This shrimp bisque is a warm hug in a bowl! Made with fresh shrimp, creamy goodness, and a hint of spices, it’s velvety and oh-so-comforting.
I love serving it with some crunchy bread on the side. There’s nothing like dipping bread in that rich soup! Plus, who can resist a bowl of seafood magic? 🍤❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp brings the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, frozen shrimp work well too. Just make sure to thaw them properly before use!
Seafood Stock: Homemade stock is amazing, but store-bought works fine for convenience. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Butter: While I love butter in this dish for richness, you can substitute olive oil if you prefer a healthier option or dairy-free version.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter bisque, swapping in half-and-half or coconut milk is delicious! Just keep in mind it will alter the flavor slightly.
Tomato Paste: If you don’t have any, a bit of crushed tomatoes will add acidity, but use it in moderation so it doesn’t overpower the soup.
How Do I Make My Bisque Smooth and Creamy?
The secret to a velvety bisque lies in blending the soup properly. After simmering, you want to ensure it’s completely smooth. Here’s how to perfect this step:
- After simmering, use an immersion blender right in the pot for convenience. Alternatively, transfer batches to a blender, but be careful of hot splashes!
- For an extra smooth bisque, you can strain the blended soup through a fine sieve. This removes any tiny bits and gives an ultra-refined texture.
These tips will help elevate your shrimp bisque and impress your family and friends! Enjoy every spoonful! 🌊🍲
How to Make Shrimp Bisque
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (reserve shells)
- 4 cups water or seafood stock
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Olive oil or butter for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This shrimp bisque takes about 45 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes cooking the ingredients and about 30 minutes allowing the stock to simmer and blend the flavors together. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Shrimp Stock:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of butter and a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the reserved shrimp shells and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become nice and fragrant. Then, pour in the water or seafood stock and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes to bring out that delicious shrimp flavor. Afterward, strain the stock and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Bisque Base:
In the same pot, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and carrot, and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Flour:
Stir in the tomato paste and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes. Now, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
4. Deglaze and Simmer:
If you’re using white wine, slowly pour it in now, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Gradually whisk in the shrimp stock until everything is smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Blend the Soup:
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it is very smooth and creamy. If you’d like an even silkier texture, strain the blended soup through a fine sieve. This step is optional, but worth it if you want that ultra-smooth consistency!
6. Cook the Shrimp:
Season the peeled shrimp with a pinch of salt and smoked paprika. In a small pan, lightly sauté the shrimp in butter or olive oil until they turn pink and are just cooked through. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
7. Finish the Bisque:
Stir in the heavy cream to the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more paprika if needed. Warm it gently but avoid boiling it at this point.
8. Serve:
Ladle the bisque into bowls and add the sautéed shrimp on top. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped chives or parsley. Serve with some crusty bread on the side for dipping and enjoy this rich, creamy delight!
This shrimp bisque is sure to impress! Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night at home. Enjoy spoonfuls of this seafood comfort food! 🍤✨
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before using them. A quick way to thaw is to place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Make This Bisque in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bisque base ahead of time! Cook it up to the blending stage, then let it cool and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat gently, add the cream, and sauté the shrimp fresh.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent it from boiling.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor may slightly change, but it will still be delicious and creamy!
