Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp & Lobster – A Luxurious Yet Lightened Classic

This creamy seafood bisque is the perfect balance of richness and restraint. Made with tender shrimp, sweet crab, and succulent lobster, it delivers that signature restaurant-style flavor—without the heavy cream or excess calories. It’s a comforting, elegant soup that fits beautifully into a lighter eating plan, making it ideal for dinner parties or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gourmet Made Simple – All the elegance of fine dining in one pot.
Creamy, Not Heavy – Smart ingredient swaps keep it rich but lighter.
High Protein, Low Guilt – Packed with seafood and flavor, not calories.
One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
• ½ cup evaporated skim milk (for creaminess without the cream)
• 4 oz cooked lump crab meat
• 4 oz cooked shrimp, chopped
• 4 oz cooked lobster meat, chopped (or use all shrimp/crab if preferred)
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning of choice)
• 1 tbsp dry sherry (optional, for classic flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Build the Base
Stir in tomato paste and flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to remove raw flour taste.

3. Add Liquids
Gradually whisk in the broth to avoid lumps. Stir in the almond milk and evaporated milk. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Season and Simmer
Add Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional sherry. Let the soup simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the Seafood
Gently stir in the crab, shrimp, and lobster. Cook for another 5 minutes, just until heated through.

6. Blend (Optional)
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup (before adding seafood) or leave it chunky for a heartier bite.

7. Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve with light crackers or a slice of whole grain bread.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 190
Carbs: 8g
Fat: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fiber: 1g
(Perfect for a protein-rich, low-carb meal plan.)

Tips for Success

• Use Pre-Cooked Seafood: Save time and keep it simple by using store-bought cooked shrimp, crab, or lobster.
• Lighter Creaminess: Evaporated skim milk gives the creaminess without the fat.
• Spice to Taste: Adjust Old Bay and pepper to your liking—add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
• Blend Wisely: For a restaurant-style velvety bisque, blend half the soup before adding the seafood.

Why This Recipe Works

This seafood bisque is a smart twist on a beloved classic. It offers the luxurious taste of crab, shrimp, and lobster in a creamy base—without the heavy cream, butter, or excess calories. Thoughtful ingredient swaps maintain richness while supporting your health goals.

Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp & Lobster is the kind of dish that makes a weeknight feel special. It’s light yet indulgent, easy yet elegant, and sure to impress guests—or simply warm your soul on a chilly evening. With this recipe, you get everything you love about bisque in a more balanced, body-friendly form.