Description
This Creamy Shrimp Bisque is rich, smooth, and deeply flavorful, made by slowly building layers of taste from shrimp shells, aromatic vegetables, gentle spices, and cream. The result is a silky seafood soup that feels elegant yet comforting, perfect for a cozy meal or an impressive starter. Each spoon delivers sweet shrimp flavor balanced with warmth and creaminess.
Ingredients
Extra large shrimp with shells on
Creole seasoning
Salt
Butter
Extra virgin olive oil
Celery stalk
Fresh thyme sprigs
Yellow onion with peel
Fresh garlic cloves
Bay leaves
Whole black peppercorns
Water
Minced garlic
Chopped onion
Diced celery
All purpose flour
Pacific Foods Seafood Broth
Crystal Worcestershire Sauce
Paprika
Cayenne pepper optional
Tomato paste
Prepared shrimp stock
Heavy cream
Ground white pepper
Instructions
1. Peel the shrimp carefully and set them aside while keeping all the shells for later use
2. Season the shrimp lightly and refrigerate until ready to cook
3. Heat butter or olive oil in a saucepan and add shrimp shells along with celery onion garlic thyme bay leaves and peppercorns
4. Stir gently and allow everything to release aroma without browning too much
5. Pour in water and let the mixture simmer so the shells infuse the liquid with flavor
6. Strain the stock and set the liquid aside for the bisque
7. Melt butter with a little olive oil in a heavy pot and add garlic onion celery and thyme
8. Cook slowly until the vegetables soften and become lightly golden
9. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir until smooth and fully incorporated
10. Pour in seafood broth followed by Worcestershire sauce paprika cayenne and Creole seasoning
11. Stir well and let the mixture gently simmer
12. Add tomato paste and gradually stir in the shrimp stock
13. Allow the bisque base to thicken slightly while stirring occasionally
14. Lower the heat and add heavy cream butter white pepper and salt
15. Blend the bisque until completely smooth using a blender or immersion blender
16. Heat butter in a small pan and sauté the shrimp just until cooked through
17. Serve the bisque warm and top with the sautéed shrimp
Notes
For the deepest flavor always use shrimp with shells since they create a richer stock
Keep the heat gentle after adding cream to maintain a smooth texture
The bisque can be blended in batches to avoid pressure buildup
Season gradually and taste near the end for best balance
Shrimp garnish should be cooked just before serving for the best texture
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American