Creamy Crab Bisque
A velvety smooth bisque rich with crab meat and seasoned aromatics, perfect for starter courses or light meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bisque balances depth of seafood flavour with a rich, creamy texture. The subtle sweetness of crab pairs wonderfully with aromatics and cream, creating a luxurious soup experience.
ingredients
lump crab meat
butter
onion, finely chopped
celery
garlic, minced
tomato paste
seafood or chicken stock
heavy cream
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
directions
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Melt butter in a heavy pot and sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened.
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Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly.
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Add stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Blend until smooth or keep partially textured.
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Stir in heavy cream and simmer briefly.
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Add crab meat and warm through without boiling.
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Season and garnish with parsley.
Servings and timing
Serves: 6
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Variations
• Add a splash of sherry or white wine for complexity.
• Use seafood stock for a deeper ocean flavour.
• Garnish with grilled shrimp for presentation.
storage/reheating
Store leftover bisque in the refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab?
Real lump crab provides best flavour, but imitation can be substituted in a pinch.
Is this bisque spicy?
No; it is savoury and rich, but you may add cayenne for heat.
Can I freeze this soup?
Cream‑based soups may separate when frozen; reheating slowly can help reduce this.
Should I remove the shells from crab?
Yes, use picked crab meat for a smoother texture.
Can this be made ahead?
Yes, prepare the base and add crab just before serving.
Is bisque the same as chowder?
Bisque is smooth and often cream‑based; chowder is chunkier.
What stock is best?
Seafood stock enhances flavour, but chicken stock works well.
Why add tomato paste?
It brings depth and slight acidity to balance richness.
Can I use half‑and‑half instead of cream?
Yes, but the soup will be lighter and less rich.
How do I prevent curdling?
Simmer gently and avoid high heat after adding cream.
Conclusion
Creamy crab bisque is a sophisticated yet comforting soup that celebrates delicate seafood flavour with creamy richness.
PrintCreamy Crab Bisque
Creamy Crab Bisque is a luxurious and velvety seafood soup made with tender crab meat, aromatic vegetables, rich cream, and a splash of sherry for depth — a comforting and elegant dish perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
- Whisk in the seafood stock gradually to avoid lumps. Add tomato paste and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream, milk, sherry (if using), Old Bay seasoning, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes.
- Add crab meat and continue to simmer for 5 more minutes until heated through.
- Optional: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a smoother texture, leaving some crab chunks.
- Serve hot, garnished with chives or parsley.
Notes
- Use high-quality lump crab meat for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste — Old Bay adds classic seafood flavor.
- Do not boil after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Can be made a day ahead and gently reheated for even richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: crab bisque, creamy seafood soup, crab soup, elegant dinner, holiday soup, seafood bisque
