Scallop Bisque
A luxurious seafood bisque highlighting tender calico scallops in a rich, creamy broth infused with subtle spices and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for seafood lovers and elegant dinners, this dish balances delicate flavors with a velvety texture, making it an impressive starter or main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the scallops to remove any grit and cut large ones into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Cook the chopped onion in butter until tender.
- Blend in the flour and gradually add the milk, stirring constantly.
- Cook and stir over low heat until slightly thickened.
- Add salt, pepper, the spice bag, scallops, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Gently cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the spice bag and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the onions. If you don't have calico scallops, you can substitute with bay scallops or even shrimp. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure to stir constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the scallop bisque with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. Consider offering it as a starter before a seafood main dish, like Beer Batter Fish, for a cohesive dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the bisque on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture of the scallops.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scallop Bisque contains roughly 558 calories, with 9g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 919mg per serving (40% 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 ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to add the scallops right before serving to prevent overcooking. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but reheating gently can still yield delicious results.
What can I use instead of scallops?
If scallops are unavailable, you can replace them with shrimp or crab meat for a different seafood experience. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as shrimp cooks faster than scallops. This will still create a delightful bisque with a similar flavor profile.
Is this bisque suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze the bisque, it's best to do so without the scallops. Freeze the soup base in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat, then add fresh scallops to finish cooking for the best texture.
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).