Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe

If you are craving a dish that’s velvety, flavorful, and packed with the freshest tastes of the sea, this Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. It’s the perfect harmony of creamy richness and delicate seafood aromas, all simmered to pure comfort in a bowl. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy night in, this bisque offers a satisfying depth of flavor that feels both sophisticated yet wonderfully approachable—a recipe to keep coming back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe is in how straightforward but essential each ingredient is. Every element contributes to the texture, aroma, or taste, building layers of flavor that elevate the final dish effortlessly.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and serves as the sauté base for vegetables.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Boosts the creamy texture and imparts a luxurious mouthfeel.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings a sweet foundation with gentle pungency to the broth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic warmth and depth without overpowering.
• 1 celery stalk, diced: Adds crunch and a fresh vegetable undertone.
• 1 small carrot, diced: Offers a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Creates the roux that thickens and enriches the bisque.
• 1/4 cup dry white wine: Brings acidity and complexity that brightens the flavors.
• 3 cups seafood or fish stock: The soul of the bisque, intensifying the ocean essence.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Contributes creamy indulgence and smooth texture.
• 1/2 cup whole milk: Balances richness without heaviness.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds smoky warmth and subtle color.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Offers a gentle kick for those who like a hint of spice.
• 6 ounces cod, cut into 1-inch pieces: Tender fish flakes that absorb the bisque’s flavors beautifully.
• 6 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined: Sweet and succulent, sealing the perfect seafood trifecta.
• 6 ounces sea scallops, patted dry: Deliver a buttery texture and mild ocean taste.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and a refreshing finish.
• Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish: Provides a vibrant, herbal contrast to the creamy bisque.

How to Make Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by warming the olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Gently add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced celery, and diced carrot. Sauté these until they soften and release their sweet, fragrant notes—about 5 to 6 minutes. This foundational step builds the bisque’s irresistible aroma and natural flavors.

Step 2: Create the Roux and Deglaze

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the softened vegetables and stir well to coat everything. Keep stirring as you cook the roux for 1 to 2 minutes, which will thicken your soup and add a lovely nutty hint. Next, pour in the dry white wine slowly while stirring constantly; this deglazes the pot, lifting all those delicious browned bits off the bottom for an extra depth of flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Add the seafood or fish stock next, gently bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let this cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and intensify. This step transforms simple ingredients into a beautifully infused base that will carry all the seafood goodness later on.

Step 4: Enrich the Bisque

Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, followed by the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if you want a little heat, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the bisque simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes. This adds luxurious creaminess and a gentle smoky warmth that compliments the seafood perfectly.

Step 5: Cook the Seafood

Now for the easy but crucial part—adding the cod, shrimp, and scallops. Gently stir the seafood into the bisque and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the seafood is opaque and just cooked through. Taking care not to overcook keeps everything tender and flavorful.

Step 6: Final Touches

Finish off by stirring in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste the bisque and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Then, ladle the bisque into warm bowls and sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top for that final pop of color and fresh taste.

How to Serve Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chives or parsley are the classic choice—they add a lovely grassy brightness that cuts through the creaminess. A small drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few thin lemon slices on the side can also brighten the presentation and flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This bisque pairs wonderfully with something crunchy like crusty French bread or oyster crackers, perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop of the luscious soup. You might also consider a light green salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette to complement the rich bisque without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve your Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe in elegant soup bowls or even small ramekins to create an appetizer portion. Adding a crispy parmesan tuile on top or a sprinkle of smoked paprika will elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. You can also ladle the bisque into hollowed-out mini bread bowls to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the bisque to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because seafood is delicate, it’s best to enjoy it sooner rather than later to keep the flavors fresh and the seafood tender.

Freezing

Seafood bisques can be tricky to freeze due to the cream and seafood textures. If needed, freeze the soup base without seafood first. Once you’re ready to eat, thaw and reheat the base, then add freshly cooked or thawed seafood just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

When reheating leftover bisque, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling which can cause the cream to curdle and the seafood to become tough. A slow warm-up keeps the soup silky and the seafood tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood in this bisque?

Absolutely! While scallops, cod, and shrimp are delicious together, you can experiment with lobster, crab meat, or clams to customize the bisque to your taste or what’s fresh in season.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative, though it will alter the flavor slightly. Using a rich vegetable or seafood stock helps maintain depth without dairy.

How do I make the bisque smoother?

If you prefer a velvety smooth bisque, blend the soup base (before adding the seafood) with an immersion blender until silky. Then return it to the pot and add the seafood to finish cooking gently.

What wine is best to pair with this bisque?

A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy bisque while enhancing the seafood flavors beautifully without overwhelming them.

Can I prepare this bisque in advance for a dinner party?

Yes, prepare the bisque base a day ahead, store it chilled, and add the seafood just before serving. This keeps the seafood fresh and the bisque tasting vibrant for your guests.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this wonderful Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe at your fingertips, I encourage you to dive in and create a little bowl of coastal bliss in your kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that warms the soul, impresses at the table, and fills your home with comforting aromas. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become a treasured favorite to share again and again.

Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Seafood Bisque features a luxurious blend of scallops, cod, and shrimp simmered in a creamy base enriched with smoked paprika and a touch of cayenne. Perfectly balanced with aromatic vegetables and a splash of white wine, this French-American inspired bisque is elegant and comforting, ideal for a sophisticated dinner or special occasion.

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Ingredients

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Seafood Bisque Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 3 cups seafood or fish stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Seafood

• 6 ounces cod, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 ounces sea scallops, patted dry

Garnish

• Chopped fresh chives or parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced celery, and carrot. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften, creating a flavorful foundation.
2. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables and stir thoroughly to coat them evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously, to develop the roux that will thicken the bisque.
3. Deglaze and Simmer: Slowly pour in the dry white wine, stirring constantly to deglaze the pot and lift any flavorful bits from the bottom. Add the seafood or fish stock, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 10 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.
4. Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, smoked paprika, optional cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Allow the bisque to simmer gently for another 5 minutes, blending the flavors together.
5. Cook the Seafood: Gently add the cod pieces, shrimp, and sea scallops to the pot. Simmer the bisque for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the seafood is just cooked through and tender without overcooking.
6. Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley. Serve hot for a delicious and elegant meal.

Notes

• For a smoother bisque texture, blend the soup base before adding the seafood using an immersion blender.
• Add lobster or crab meat for an even more luxurious variation.
• Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers to complement the creamy soup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-American