A luxurious, velvety soup that combines tender shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, creamy base. This shrimp bisque is both elegant and comforting, making it ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a refined starter for entertaining. Finished with a touch of fresh chives and served with crusty bread, it delivers warmth and sophistication in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This shrimp bisque is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily prepare at home. It’s smooth, rich, and full of deep seafood flavor, thanks to the blend of sautéed aromatics, tomato paste, and a touch of wine. Blending part of the soup gives it a creamy texture, while the whole shrimp pieces added at the end provide substance and contrast. It’s a delightful balance of elegance and comfort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
- Crusty bread, for serving
Directions
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
- Add the white wine, if using, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Pour in the seafood or chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes, until they are pink and opaque. Remove half the shrimp and set aside.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth (alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches).
- Stir in the heavy cream and cayenne pepper, if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Return the reserved shrimp to the pot and simmer for 2 more minutes to warm through.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives and a slice of crusty bread.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Shell-on shrimp: Use shrimp with shells and simmer them in the broth for a more intense seafood flavor. Strain before blending.
- Seafood mix: Add scallops, crab meat, or lobster for a luxurious seafood blend.
- Spice it up: Increase the cayenne or add a splash of hot sauce for a spicier bisque.
- Tomato-based version: Add a small can of crushed tomatoes for a tomato-forward twist.
- Herbs: Swap chives for dill or tarragon for a different herbal profile.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store cooled bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid curdling the cream. Do not boil. It can also be reheated in the microwave on low power in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the bisque.
What’s the best broth to use?
Seafood broth provides the richest flavor, but chicken broth is a suitable substitute if seafood broth is unavailable.
Can I make it without cream?
You can substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option, though the flavor will change slightly.
Is it necessary to blend the bisque?
Blending gives it its signature smooth texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip blending or only partially purée.
Can I freeze shrimp bisque?
It is not recommended due to the cream content, which may separate upon thawing and reheating.
How can I thicken the bisque?
If a thicker texture is desired, add a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry before blending.
What wine pairs well with shrimp bisque?
Dry white wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy, savory flavors well.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Shrimp cook quickly—only 3–4 minutes are needed. Remove them once pink and return them just briefly before serving.
Can I use a regular blender?
Yes, just allow the soup to cool slightly and blend in batches. Be careful to avoid splattering hot liquid.
What can I serve with this bisque?
Crusty bread is the classic pairing, but it also goes well with a light green salad or grilled vegetables.
Conclusion
Creamy Shrimp Bisque is a flavorful, elegant dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether served as a luxurious starter or a light main course, its smooth texture and rich seafood taste are sure to impress. With a balance of comfort and refinement, this bisque is a perfect choice for any occasion, from weekday meals to special gatherings.
Print
Creamy Shrimp Bisque
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and velvety shrimp bisque made with aromatic vegetables, cream, and seafood broth, puréed until smooth and finished with whole shrimp and fresh chives.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add white wine and let it reduce for 2–3 minutes (optional).
- Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Remove half the shrimp and set aside.
- Using an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender), purée the soup until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and cayenne, and season with salt and pepper.
- Return reserved shrimp to the pot and heat through for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives and a slice of crusty bread on the side.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, use shrimp shells to make a quick stock before beginning.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Pairs well with a crisp white wine or a green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
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