This shrimp bisque is a creamy, dreamy bowl of goodness! Made with juicy shrimp and a blend of tasty spices, it’s rich and warming—perfect for a cozy night in.
I love serving this bisque with some crusty bread on the side. Dipping that bread into the creamy soup is always a hit! It’s like a little hug in a bowl. 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works great. If you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw it first. For a different flavor, try using crab or lobster instead!
Olive Oil or Butter: I prefer butter for its rich taste, but olive oil is a fantastic healthy alternative. Canola or avocado oil works too if that’s what you have!
Onion: Yellow onion is sweet and perfect for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, red onion or shallots can be used, though they might alter the flavor slightly.
Heavy Cream: You can use half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer a lighter soup. Coconut milk is a good dairy-free option, adding a unique flavor!
How Can I Get the Best Flavor from My Bisque?
Building flavor is key to a great bisque! Start by sautéing your vegetables well—don’t rush this step. Caramelizing them enhances their sweetness.
- Cook your onion, celery, and carrot until soft, stirring occasionally—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
- When you add garlic and spices, let them cook for a minute to release their aroma. It makes a difference!
- Don’t skip the white wine—deglazing the pot with wine helps lift all the delightful bits stuck to the bottom, creating a new layer of flavor.
How to Make Shrimp Bisque
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bisque:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or sherry
- 4 cups seafood stock or shrimp stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
- Crusty bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This shrimp bisque will take around 30-40 minutes total. About 10 minutes for prep and 20-30 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick yet delicious dish perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by reserving about 6-8 shrimp for garnishing later. Chop the remaining shrimp into smaller pieces and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become soft.
3. Add Flavors:
Next, add in the minced garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything together and cook for about 2 minutes, until it all smells delicious!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, add the chopped shrimp to the pot. Cook them until they turn just pink, which will take about 3 minutes.
5. Pour in the Wine:
Pour the white wine into the pot, allowing it to reduce by half. This should take about 3 minutes and adds a lovely depth to the bisque!
6. Simmer the Soup:
Add the seafood stock to the pot and bring everything to a simmer. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop all the lovely flavors.
7. Blend the Soup:
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
8. Stir in the Cream:
Add the heavy cream to the blended soup, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep it warm on low heat while you prepare the garnish.
9. Sauté the Garnishing Shrimp:
In a small pan, season the reserved shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Sauté them in a little oil or butter over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re nicely browned and cooked through.
10. Serve the Bisque:
Ladle the warm bisque into bowls. Top each bowl with the sautéed shrimp and sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Enjoy your rich, creamy shrimp bisque that’s perfect for any occasion! It’s sure to impress your guests or make a delightful meal any night of the week!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave them in the fridge overnight, or for a quick method, place the shrimp in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder bisque, simply leave out the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount of smoked paprika. For some extra heat without overwhelming spice, consider adding just a pinch of red pepper flakes instead!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the bisque up to the blending step and then refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it in a pot, stir in the cream, and sauté the garnishing shrimp as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the bisque has thickened, you can add a bit of seafood stock or water to reach your desired consistency.