The Best Crab Bisque Recipe
This creamy crab bisque brings a touch of the seaside into your home. With its silky texture, rich crab flavor, and just the right amount of seasoning, it feels indulgent without being complicated. Whether you're serving it at a dinner party or cozying up on the couch, this dish delivers gourmet comfort in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Base & Flavor
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 2 celery stalks chopped small
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- A pinch of salt
Liquid & Cream
- 4 cups fish stock or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup half and half or coconut milk for dairy-free
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Seafood & Garnish
- 1 pound lump crab meat divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, sauté diced onions and celery for about 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until its aroma fills the air.
- Stir in the flour, tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Cook for a few minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a robust base. This is where all the flavor magic begins!
- Slowly pour in the fish stock, stirring constantly to combine. Toss in the bay leaves and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes so the flavors can infuse into the broth.
- Remove the bay leaves, then stir in the half and half and lemon juice. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the soup to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and luxuriously creamy.
- Stir half of the crab meat into the silky bisque, letting it warm through gently. Save the remaining crab for garnish to add a touch of elegance when serving.
- Ladle the bisque into bowls, top each serving with a generous spoonful of reserved crab meat, and sprinkle on chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors!
Notes
- Use Fresh Crab: For the best taste, go for fresh lump crab meat.
- Don’t Over-Blend: A little texture makes it even more satisfying.
- Brighten with Lemon: Helps balance the richness of the bisque.
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Customize It:
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk.
- Extra Creamy: Swap half and half for heavy cream.
- Vegetarian: Use veggie broth and replace crab with roasted veggies.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or extra Old Bay.