Crab (Or Shrimp) Bisque
A creamy seafood bisque featuring crab or shrimp, rich with mushrooms, seasoned with savory herbs, perfect for elegant dinners or comforting lunches.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 4 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 chicken bouillon cube ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ketchup ⓘ
- 1 can undiluted evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups crab or 1/2 pound small shrimp ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can chopped or sliced mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and sliced celery in butter in a large saucepan.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add water while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and crab or shrimp. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Discard the bay leaf.
- Stir in evaporated milk and reheat to serving temperature without boiling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a dash of Old Bay seasoning. If you don't have crab, shrimp is a great substitute. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth instead of water for added depth. If you're looking to lighten the dish, try using evaporated skim milk. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can brighten the bisque as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bisque hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for color. Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine. For a comforting twist, consider serving alongside a bowl of Pimento Corn Soup or a light chicken dish like Velvet Chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the bisque on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the milk to curdle. You can also freeze the bisque for up to 2 months, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab (Or Shrimp) Bisque contains roughly 1996 calories, with 27g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 144g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), protein (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bisque in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point before adding the evaporated milk. Cool it completely, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently and stir in the milk just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and cream. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. Just keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the flavor slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this bisque gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Also, ensure that the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups are gluten-free or make your own versions at home. Always check labels for hidden gluten in processed ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).