I don’t eat out all the time, but as more and more restaurants offer healthy menus, this is increasingly an option. Years ago there was only one restaurant in my town that I really enjoyed. I ordered their shrimp bisque almost every time!
Eventually it came under new management and opened with a new menu. This wouldn’t be a problem if it weren’t for one thing: their delicious seafood bisque. I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. Before I forgot the taste of that delicious soup, I decided to make it again.
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Make shrimp bisque
At the time, the city I lived in had limited access to quality seafood. I decided to use shrimp as a base instead of more expensive and harder to find seafood like crab or lobster. Now that I live along the coast, I can take my pick, but I’m still partial to this shrimp bisque version. And if your region doesn’t have great seafood, there are now places like this that will ship wild-caught fish to you.
I can’t believe I haven’t tried making this recipe before, as it is relatively expensive at restaurants and probably contains some questionable ingredients anyway. Now we can enjoy this favorite soup at home whenever we want!
What is the difference between bisque and soup?
Bisque is defined as a little slice of heaven.
Okay, technically it’s a creamy, stock-based, flavored French soup. It is often made with fish stock as a base and fried and pureed vegetables for thickness and flavor. Although the term “bisque” can refer to any type of creamy soup, the original and authentic bisque contains broth and pureed shellfish. Chowder, on the other hand (like clam chowder) is thick and chunky.
This is the most budget-friendly authentic bisque I have been able to make. I have found that shrimp is often easy to find and cheap (even wild caught). If you prefer, you can also use lobster, crab or shellfish instead.
I love this creamy shrimp bisque so much that I can eat it as a meal on its own. However, traditionally it is served more as an appetizer.
Dairy-free shrimp bisque
This recipe contains dairy, so as written it would not be good for those with a dairy allergy or sensitivity. However, you can replace the thick coconut milk with the cream in this recipe. It will change the taste and texture slightly, but it will still produce a good final product.
It is naturally gluten-free, so don’t worry. Some recipes use all-purpose flour to thicken it, but the carrots and celery add thickness here.
Garnish ideas
Because the soup has a nice creamy base, garnishes add some visual and textural contrast. You can add a few sprigs of parsley to the top or a pinch of kosher salt. Chopped chives are also a nice touch. And if you have some healthy croutons, those are good too. If you like your soup spicy, you can always add a little cayenne pepper to the top.
Chicken stock vs. seafood stock
I originally wrote this recipe with chicken stock because that’s what I had access to. Traditionally it is made with seafood or shrimp stock. Both options taste good, it just depends on your preference.
If you can’t find healthy shrimp stock, you can easily make your own. Save the shrimp shells from your shrimp and fry them in a little oil. You then add a few cups of water and salt and let it simmer before straining. Some people add herbs such as rosemary or bay leaf to the cooking water. Here’s a simple shrimp stock recipe if you need one.
![Shrimp Bisque](https://wellnessmama.com/wp-content/uploads/Simple_Shrimp_Bisque_Recipe7-200x200.jpg)
Easy shrimp bisque recipe
A delicious creamy bisque with shrimp and subtle flavors of shallots, carrots and celery in a stock base. Nutritious and delicious!
Portions
Power supply
Nutrition facts
Easy shrimp bisque recipe
Quantity per serving (1 serving)
Calories 552
Calories from Fat 495
% Daily Value*
Fat 55g85%
Saturated fat 35 g219%
Trans fat 0.5 g
Polyunsaturated fat 3g
Monounsaturated fat 14 g
Cholesterol 165 mg55%
Sodium 755 mg33%
Potassium 324mg9%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 5g6%
Egg white 6g12%
Vitamin A 3649IE73%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 107 mg11%
Iron 1 mg6%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Comments
- You can also use crab, lobster or a combination of your favorite seafood. Lobster bisque is also a delicious meal!
- If you like your bisque thicker, reduce the stock and cream to 1 and 1/2 cups each.
Do you have a favorite soup recipe? Care to share? Leave a comment and let us know!