Shrimp Bisque Soup

Imagine the rich aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filling your kitchen as you prepare a comforting bowl of shrimp bisque soup.

This French classic is surprisingly easy to make, offering a cozy and indulgent experience with every spoonful.

As the savory ingredients meld together, the bisque transforms into a silky, flavorful soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

Let’s bring this delightful dish to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 blender or immersion blender
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 spoon
• 1 ladle
• 1 strainer

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup carrot, chopped
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cups seafood stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Shrimp Bisque Soup, follow this timeline, taking into account the prep time, cook time, and additional time needed for reading and understanding the recipe:

Timeline for Shrimp Bisque Soup

1. Initial Reading and Setup (5 minutes)
   • Read through the entire recipe to understand the process and gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
2. Preparation (20 minutes)
   • 0-5 minutes: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done.
   • 5-10 minutes: Chop the onion, celery, and carrot. Mince the garlic.
   • 10-15 minutes: Measure out the olive oil, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, seafood stock, and heavy cream.
   • 15-20 minutes: Chop fresh parsley for garnish.
3. Cooking (40 minutes)
   • 0-5 minutes: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • 5-10 minutes: Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrot to the pot and cook until softened.
   • 10-12 minutes: Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 2 minutes.
   • 12-15 minutes: Add shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink.
   • 15-20 minutes: Pour in seafood stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • 20-40 minutes: Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Blending and Finishing (20 minutes)
   • 40-45 minutes: Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
   • 45-50 minutes: Return the soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream.
   • 50-55 minutes: Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Resting and Serving (10 minutes)
   • 55-65 minutes: Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
   • 65 minutes: Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley.

Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrot to the pot and cook until softened.

Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 2 minutes.

Add shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink.

Pour in seafood stock and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.

Return the soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley.

Serving Tips

• Crusty French Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich flavors of the bisque.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A comforting and cheesy companion that complements the creamy soup.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the bisque.
• Roasted Vegetables: Adds a hearty and healthy element to the meal.
• Lemon Wedges: A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors of the bisque.

Storage

To store shrimp bisque, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months for ideal freshness.

Freezing

To freeze Shrimp Bisque Soup, let it cool completely.

Then, transfer it to airtight containers. Leave some space for expansion.

Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

When reheating shrimp bisque, use low heat on the stovetop to preserve its creamy texture.

Stir occasionally, and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Alternatively, microwave in short intervals.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp bisque soup is a delightful French appetizer that’s both rich and flavorful.

With its creamy texture and aromatic spices, it’s sure to impress at any dinner table.

Preparing it involves a sequence of steps that blend together to create a fascinating dish.

From sautéing the vegetables to pureeing the soup, each step contributes to the overall taste.

The addition of heavy cream adds a luxurious touch, while the cayenne pepper provides a subtle kick.

Remember to let the soup rest for ten minutes before serving, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

For an even richer flavor, consider making your own seafood stock by roasting shrimp shells.

This extra step can greatly enhance the bisque’s depth.

Whether served as a starter or a main course, shrimp bisque soup is sure to be a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Shrimp With Another Type of Seafood?

You can substitute shrimp with 1 pound of crab, lobster, or scallops. Confirm you maintain the same cooking times and techniques. Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using more delicate seafood like scallops for best flavor balance.

Is It Possible to Make This Bisque Dairy-Free?

Yes, you can make it dairy-free by replacing heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use precise measurements: 1/2 cup coconut milk or blend 1/2 cup soaked cashews with water until smooth. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

How Can I Make the Soup Thicker Without Cream?

To thicken the soup without cream, use a beurre manié. Combine 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of softened butter. Gradually whisk this into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired consistency.

What Wine Pairs Best With Shrimp Bisque Soup?

You should pair the soup with a chilled Chardonnay, whose buttery texture complements the creamy bisque. Alternatively, a Sauvignon Blanc offers crisp acidity, balancing the dish’s richness. Serve wine at 45-50°F for ideal flavor.

Can I Prepare This Bisque in Advance for a Dinner Party?

You can definitely prepare the bisque in advance. Cook and puree as instructed, then refrigerate. Before serving, gently reheat over medium-low heat. Add the heavy cream and adjust seasoning. Garnish just before serving for freshness.

Shrimp Bisque Soup

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine French

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Blender or immersion blender
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Spoon
• 1 Ladle
• 1 strainer

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 clove garlic minced
• 1/4 cup celery chopped
• 1/4 cup carrot chopped
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cup seafood stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrot to the pot and cook until softened.
• Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 2 minutes.
• Add shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink.
• Pour in seafood stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
• Return the soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
• Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
• Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider roasting the shrimp shells and using them to make your own seafood stock. This will intensify the taste of the bisque. Also, be cautious when blending hot liquids; allow the soup to cool slightly or use an immersion blender to prevent splatters. Adjust the level of cayenne pepper according to your heat preference, and feel free to add a splash of sherry or white wine for an extra depth of flavor.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.