This shrimp bisque is a creamy and delicious soup that’s packed with sweet shrimp flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner.
I love that it warms you up like a big hug! Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’re all set for a happy meal. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this bisque, providing a tender bite. If you’re on a budget or can’t find fresh shrimp, consider using pre-cooked shrimp. Just be sure to add them at the end to avoid overcooking!
Seafood Stock: Homemade seafood stock is fantastic, but store-bought will save time. You can also substitute with chicken stock or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, just adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter bisque, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the cream gives the richest flavor. If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, coconut milk can give a unique twist.
Vegetables: The base includes onion, celery, and carrot. If you’re missing any, grab what you have handy! Leeks can be a nice touch instead of onion, and bell peppers add great flavor too.
How Do You Create a Rich Flavor in Shrimp Bisque?
The flavor comes from making a great stock using shrimp shells. Start by sautéing the shells until fragrant. This brings out their natural sweetness. Make sure to cook the vegetables until softened to develop the base flavors.
- After cooking the shells and veggies, add tomato paste and spices to build depth.
- Using white wine helps to deglaze the pot and adds acidity to balance the creaminess later.
- Straining the stock captures all that rich essence while leaving behind any gritty bits, ensuring a smooth bisque.
Don’t rush! Letting the stock simmer for 20 minutes makes a big difference. When you incorporate the heavy cream at the end, it floods the bisque with silky richness. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
How to Make Shrimp Bisque
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bisque:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (reserve shells)
- 4 cups seafood stock or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious shrimp bisque will take about 40 minutes to prepare—from the time you start gathering your ingredients to when you’re serving. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and then 30 minutes to cook and bring everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp Shells:
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp shells and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and smell amazing. This step is key to building flavor!
2. Add Vegetables:
Now, toss in the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften. This aromatic mix forms the base of your bisque.
3. Build Flavor:
Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes to let those flavors meld beautifully.
4. Deglaze the Pot:
If you’re using white wine, pour it in now. Scrape up any yummy browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot and let the wine reduce for about 2 minutes.
5. Create the Stock:
Add your seafood stock (or water) to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens and the flavors deepen.
6. Strain for Perfection:
After simmering, strain the stock through a fine sieve, pressing down on the solids to release maximum flavor. Discard the solids and return the liquid to the pot.
7. Cook the Shrimp:
In a separate pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil or butter over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, and sauté them until they turn pink and are just cooked through—about 1-2 minutes per side. Set them aside until you’re ready to serve.
8. Add Cream:
Bring your strained broth back to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed—this bisque should be rich and flavorful!
9. Blend (Optional):
If you want a super creamy bisque, you can blend it using an immersion blender or a regular blender until smooth. If you prefer some texture, leave it a little chunky!
10. Serve and Garnish:
Pour the bisque into bowls, add the sautéed shrimp on top, and sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your bowl of deliciousness!
This shrimp bisque is a comforting dish with a stunning orange color, wonderfully creamy texture, and bursting with shrimp flavor. Perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quick thaw. Pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sauté nicely!
What If I Don’t Have Seafood Stock?
No worries! You can use chicken stock or vegetable broth as a substitute. They might add a slightly different flavor, but the bisque will still turn out delicious. Just consider adjusting the seasonings to taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Bisque?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If it thickens, you can add a splash of stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
Can I Make This Bisque Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the shrimp and seafood stock, and replace it with a variety of vegetables and vegetable broth. You can also add mushrooms for a hearty texture. Adjust the seasonings to bring out the flavors!
