This shrimp bisque is a creamy and tasty soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With fresh shrimp, rich flavors, and a smooth texture, it warms you right up!
I love serving it with some crusty bread, perfect for dipping! It feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a warm hug in a bowl? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp adds the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp work well too! Just remember to thaw them before cooking. You can also use crab or lobster for a different twist!
Stock: Using seafood stock gives it a rich flavor, but chicken stock is a good substitute if that’s what you have. Homemade stock is fantastic if you’ve got the time, but store-bought works just fine!
Butter: Butter adds richness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use olive oil or a dairy-free buttery spread instead.
Wine: The white wine is optional, but it brings depth to the bisque. If you prefer to skip it, try using a splash of lemon juice to add brightness!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, half-and-half or coconut cream makes a great substitute. Just know that the consistency may change a bit.
How Do I Get the Bisque’s Texture Just Right?
The texture of the bisque is crucial for that creamy comfort. To achieve the perfect smoothness, here’s what to do:
- After simmering, make sure to blend the soup well. An immersion blender is handy, but a regular blender works too. Just let it cool a little to avoid splashes!
- Blending until smooth eliminates any chunks and incorporates the flavors well. If you want a chunkier bisque, simply blend only half of the soup and leave some shrimp and veggies whole.
Following these steps will lead to a silky-smooth bisque that’s simply delicious!
How to Make Delicious Shrimp Bisque
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (reserve shells)
- 4 cups seafood or chicken stock
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This shrimp bisque takes about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 45 minutes cooking time, for a total of about 1 hour. It’s relatively easy to prepare, and the result is truly delightful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make Shrimp Stock:
In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the reserved shrimp shells. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they smell fragrant and turn pink. Add the 4 cups of seafood or chicken stock, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the stock to remove the shells and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Base:
In the same pot, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Flour:
Stir in the tomato paste and allow it to cook for about 2 minutes. Next, sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well to combine everything. This will help thicken the bisque later.
4. Deglaze with Wine:
If you’re using white wine, pour it in now and cook until it reduces by half, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This adds extra flavor to your bisque!
5. Add Stock and Simmer:
Slowly whisk in the reserved shrimp stock. Add the paprika, salt, and pepper, then let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Blend the Soup:
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, you can carefully blend the soup in batches using a regular blender. Once blended, return the bisque to the pot.
7. Cook Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!
8. Finish with Cream:
Stir in the heavy cream for that silky texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve:
Ladle the bisque into bowls, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious shrimp bisque with a slice of crusty bread for a lovely meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work well; just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly under cold running water. Pat them dry before adding to the bisque.
How Can I Thicken the Bisque More?
If you prefer a thicker bisque, you can add more flour when cooking the vegetables. Alternatively, add an extra splash of heavy cream or use cornstarch mixed with water (a cornstarch slurry) to thicken the soup after blending.
Can I Make This Bisque Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bisque ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, and if needed, add a little extra cream to bring it back to life!
What Should I Serve With Shrimp Bisque?
Shrimp bisque pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, croutons, or a light salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a simple pasta or rice. Enjoy!
