If you have ever dreamed of combining silky creaminess with the ocean’s freshest flavors, this Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe is a divine way to make that dream come true in your own kitchen. Its rich, velvety texture paired with tender scallops, flaky cod, and juicy shrimp creates a symphony of taste that feels both indulgent and comforting. Every spoonful bursts with flavor, balancing subtle spices and a touch of tomato sweetness, making it a seafood lover’s absolute favorite that you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple but each one plays an essential role in crafting the vibrant taste, luscious texture, and appealing color of this bisque. From fresh seafood to carefully chosen spices, every component contributes something special that elevates the dish.
- Sea scallops (1/2 pound): Fresh and halved if large, they add a sweet, tender bite that melts in your mouth.
- Cod (1/2 pound): Cut into bite-sized pieces for flaky texture and mild flavor to balance the richness.
- Shrimp (1/2 pound): Peeled and deveined for a firm, slightly sweet seafood punch.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): For a rich base and to sauté the veggies without overpowering flavors.
- Small onion (1, finely chopped): Adds gentle sweetness and depth when softened.
- Celery stalks (2, chopped): Offers a subtle crunch and herbaceous note to the broth.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses a warm, aromatic background flavor that ties everything together.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps thicken the bisque to that iconic creamy consistency.
- Dry white wine (1/4 cup, optional): Provides a delicate acidity to brighten the soup’s richness.
- Seafood stock or fish broth (3 cups): The essence of the sea that brings a savory base for the bisque.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds depth, body, and luxurious silkiness.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the creaminess just enough for balance and smoothness.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Gives the bisque a gentle tang and a beautiful coral color.
- Old Bay seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A classic blend that spices the soup perfectly without overwhelming.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and a lovely hue.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, enhancing and harmonizing all ingredients.
- Fresh thyme or parsley: For garnish, providing a fresh herbal finish and inviting aroma.
How to Make Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and celery, letting them soften gently for about 5 to 6 minutes. This soft base is critical because it builds the flavor foundation for your bisque. Then, add the minced garlic and cook it just a minute until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown. This early stage is where your kitchen will start smelling unforgettable.
Step 2: Create the Thickening Base
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the softened veggies and stir thoroughly, making sure every bit is coated. Cooking this mixture for a couple of minutes is important—it eliminates the raw, floury taste and begins to thicken the bisque later. This step is the secret to getting that luscious silky smooth body characteristic of an excellent seafood bisque.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Broth
Slowly pour in the dry white wine if you choose to use it, whisking constantly to avoid lumps and to scrape up all those tiny browned bits stuck to the pot. Next, pour in the seafood stock gradually while stirring. Follow this with tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring your mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering melds the flavors and thickens the soup to the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Add Cream and Seafood
After the simmering, stir in the heavy cream and milk, allowing the bisque to become luxuriously creamy. Then, gently add the shrimp, scallops, and cod pieces. Simmer the bisque carefully for another 5 to 7 minutes, making sure the seafood turns opaque and is just cooked but not tough. Avoid letting the soup boil vigorously here, as that can overcook the tender seafood and spoil the delicate texture.
Step 5: Final Taste and Serve
Before serving, taste the bisque and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a pinch more Old Bay if desired. The balance of this bisque should be creamy, slightly tangy with tomato, and warmly spiced with a rich seafood essence. Ladle it into bowls, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for a fragrant, colorful pop.
How to Serve Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley aren’t just pretty; they add a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the bisque. A small drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few drops of lemon juice can also enhance the seafood flavors beautifully. Crispy bits of bacon or a sprinkle of smoked paprika make for unexpected but delightful garnishes as well.
Side Dishes
This bisque shines when paired with rustic, crusty bread that soaks up every drop of that creamy goodness. Oyster crackers are classic and provide a satisfying crunch contrast. For a more substantial meal, a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette complements the bisque’s richness without overpowering the delicate seafood flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve your bisque in elegant, warmed soup bowls or even hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for extra drama. For smaller parties or appetizers, use espresso cups or small ramekins to offer tasting-size portions. A garnish of microgreens or edible flowers adds a modern, gourmet touch that makes every serving special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because this bisque contains cream and seafood, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but careful refrigeration keeps the flavors intact without compromising texture.
Freezing
Freezing seafood bisque is a bit tricky since cream and seafood textures can change, becoming grainy or rubbery. If you must freeze, do so before adding the seafood, and freeze only the bisque base. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat, then add fresh seafood to preserve an ideal consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from separating and the seafood tender. Adding a splash of milk or cream during reheating refreshes the texture for serving.
FAQs
Can I make this bisque dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version that still offers luscious richness. The flavor will be slightly different but still wonderfully satisfying.
Is it okay to use frozen seafood?
Frozen seafood works fine, especially when fresh options are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before adding to the bisque to avoid excess liquid, which can dilute the flavors.
Can I blend the bisque for a smoother texture?
Yes! For a silky smooth bisque, blend the soup base before adding the seafood. This gives a classic velouté texture, but keep some chunks if you like a little bite and contrast in your soup.
What wine pairs well with this bisque?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the creamy, seafood flavors beautifully without overpowering the delicate notes.
How spicy is the bisque?
The bisque has gentle warmth thanks to Old Bay and paprika but is not spicy hot. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your preference if you like a little more kick.
Final Thoughts
If you want to experience a dish that feels both indulgent and homey, this Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe is a total knockout. It’s perfect for special dinners or cozy nights when you want to treat yourself. I hope you enjoy making and savoring every spoonful as much as I do!
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Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
Description
A rich and creamy seafood bisque featuring tender scallops, flaky cod, and succulent shrimp simmered in a flavorful broth infused with white wine, tomato paste, and classic seasonings. This elegant American French-inspired soup is perfect for a gourmet meal, offering a balance of fresh seafood and smooth, velvety texture finished with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1/2 pound sea scallops (halved if large)
- 1/2 pound cod (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 3 cups seafood stock or fish broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, cooking for 5–6 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, ensuring the mixture doesn’t brown.
- Deglaze and Add Stock: Slowly pour in the dry white wine while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Gradually whisk in the seafood stock or fish broth, combining thoroughly. Then stir in the tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to build a rich flavor base.
- Simmer Bisque Base: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the bisque to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Dairy and Seafood: Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk to create a creamy consistency. Gently add the shrimp, scallops, and cod pieces to the pot, simmering for 5–7 minutes until the seafood becomes opaque and is just cooked through. Be careful not to boil the soup, as this can toughen the delicate seafood.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the bisque and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley to brighten the presentation and flavor.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the soup before adding the seafood, creating a silky bisque base.
- Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers to complete this hearty and elegant meal.
- Keep an eye on the simmering stage to avoid overcooking the seafood, which should remain tender.
