Dreamy Creamy Shrimp Bisque Recipe: A Bowl of Coastal Comfort

Steaming seafood aromas fill the kitchen as this creamy shrimp bisque recipe promises pure comfort and elegance.

Rich, velvety textures blend seamlessly with delicate ocean flavors.

Each spoonful delivers a luxurious maritime experience that transports you to coastal dining.

Succulent shrimp swim in a silky base of heavy cream and aromatic herbs.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike cherish this classic soup for its depth and sophistication.

The recipe balances complex flavors with surprising simplicity.

Dive into this culinary masterpiece and savor every luxurious moment.

FAQs

• What makes Cajun seasoning so special in this bisque?

Cajun seasoning adds a bold, spicy kick that enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor, bringing a signature Louisiana-style heat and depth to the creamy bisque.

• Can I substitute sherry wine with another ingredient?

White wine or dry vermouth work well as alternatives. If avoiding alcohol, you can use chicken stock with a splash of apple cider vinegar to provide similar complexity and acidity.

• How do I know when the roux is perfectly cooked?

The roux is ready when it turns a light golden brown color and develops a slightly nutty aroma. Constant stirring prevents burning and ensures a smooth, rich base for the bisque.

Creamy Shrimp Bisque—Top Qualities

• Blend of bacon, shrimp, and cajun seasoning creates a mouthwatering taste sensation that pops with every spoonful.
• Technique-driven recipe helps home cooks develop professional-level cooking methods like making roux and deglazing.
• Creamy, rich bisque delivers ultimate warmth and satisfaction, perfect for lifting spirits on any day.
• Flexible recipe allows personal touches with optional herb garnish and adjustable seasoning levels.

Creamy Shrimp Bisque Ingredients

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the main protein and flavor for the bisque.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky depth and rich flavor to the soup.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: Classic Louisiana mirepoix that creates a robust flavor base.
• Garlic: Provides a warm, aromatic undertone to the bisque.
• Corn: Adds sweet kernels and texture to the creamy soup.
• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that brighten the overall dish.

• Sherry Wine: Adds complex, slightly sweet flavor and helps deglaze the pot.
• Stock, Water: Create the liquid foundation for the bisque.
• Cream: Provides rich, smooth texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
• Butter, Flour: Used to make a roux that thickens and enriches the soup.
• Cajun Seasoning: Brings signature spicy and savory Louisiana-style flavor to the shrimp.

Equipment for Shrimp Bisque

• dutch oven: heavy-bottomed pot perfect for making rich, creamy soups with even heat distribution.
• whisk: essential for blending roux and preventing lumps in the bisque.
• cutting board: sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• sharp knife: crucial for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• measuring cups and spoons: ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• wooden spoon: great for stirring and scraping bottom of pot while cooking.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Bisque

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Chop onions, bell peppers, celery, green onions, and parsley into fine pieces.

Mince garlic cloves.

Remove fresh corn kernels from cob.

Slice bacon into small bits.

Carefully peel and devein shrimp, then season generously with cajun spice blend.

Step 2: Crisp The Bacon

Heat a dutch oven and cook bacon until golden and crispy, approximately 8 minutes.

Retain one tablespoon of rendered bacon grease for incredible flavor development.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery into the bacon-infused pot.

Cook together for 5 minutes until vegetables become translucent.

Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrant essence.

Step 4: Deglaze With Wine

Pour sherry wine into the pot, scraping every delicious browned bit from the bottom.

Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce for 1-2 minutes, concentrating the rich flavors.

Step 5: Create A Silky Roux

Incorporate butter and flour.

Continuously stir the mixture for 5 minutes until it transforms into a deep, golden color, creating a robust flavor foundation.

Step 6: Build The Liquid Base

Whisk in stock and water.

Sprinkle half of the parsley and green onions.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 uncovered minutes.

Carefully skim any excess fat from the surface.

