Indulge in the rich flavors of the sea with these 18 decadent creamy seafood bisque recipes. From classic lobster and crab to spicy Cajun-inspired dishes, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl of warmth or a sophisticated dinner party starter, these bisques are sure to impress.
Classic Lobster Bisque with Sherry Cream is a timeless favorite, while Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque adds a sweet and savory twist. Spice up your mealtime with Spicy Cajun Seafood Bisque, or opt for the bright flavors of Roasted Garlic and Scallop Bisque. With options ranging from Smoked Salmon and Dill to Thai Coconut Seafood Bisque, you’re sure to find a new favorite.
Classic Lobster Bisque with Sherry Cream
A rich and creamy bisque that showcases the decadence of lobster, enhanced by the subtle sweetness of sherry cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds lobster meat (claw and body)
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cognac or dry white wine
– 1 cup fish stock or chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– Sherry cream (see below)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add lobster meat; cook for 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. Add cognac or wine; flambé (optional).
5. Add fish stock, tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Strain bisque through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard solids.
7. Stir in heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Sherry Cream:
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon sherry wine
Mix together and refrigerate until chilled.
Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque
Rich and decadent, this creamy bisque combines the flavors of succulent crab and shrimp with a hint of spice, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup clam juice
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in crab meat, shrimp, heavy cream, clam juice, and Old Bay seasoning. Cook for 5 minutes or until the seafood is heated through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Cajun Seafood Bisque
Get ready to spice up your seafood game with this bold and flavorful bisque!
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, crab), diced
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add seafood, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the seafood is lightly browned.
4. Pour in fish stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Garlic and Scallop Bisque
A rich and creamy bisque that combines the sweetness of scallops with the pungency of roasted garlic, perfect for a special occasion or cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 cup fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
3. In a large pot, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent.
4. Add roasted garlic, fish stock, and heavy cream to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add scallops to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they turn opaque.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Smoked Salmon and Dill Bisque
A creamy and flavorful soup that showcases the richness of smoked salmon, perfect for a luxurious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups fish stock (or chicken stock)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour and whisk to combine; cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add fish stock, whisking constantly; bring to a simmer.
4. Add smoked salmon, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and dill weed; stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and let bisque simmer for 10-15 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh dill, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Coconut Seafood Bisque
A rich and creamy soup that combines the flavors of Thailand with the freshness of seafood.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add seafood and cook until it starts to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in coconut milk, chicken broth, curry paste, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let soup simmer for 10-15 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Truffle-Infused Lobster Bisque
Elevate your culinary experience with this rich and decadent Truffle-Infused Lobster Bisque, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat. This recipe combines the sweetness of lobster with the earthy luxury of truffles.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound lobster meat, diced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup fish stock
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon truffle oil or shaved fresh truffles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add lobster meat; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Add heavy cream, fish stock, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let bisque infuse for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
6. Just before serving, stir in truffle oil or shaved truffles (if using).
7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-60 minutes
New England Clam and Corn Bisque
A creamy and savory soup that combines the freshness of clams with the sweetness of corn, perfect for a chilly New England evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh or canned clams, scrubbed and drained
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups clam juice or fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add clams, corn, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Gradually add clam juice or fish stock, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened to your liking.
6. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Herbed Mussel and Saffron Bisque
This rich and flavorful bisque combines the brininess of mussels with the subtle warmth of saffron, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup dry white wine
– 1/2 cup fish stock (or chicken stock)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add mussels, wine, stock, thyme, paprika, and saffron mixture. Cook until mussels open, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove mussels from shells and transfer to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
4. Return bisque to pot and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper and Crab Bisque
A rich and creamy soup that combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with the tender chunks of crab meat, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups crab meat (jumbo lump or claw)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Roast red peppers for 30 minutes, then peel and chop into large pieces.
3. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add paprika and cayenne pepper; cook 1 minute.
4. Add roasted red peppers, diced tomatoes, crab meat, butter, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and let bisque simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Curried Shrimp and Coconut Bisque
This creamy, aromatic bisque is a perfect blend of Indian-inspired flavors and tropical warmth. Serve with crusty bread or as a starter for your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons curry powder
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the shrimp and curry powder; cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are pink.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream and shredded coconut. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the bisque has thickened slightly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Bisque
Elevate your dinner party with this indulgent soup that combines the sweetness of scallops with the smokiness of bacon. This creamy bisque is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into thirds
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each scallop with a piece of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
3. In a large skillet, cook the wrapped scallops over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
4. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside. Leave the drippings in the pan.
5. Add butter, onion, and garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.
6. Add white wine and cook until reduced by half.
7. Add heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
8. Return the scallops to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the scallops are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemongrass and Ginger Seafood Bisque
Aromatic lemongrass and spicy ginger add depth and warmth to this rich and creamy seafood bisque, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 2 inches ginger, peeled and sliced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and patted dry
– 1 cup fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, lemongrass, and ginger; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Add seafood and fish stock; bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let bisque cook for 10-12 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
5. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pumpkin and Crab Bisque with Sage
A rich and creamy soup that combines the warmth of pumpkin with the sweetness of crab, finished with a hint of earthy sage.
Ingredients:
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium pumpkin, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup crab meat (jumbo lump or flaked)
– 4 cups fish broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in butter until softened.
2. Add pumpkin and cook for 5 minutes or until tender.
3. Add fish broth, crab meat, heavy cream, and sage. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
4. Purée soup with an immersion blender or traditional blender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chorizo and Shrimp Bisque
Savor the bold flavors of Spain with this rich and creamy bisque, featuring spicy chorizo sausage and succulent shrimp.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chorizo sausage, sliced
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 2 cups fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add chorizo sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Add white wine and fish stock, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Mushroom and Lobster Bisque
This rich and creamy bisque combines the earthy flavors of wild mushrooms with the decadence of lobster, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cups mixed wild mushrooms (such as chanterelle, oyster, and cremini), sliced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups lobster meat, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 10 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until thickened slightly.
5. Stir in lobster meat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tomato and Fennel Seafood Bisque
This vibrant bisque combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the anise flavor of fennel, perfectly complemented by succulent seafood. A light and refreshing soup for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and deveined
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1/2 cup fish broth
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
2. Add seafood, tomato, fennel, wine, broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Caribbean Spiced Seafood Bisque
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this rich and creamy bisque, perfect for a warm evening or as a starter for your next dinner party. This recipe combines succulent seafood with aromatic spices and coconut milk to create a truly unique and delicious soup.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 cups fish stock
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
3. Add seafood, coconut milk, and fish stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the seafood is cooked through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of seafood bisque with these 18 mouth-watering recipes. From classic lobster bisque to spicy Cajun seafood bisque, and from smoky salmon and dill bisque to Thai coconut seafood bisque, there’s a recipe to satisfy any seafood lover’s cravings. Each bisque is infused with the perfect blend of herbs, spices, and seafood for a truly decadent dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a comforting soup or an impressive appetizer, these recipes are sure to impress.