Dill and Lemon
Smoky Salmon Bisque with Dill and Lemon: A creamy and flavorful soup that combines the richness of salmon with the brightness of lemon and the freshness of dill.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
– 2 teaspoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add white wine and bring to a simmer. Cook until reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in smoked salmon, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Luxurious Crab and Lobster Bisque
Luxurious Crab and Lobster Bisque Recipe
Elevate your soup game with this rich and decadent bisque, featuring tender chunks of crab and lobster meat in a velvety broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups fish stock (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup lump crab meat
– 1/4 cup lobster meat, diced
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour over the mixture; whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add fish stock, whisking constantly. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add crab and lobster meat; cook until heated through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Herbed Clam Bisque with White Wine Reduction
Experience the essence of the ocean in this rich and flavorful clam bisque, elevated by a subtle white wine reduction.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 cup fish stock (or chicken stock)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 sprigs fresh dill, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup white wine
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
2. Add clams, fish stock, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat and let bisque simmer for 10-12 minutes or until clams are tender.
4. Stir in parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
5. Remove from heat and stir in white wine reduction (see below).
6. Strain bisque through a fine-mesh sieve into bowls; discard solids.
White Wine Reduction:
– Reduce 1/2 cup white wine over low heat until almost syrupy (about 10 minutes).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Mussel Bisque with Garlic Butter
A rich and creamy soup that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this mussel bisque is elevated by the addition of garlicky butter. With its velvety texture and briny flavor, it’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the mussels under cold water and set them aside.
2. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
4. Gradually add the cream and milk, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the mussels to the pot and cook until they’re open, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
7. Serve the bisque hot, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Roasted Tomato and Seafood Bisque
Roasted Tomato and Seafood Bisque Recipe
Summary: This rich and flavorful bisque combines the sweetness of roasted tomatoes with the brininess of seafood, perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, cored and halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), rinsed and drained
– 1/2 cup fish stock or white wine
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss tomatoes with olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 30 minutes or until tomatoes are tender.
4. Add seafood to the roasted tomato mixture and stir to combine.
5. Pour in fish stock or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
7. Purée with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.
8. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Thai-Inspired Coconut Seafood Bisque
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this creamy seafood bisque, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines succulent seafood, aromatic spices, and rich coconut milk to create a truly decadent soup.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 4 cups fish stock or water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
2. Add curry paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add seafood and stir to combine. Cook until seafood is opaque, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in coconut milk and fish stock. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let bisque cook for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Truffle-Infused Lobster Bisque
Elevate your soup game with this luxurious and flavorful Truffle-Infused Lobster Bisque, perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lobster meat (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup cognac (or substitute with dry white wine)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup fish stock
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 truffle shavings or 1 truffle oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add lobster meat, cognac, heavy cream, fish stock, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Strain bisque through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids.
5. If using truffles, shave them over the soup and stir to combine. Alternatively, add truffle oil according to package instructions.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Chorizo and Shrimp Bisque
This rich and flavorful bisque combines the spicy kick of chorizo with succulent shrimp, perfect for a cozy dinner or as an appetizer for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chorizo, sliced
– 1 cup fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chorizo and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Pour in the fish stock and bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and paprika.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Corn and Crab Bisque with Crispy Bacon
This rich and flavorful bisque combines the sweetness of corn with the savory taste of crab, all wrapped up in a velvety smooth soup. The addition of crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch to each spoonful.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cups frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup crab meat (jumbo lump or flaked)
– 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add corn kernels and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until slightly tender.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Stir in crab meat, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low and let bisque simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
6. Serve warm, topped with crumbled bacon.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Leek and Potato Seafood Bisque
This creamy bisque is a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. The sweetness of the leeks and potatoes pairs perfectly with the brininess of the seafood, making it a delightful meal to share with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 large leeks, cleaned and chopped
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups fish or chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add garlic, leeks, and potatoes. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add broth and heavy cream or half-and-half. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add seafood and cook until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes.
Smoked Haddock Bisque with Chive Cream
This creamy bisque showcases the rich flavor of smoked haddock, perfect for a chilly evening or as an elegant starter. The addition of chive cream adds a bright and oniony note to balance out the dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb smoked haddock fillets
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chives for garnish
– Chive cream (see below)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add smoked haddock, fish stock, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and let bisque cool slightly.
6. Stir in flour to thicken.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chive Cream:
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mix ingredients together until smooth. Serve over the smoked haddock bisque.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes.
Mediterranean Seafood Bisque with Fennel
Warm up to the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this hearty seafood bisque, infused with the anise-like sweetness of fennel. This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium fennel bulbs, sliced
– 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), scrubbed and patted dry
– 4 cups fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, 5 minutes.
2. Add fennel; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8-10 minutes.
3. Add seafood and fish stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
4. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Curried Shrimp and Scallop Bisque
This rich and flavorful bisque is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. A combination of succulent shrimp and scallops, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk will transport your taste buds to the exotic islands of the Indian Ocean.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 pound scallops, rinsed and patted dry
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup fish stock or water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add shrimp and scallops; cook until pink and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, curry powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in coconut milk and fish stock or water; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let bisque cook for 10-15 minutes or until desired consistency is reached.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper and Crab Bisque
A creamy and flavorful soup that combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with the richness of crab meat, perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the red peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until skin is blistered and charred.
2. Remove peppers from oven and let cool. Peel off skin, discarding it, and place the roasted flesh in a blender or food processor.
3. Add remaining ingredients to the blender and puree until smooth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Garlic Butter Prawn Bisque with Crusty Bread
Rich and creamy prawn bisque meets the warmth of garlic butter and crusty bread, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound large prawns, peeled and deveined
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cups fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Crusty bread (such as baguette or ciabatta), sliced
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add prawns, onion, and fish stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender or transfer mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
4. Return bisque to saucepan and add heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread slices.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Silky Cod and Clam Bisque with Thyme
This creamy bisque combines the richness of cod and clams with the subtle warmth of thyme, perfect for a cozy dinner or appetizer. With its silky texture and flavorful broth, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup fish stock or water
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add cod, clams, white wine (if using), fish stock or water, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until the cod is flaky and the broth has thickened slightly.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the bisque until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in heavy cream (if using) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your guests with these 20 creamy seafood bisque recipes perfect for special occasions. From classic lobster bisque with sherry cream to spicy shrimp bisque with Cajun flavors, and even truffle-infused lobster bisque, there’s something for everyone. These rich and velvety soups are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious crab and lobster bisque or a bold Thai-inspired coconut seafood bisque, this collection has it all.
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