Description
Indulge in the bold flavors of this Rich Cajun Seafood Bisque—a creamy, spicy, and luxurious Southern-inspired dish packed with fresh seafood and Cajun spices. Perfect for an elegant dinner or cozy meal at home!
Ingredients
Scale
Base & Aromatics:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Thickeners:
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp flour
Liquids:
- 3 cups seafood broth
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seafood:
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb lump crab meat
- ½ lb crawfish tails
Finishing Touches:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper until softened.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Flavor: Mix in tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
- Thicken the Bisque: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to form a roux. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in seafood broth and white wine, stirring continuously for a smooth consistency.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate the Seafood: Add shrimp, crab meat, and crawfish tails. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the seafood is fully cooked.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and cayenne if desired.
- Final Touches: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with green onions and parsley.
- Serve Hot: Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk or plant-based heavy cream.
- Different Seafood: Try scallops, lobster, or firm white fish instead.
- Extra Heat: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced tomatoes or corn for extra texture.
- Thicker Bisque: Blend a portion of the soup before adding seafood for a richer consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: soup,bisque
- Method: Simmering, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern, cajun
Keywords: Cajun seafood bisque, creamy seafood soup, spicy bisque recipe, easy seafood bisque, Southern seafood recipe