Creamy Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Creamy southern shrimp and corn bisque brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic coastal dish.

Memories of seaside summers dance through each delightful spoonful.

Rich, velvety textures promise an indulgent experience for seafood enthusiasts.

Fresh corn kernels and plump shrimp create a sublime maritime melody.

Coastal traditions shine through in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Every bite tells a story of warmth and culinary passion.

Let’s uncover the magic behind this delectable coastal classic.

What Makes Shrimp and Corn Bisque a Favorite

• Devour this hearty shrimp and corn bisque that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal in under 30 minutes.
• Adjust spice levels and swap proteins effortlessly, making this recipe adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Master a straightforward cooking method that requires minimal professional skills, perfect for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.
• Delight family and guests with a creamy, flavorful dish that feels sophisticated yet incredibly approachable for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

What You’ll Need for Shrimp and Corn Bisque

• Shrimp: Sweet seafood that brings delicate ocean flavor, fresh or frozen works well, wild-caught preferred for best taste.

• Onion, Celery, Red Bell Pepper: Classic flavor base for southern-style seafood soups, provides depth and subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds warm, pungent flavor to the bisque.
• Corn: Fresh or frozen sweet corn that gives texture and natural sweetness to the soup.

• Seafood or Chicken Broth: Rich liquid foundation for the bisque, provides deep flavor profile.
• White Wine: Adds complexity and subtle acidity to enhance overall taste.
• Shrimp Shells (Optional): Creates extra seafood depth when simmered into homemade stock.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for sautéing vegetables and creating roux.
• Flour: Helps thicken the bisque and create creamy consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and silky texture to the soup.

• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood blend with signature maritime flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides subtle smoky undertone.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional ingredient for adding gentle heat.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh herbal note.

How to Make Shrimp and Corn Bisque Like a Pro

Step 1: Craft a Flavorful Seafood Base

• Shrimp shells
• Water

Simmer shells in water for 10-15 minutes, strain, and set aside the liquid.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Butter
• Onion
• Celery
• Red bell pepper
• Garlic

Melt butter over medium heat. Add diced vegetables and cook until they soften and become translucent. Toss in minced garlic and let the fragrance bloom.

Step 3: Create a Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat and cook briefly to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build the Bisque Foundation

• Seafood or chicken broth
• White wine
• Optional shrimp stock

• Corn kernels
• Old Bay seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring to a gentle simmer and let the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Finish with Luxurious Cream and Shrimp

• Heavy cream
• Chopped shrimp

Cook until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the bisque into warm bowls. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Accompany with crusty bread or a crisp side salad.

Cooking Tips for Shrimp and Corn Bisque Success

• Maximize Shrimp Stock Flavor: Simmer shrimp shells in water to create a deeply rich, concentrated base that elevates the overall seafood essence of the bisque.
• Prevent Flour Clumping: Carefully sprinkle flour over sauteed vegetables and continuously stir to create a smooth, lump-free roux for perfect thickening.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper and Old Bay seasoning to personalize heat intensity, allowing for a mild or fiery bisque experience.
• Ensure Shrimp Perfection: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to maintain tender, succulent texture without becoming rubbery or overcooked.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free flour to make the recipe suitable for different dietary restrictions.

Best Way to Save Shrimp and Corn Bisque for Later

• Transfer leftover bisque to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled bisque into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Properly stored, it will last 2-3 months. Avoid freezing shrimp bisque with cream as the texture may separate.
• Warm the bisque slowly in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore the original consistency if it's too thick. Never boil, as this can cause cream to curdle and shrimp to become tough.
• Check for any off smells or signs of spoilage before consuming. If the bisque looks or smells unusual, it's best to throw it out to prevent foodborne illness.

What to Serve With Shrimp and Corn Bisque

• Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to complement the creamy, rich bisque. The wine's citrusy notes will cut through the soup's richness and enhance the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Choose a hearty, crusty sourdough bread with a chewy texture. Its tangy undertones and robust crust provide the perfect vessel for soaking up the bisque's luxurious broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Create a light mixed green salad featuring arugula, fresh parsley, and a zingy lemon vinaigrette. The salad's peppery and bright flavors will balance the bisque's creamy, warm profile and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Select a creamy, mild chardonnay-based cheese like aged gouda or soft brie. These cheeses echo the bisque's buttery notes while offering a complementary richness that enhances the overall dining experience.

Variations That Work Well for Shrimp and Corn Bisque

• Vegan Shell-Free Bisque: Replace shrimp with plant-based protein like diced hearts of palm or king oyster mushrooms. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegetable broth for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Corn Option: Swap corn with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates. Use cauliflower base with same spices and shrimp, maintaining rich seafood flavor while reducing starch content.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Substitute wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Ensure all broth and seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Adaptation: Increase cayenne pepper and add andouille sausage chunks. Include additional Cajun spices like thyme and file powder to create a bolder, more intense regional flavor profile.

Shrimp And Corn Bisque Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich, creamy shrimp and corn bisque delivers Southern coastal comfort in one spoon. Silky seafood and sweet corn mingle with delicate spices, promising a luxurious meal you’ll savor to the last delightful drop.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped (reserve shells for stock)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups (320g) corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a vibrant seafood stock by simmering shrimp shells in water for 10-15 minutes, then strain and reserve the fragrant liquid.
2. In a spacious pot, gently melt butter and introduce diced onion, celery, and red bell pepper, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for 5-7 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and let it dance in the pot for 1-2 minutes until its pungent fragrance fills the kitchen.
4. Dust the sautéed vegetables with a delicate layer of flour, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform coating, and toast for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
5. Slowly introduce seafood or chicken broth, blending in the prepared shrimp stock and white wine, creating a silky base that will develop rich flavors as it simmers for 5 minutes.
6. Fold in sweet corn kernels, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Gently stream in heavy cream and add succulent shrimp, cooking until the seafood transforms into a delicate pink hue and becomes perfectly tender.
8. Ladle the luxurious bisque into warm bowls, crowning each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and accompany with crusty artisan bread or a crisp side salad.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by making homemade shrimp stock, which intensifies the seafood essence and adds depth to the bisque.
• Quick seafood hack: If short on time, use store-bought seafood stock or substitute with chicken stock without compromising taste.
• Control spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper – start with a pinch for mild heat, increase gradually for bolder palates.
• Ensure shrimp remain tender by adding them late in cooking process and avoiding overcooking, which can make them rubbery and tough.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 445
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 200mg