Timeless Crab Bisque

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Timeless Crab Bisque is a luxurious, creamy soup that brings the taste of the ocean right to your table. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself, this dish effortlessly combines elegance with comfort.

Ingredients for Timeless Crab Bisque

Butter is the base of our roux, providing depth and a velvety texture. Onion and garlic add a savory backbone, infusing the bisque with aromatic warmth. Flour thickens the soup without overwhelming it, while seafood stock enhances that oceanic flavor. Heavy cream turns the bisque luscious and smooth. Dry sherry introduces a subtle sweetness and complexity. Of course, crab meat is the star, offering sweet, delicate flavors that define the dish. Finally, a pinch of salt, white pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper round things out with a gentle kick, and fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly picked crab meat for the best flavor; canned can work in a pinch but won't be quite the same.
  • If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the soup before adding the crab meat.
  • Keep the heat low after adding the cream to prevent curdling.

Serving Suggestions

This bisque is fantastic when paired with a crusty baguette for dipping. A light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the rich flavors beautifully. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bisque in advance?
Yes, prepare the bisque up to adding the crab. Reheat gently and add the crab just before serving.
What can I use instead of sherry?
A splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar can substitute nicely.
Is there a vegetarian version?
For a vegetarian twist, substitute crab with roasted cauliflower and use vegetable stock.

Timeless Crab Bisque Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté them until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for your bisque.

Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a roux. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, letting it turn a light golden color. This step thickens the soup and builds its flavor.

Slowly whisk in the seafood stock, making sure there are no lumps. This is crucial for a smooth bisque. Bring it to a gentle simmer.

Pour in the heavy cream and sherry. Stir frequently and allow the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes. This is where the bisque starts to take on its creamy, luxurious texture.

Now, gently fold in the crab meat, along with the salt, white pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 more minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.

Once done, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with the fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the rich, oceanic flavors with each spoonful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, yet tastes like it simmered all day.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients for maximum flavor.
  • Perfect balance of richness and spice.
  • A delightful way to showcase fresh crab meat.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh crab meat
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups seafood stock
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
2. Stir in the flour, creating a roux, and cook for about 2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Gradually whisk in the seafood stock, ensuring no lumps form, and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and sherry, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Add the crab meat, salt, white pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove from heat and ladle into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley before serving.

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