Creamy Shrimp Bisque - Ready in Under an Hour

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My Shrimp Bisque is simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. It's the best holiday starter or weeknight dinner treat, and so easy to make ahead!

Jump to:

• Ingredients in Creamy Shrimp Bisque
• How to Make Shrimp Bisque Step-by-Step
• Isabel's Top Tips for Making Shrimp Bisque
• Storing Shrimp Bisque Soup
• Reheating Shrimp Bisque
• Recipe Variations
• Shrimp Recipes
• Shrimp Bisque Recipe
• Reviews

This might sound like an exaggeration, but trust me: this is the best shrimp bisque recipe you will ever try. It's a true keeper in my kitchen - one I've had tucked in my home recipe book for years and years. Every Christmas, it's the first thing I make to start our holiday meal, and it never fails to impress.

The first time I made my shrimp bisque soup, I knew it would be an instant classic. It's easy to put together using simple, fresh ingredients, takes less than an hour, and can be made ahead of time to reheat later - perfect for when you're planning a special meal and want to keep things stress-free.

Whenever friends or family try it for the first time, someone always asks for the recipe. I always make sure to have copies printed, because I know someone will want to make it at home too!

How to Make Shrimp Bisque Step-by-Step

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl it around to evenly distribute it.
   
2. Add chopped celery stalks and garlic (minced or garlic paste) and saute for about 3 minutes.
   
3. Add chopped shrimp.
   
4. Add finely chopped green onions and saute both for about 2 to 3 minutes.
   
5. Melt stick butter in the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
   
6. Sprinkle flour over the ingredients in the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, constantly stirring.
   
7. Pour in white wine while continuously stirring. Let it simmer and thicken. When it is thick enough, it will take longer to pool back to the center of the pot when pushed with a spatula.
   
8. Add tomato sauce and let it bubble and thicken while continuing to stir.
   
9. Once it thickens, add chicken broth and let it simmer. Turn the heat to low and wait for it to cool off somewhat.
   
10. Add in half & half SLOWLY while stirring for about 1 minute!
11. Sprinkle in Parmesan SLOWLY while continuing to stir for about 2 minutes!
    
12. Turn the heat back to medium and let the soup sit until it starts to bubble. Season with salt & pepper to taste, and serve!

Isabel's Top Tips for Making Shrimp Bisque

• Make sure you are constantly stirring throughout making the bisque. This keeps everything consistent and prevents burning.
• Mix ingredients slowly when adding flour and dairy ingredients like half & half and Parmesan.
• Turning the heat down and allowing the bisque to cool a bit before adding the half & half will prevent it from curdling.
• You can substitute brandy or sherry for white wine.
• If using whole shrimp, make sure to remove shrimp shells.
• Avoid freezing shrimp bisque if possible, as creamy soups and bisques can sometimes change in texture when frozen and thawed, resulting in separation. If you need to freeze it, do so in an airtight container and consume it within 2-3 months for the best quality. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Storing Shrimp Bisque Soup

1. Cool It Quickly: After cooking your shrimp bisque, let it cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent bacterial growth. Do not leave it out for too long.
2. Refrigerate: Once it has cooled, transfer the shrimp bisque to an airtight container or a tightly sealed pot. Place it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, shrimp bisque can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
3. Label and Date: To help keep track of how long it has been in the refrigerator, label the container with the date you prepared it.

Reheating Shrimp Bisque

1. Stovetop Method: Reheating shrimp bisque on the stovetop is the best method for maintaining its flavor and texture. Here's how:
   • Pour the bisque into a saucepan or a pot.
   • Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and to ensure even heating.
   • Heat until it's hot but not boiling, as boiling can affect the texture of the bisque.
2. Microwave Method: If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave to reheat shrimp bisque, but be cautious to prevent overcooking:
   • Transfer a portion of the bisque to a microwave-safe bowl or container.
   • Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Be careful not to overheat, as the microwave can cause the bisque to separate or become too hot.

If you're looking for a rich, creamy shrimp bisque that's warm, comforting, and truly unforgettable, this is it. Give it a try - I promise you'll love every spoonful, and you'll find yourself making it again and again for years to come!