Description
This velvety Crab Bisque is rich, creamy, and loaded with sweet lump crab meat. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant appetizer. With hints of sherry, aromatic herbs, and a touch of spice, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
2 cups lump crab meat
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 shallots, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup dry sherry
3 cups seafood or chicken stock
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes to develop flavor.
3. Pour in the sherry and deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Add the stock and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, add the heavy cream, and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to slightly reduce.
5. (Optional) Blend the soup with an immersion blender or in batches for a smooth texture. Strain through a mesh sieve for extra silkiness.
6. Gently fold in the lump crab meat and cook for 2-3 minutes until just heated through. Avoid over-stirring to keep the crab intact.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with chives or parsley and a side of crusty bread.
Notes
Always add crab meat at the end to avoid it turning rubbery.
For a deeper flavor, use seafood stock over chicken stock.
Don’t let the soup boil once the cream is added—gentle simmer is key.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Coastal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Crab Bisque, Creamy Seafood Soup, Sherry Crab Bisque