Shrimp Bisque Recipe

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I have been making my Shrimp Bisque Recipe for too many years to count. It uses simple ingredients, takes less than an hour to make, and is easy to make ahead and reheat. Enjoy it as a stress-free starter to a holiday meal or as part of a fun weekday supper!

Jump to:

• Shrimp Bisque Soup
• Shrimp Bisque Soup Ingredients
• Recipe for Shrimp Bisque
• Bisque Soup Recipes Tips
• Storing Shrimp Bisque Soup
• Reheating Shrimp Bisque Recipe
• Seafood Bisque Recipe FAQ
• Seafood Bisque Recipe Variations
• Shrimp Bisque Recipe
• Reviews

Shrimp Bisque Soup

This is going to sound like an exaggeration, but trust me when I say this is the best recipe for shrimp bisque you will ever try. It is a keeper. I have had the recipe written down in my home recipe book for years and years, and make it every Christmas as a holiday starter.

The first time I made my shrimp bisque soup, I knew it would be an instant classic. My family and friends rave about it, and whenever I know someone new is going to be trying it I have to print the recipe ahead of time to have it on hand to give out. Someone always asks for a copy!

Give it a try and I know you're going to love it. It's easily one of my favorite bisque soup recipes, and it's definitely the best shrimp bisque recipe I've ever had.

This might be my favorite recipe I've made on Pinterest. Super good! Everyone loved it.

Misty

Shrimp Bisque Soup Ingredients

• Butter: I'm using unsalted butter. If you only have salted butter, be sure to add less salt when seasoning, and taste test to avoid adding too much.
• Celery Stalks: Finely chopped celery is essential to a good soup base. However, if you don't like celery, you can use parsnips.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic or garlic paste both work well.
• Shrimp: Chop your shrimp up into little pieces!
• Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions add so much flavor to this bisque. I love sprinkling some on after it's done cooking, too.
• Olive Oil: For sauteing the shrimp and veggies.
• Flour: For creating the roux that thickens the bisque. You can use gluten-free flour to make the roux if you'd like. Use a 1:1 ratio.
• Tomato Sauce: Or tomato paste. Tomato paste has a slightly more astringent yet sweet flavor that I personally enjoy, but you can use either.
• White Wine: So important! White wine adds tons of flavor to this soup. I recommend using a high quality drinking wine rather than a cooking wine for best flavor.
• Chicken Broth: When I have it on hand, I like to use my homemade chicken broth or even my seafood stock recipe.
• Half & Half: The perfect balance of creamy. You can also use heavy cream or milk if it's what you have on hand, but it will change the consistency and taste of the soup slightly.
• Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan is best, but use what you have!
• Salt: I highly recommend using sea salt flakes or kosher salt and avoiding table salt.
• Cayenne Pepper: That little bit of cayenne adds a punch of flavor that is totally irresistible.
• Candied Bacon (optional): This is optional, but if you have the patience to make a batch of candied bacon before prepping this shrimp bisque recipe, you absolutely should. Crumbled on top, it adds an incredible depth of flavor to the bisque that you will go wild for.

Recipe for Shrimp Bisque

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!

This shrimp bisque soup was easy to make, and it is delicious.

Kathy on Pinterest

Bisque Soup Recipes Tips

• 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.

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 Recipe

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.

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.

Seafood Bisque Recipe FAQ

Seafood Bisque Recipe Variations

This soup can use any seafood, so have fun with it! Here are some add-ins or substitutions to try for seafood:

• Lobster
• Crab
• Prawns
• Clams
• Scallops