Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster 🦀🍤🦞

If you’re craving something luxuriously creamy, rich, and packed with the fresh flavors of the sea, this Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster is the perfect indulgence. Silky smooth with a velvety texture, this bisque is brimming with sweet, succulent seafood, fragrant aromatics, and a decadent creaminess that will warm you from the inside out.

Whether you’re planning a special dinner, an elegant holiday meal, or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this seafood bisque is easier to make than you’d think—and every spoonful is pure heaven. 🌊✨

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Bisque

Rich & Creamy: The perfect balance of a smooth, velvety broth with tender chunks of seafood.
Bursting with Fresh Flavor: Sweet crab, juicy shrimp, and buttery lobster shine in every bite.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your guests with an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Versatile: Swap in your favorite seafood or add a dash of spice for a personalized twist.

What Does It Taste Like? 🤤

Imagine a silky, buttery broth with layers of savory depth from the sautéed onions, celery, and carrots, kissed by a hint of garlic. The seafood stock infuses the bisque with rich, oceanic flavor, perfectly complemented by the natural sweetness of the crab, shrimp, and lobster. The addition of heavy cream makes the bisque luxuriously smooth, while a splash of sherry or white wine adds a subtle, sophisticated brightness. It’s indulgent, comforting, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bisque:

1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒 (for sautéing the vegetables)
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped 🧅 (adds a sweet, savory base)
1/2 cup celery, diced 🌿 (for aromatic depth)
1/2 cup carrots, diced 🥕 (adds natural sweetness)
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄 (for a bold, fragrant flavor)
4 cups seafood stock (or vegetable broth for a lighter option) 🍲
1 cup heavy cream 🥛 (for rich, creamy indulgence)
1/2 cup dry white wine or sherry 🍷 (adds a bright, sophisticated note)
2 tablespoons tomato paste 🍅 (for a subtle tang and beautiful color)
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning 🌶️ (for that classic seafood flavor)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂

For the Seafood:

4 oz cooked lobster meat, chopped 🦞
4 oz cooked crab meat 🦀
6 oz shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped 🍤 (reserve a few whole shrimp for garnish, if desired)

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh chives or parsley, chopped 🌿
A drizzle of heavy cream or crème fraîche
Crusty bread or oyster crackers 🥖

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot or Dutch oven
Immersion blender (or regular blender)
Ladle and serving bowls
Sharp knife and cutting board

How to Make Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add the tomato paste, stirring to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Pour in the white wine or sherry, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 3: Add the Stock and Simmer

Pour in the seafood stock and add the Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Blend for a Silky Texture

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. (If using a regular blender, work in batches, blending carefully to avoid hot splashes.)
Return the bisque to the pot if blended separately.

Step 5: Add the Seafood and Cream

Stir in the heavy cream and let the bisque simmer gently for 5 minutes.
Add the lobster, crab, and shrimp. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the seafood is heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the bisque into bowls. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley, an extra drizzle of cream, and a few whole shrimp if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side.

Tips for the Creamiest, Most Flavorful Bisque

Use High-Quality Seafood: Fresh or high-quality frozen seafood will give the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Add it at the end to keep it tender and juicy.
Blend Carefully: For an ultra-smooth texture, blend thoroughly, but leave a few veggie bits if you prefer some texture.
Balance the Flavors: A squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce can brighten the richness if needed.
Make It Ahead: This bisque tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop!

What to Serve with Seafood Bisque

Crusty French Bread or Sourdough: Perfect for dipping into the creamy bisque.
Oyster Crackers or Croutons: For a crunchy contrast.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh, light salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness.
Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans: Adds a crisp, fresh veggie side.
Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate.
Freeze: Bisque can be frozen without the cream and seafood. Add them fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use other types of seafood?
Absolutely! Scallops, clams, or firm white fish like cod can be added or swapped based on your preference.

2. What if I don’t have seafood stock?
You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth, though seafood stock provides the richest flavor. Add a splash of clam juice or fish sauce for extra depth.

3. Is this gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of any added sides like bread or crackers.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, though the flavor will be slightly different. It still pairs nicely with the seafood.

Wrapping It Up 🦀🍤🦞

This Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster is pure luxury in a bowl—rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh, ocean-inspired flavors. It’s elegant enough for a special occasion yet simple enough for a cozy night in. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main course, it’s sure to impress with every silky, savory spoonful.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest or Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. 😍

Craving More Comforting Soups & Stews?

Creamy New England Clam Chowder 🥣
Tuscan White Bean and Kale Soup 🌿
Spicy Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum) 🍤🌶️

Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, seafood-filled bite! 😊🍲✨