Step 7: Final Flavor Fusion

• Seasoned shrimp
• Corn kernels
• Heavy cream
• Remaining herbs

Simmer for 5 minutes until shrimp turn perfectly pink and tender.

Step 8: Serve With Passion

Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

Tips for Shrimp Bisque Perfection

• Render bacon slowly to extract maximum smoky richness and ensure crispy texture for enhanced depth in bisque.
• Stir constantly during roux-making to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown color without scorching flour.
• Choose plump, firm shrimp with sweet ocean aroma for best taste and most delicate texture in the final dish.
• Keep bisque at gentle simmer to prevent cream from separating and maintain smooth, silky consistency throughout cooking process.
• Add fresh herbs at end of cooking to preserve bright flavors and aromatic qualities, creating vibrant and layered taste profile.

Shrimp Bisque—Ways to Customize

• Vegetarian Seafood Bisque: Replace shrimp with plant-based seafood alternatives like hearts of palm or king oyster mushrooms, seasoned with old bay seasoning for similar oceanic flavor.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Version: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, maintaining rich texture while accommodating lactose-sensitive diners.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute flour with cauliflower puree for thickening, use cauliflower rice instead of corn kernels to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Cajun Fusion: Increase cajun seasoning, add andouille sausage for extra heat and depth, incorporate roasted red peppers for smoky undertones.

Shrimp Bisque Serving Ideas

• Hearty Bread Companion: Slice crusty French baguette or sourdough bread to soak up the rich, creamy bisque. The bread's crispy exterior and soft inside perfectly complement the soup's smooth texture.
• Crisp Salad Pairing: Prepare a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the bisque's richness. Add some toasted pecans or almonds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Wine Selection Tip: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to enhance the seafood and complement the creamy base. The wine's acidity will cut through the bisque's richness and elevate the dining experience.

How to Store Shrimp Bisque

• Store bisque in airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled bisque into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space. Freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if cream-based.
• Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of stock if too thick. Heat until steaming, about 5-7 minutes.
• Transfer to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Check temperature and avoid overheating to prevent separation.

Creamy Shrimp Bisque Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty New England shrimp bisque brings coastal comfort to dinner tables across America. Rich seafood flavors combine with smooth cream and tender shrimp, promising warmth in each spoonful you savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds medium raw shrimp
• 4 ears of corn
• 1.5 pounds bacon
• 2 cups heavy cream

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion
• 0.5 bell pepper (any color)
• 2 stalks celery
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2–4 green onions
• 1 bunch fresh parsley

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups shrimp stock
• 1.5 cups water
• 0.25 cup sherry cooking wine
• 8 tablespoons (0.5 cup) butter
• 0.5 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients by finely chopping onion, bell pepper, celery, green onions, and parsley. Mince garlic, remove corn kernels, and chop bacon. Peel and devein shrimp, then season with cajun seasoning.
2. Render bacon in a dutch oven until crispy and golden, approximately 8 minutes. Reserve 1 tablespoon of rendered bacon fat in the pot.
3. Sauté chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery in bacon fat for 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pot with sherry wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Allow liquid to simmer and reduce for 1-2 minutes.
5. Create a roux by adding butter and flour. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring continuously until flour darkens and develops a nutty aroma.
6. Gradually whisk in stock and water. Incorporate half of the parsley and green onions. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, skimming any excess fat from the surface.
7. Introduce seasoned shrimp, corn kernels, and cream to the pot. Add remaining herbs and simmer for 5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Bacon Alternatives Choose turkey bacon or smoked paprika for a lighter version, maintaining smoky flavor without excess fat.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a roux without compromising texture.
• Seafood Sustainability Select wild-caught or responsibly farmed shrimp to support ocean conservation efforts and ensure recipe quality.
• Heat Management Control simmering temperature carefully to prevent cream from separating, keeping bisque smooth and velvety throughout cooking process.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 44 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 150mg