Why Make This Recipe
This Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter recipe helps you make a fancy meal easily. You will love it because it is simple to make but tastes elegant. It saves you time, so it’s good for busy days or when you have guests. The bisque has a rich, smooth feel and great shrimp taste. It’s a good base you can change to your liking. Your friends and family will surely be impressed.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter
Making this Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter is simple. You will first cook some chopped shallots and garlic. Then, you will add a store-bought shrimp bisque starter to the pot along with some seasonings. Next, you will cook the shrimp directly in the bisque until it turns pink. Finally, you can add some cream and fresh herbs for extra richness and garnish.
Ingredients of : Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter
- Main Parts
- One 32-oz carton of good shrimp bisque starter
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and cleaned
- Taste Items
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots (or yellow onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup non-alcoholic white cooking drink (optional, for more flavor)
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or other seafood seasoning)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Cream & Topping
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for more richness)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for topping
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions of : Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter
Step 1: Prepare Your Taste Items
- Heat olive oil or butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped shallots and cook until soft and clear, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells good. Do not burn it.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- If you use it, pour in the non-alcoholic white cooking drink and stir it into the pot to loosen any stuck bits. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until it reduces a bit.
- Pour in your chosen Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter. Stir well with the cooked shallots and garlic.
- Add Old Bay seasoning and cayenne pepper (if you use it). Let the bisque simmer gently. Do not let it boil hard.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- While the bisque simmers, add the raw, peeled shrimp into the bisque.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Do not cook them too long; they will get tough.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
- If you want, stir in the heavy cream for a richer soup.
- Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or Old Bay if needed.
- Take the pot off the stove.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter
Serve this Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter hot. You can offer warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. For a fancy look, swirl some créme fraîche on top and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. You can also serve it in small cups for a party. Lemon wedges on the side give a fresh taste.
How to Store Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter
You can store leftovers of the Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to make it ahead, you can prepare the bisque base (without the shrimp) a day before. Reheat it gently on the stove and then add the fresh shrimp to cook just before serving.
Tips to Make Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter
- Good Quality Starter: Use a good quality pre-made shrimp bisque starter for the best taste.
- Do Not Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast. Watch it to keep it tender.
- Spice It Right: Add cayenne pepper to your liking. A little bit gives warmth without too much heat.
- Cook Gently: Simmer the bisque slowly to prevent burning or curdling.
- Fresh Shrimp is Best: Use the freshest shrimp you can find for great flavor.
- Taste Often: Taste the soup as you cook and add seasonings as needed.
Variation
- More Spice: Add a small amount of chopped jalapeño or hot sauce when you cook the shallots.
- Herbs: Try adding fresh dill, tarragon, or thyme in the last few minutes.
- Veggies: Cook finely cut carrots and celery with the shallots for more taste.
- Lobster Added: You can use cooked lobster meat instead of some of the shrimp for a luxury taste.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter one day before I serve it?
Yes, you can make the bisque base without the shrimp the day before. Keep it in the refrigerator. When you want to serve it, heat it gently and then cook the fresh shrimp in it.
Q2: What kind of pre-made Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter should I buy?
Look for good brands in the store’s special food section. Read the ingredients to make sure it has real shrimp and cream. This will give you the best flavor and texture.
Q3: Can I use shrimp that was frozen for this Creamy Shrimp Bisque Starter recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before putting them into the bisque. This helps prevent extra water from changing the soup’s taste.
Savory Garlic Shrimp Bisque Starter
Equipment
- medium pot
- ladle
Ingredients
Main Parts
- One 32 oz carton premium shrimp bisque starter
- 1 lb raw jumbo shrimp peeled, deveined, and tails on (optional)
Taste Items
- 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup shallots finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (non-alcoholic cooking wine is an alternative)
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick)
Cream & Topping
- 1/2 cup half-and-half (for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives thinly sliced, for topping
- Lemon twists for garnish
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
- Melt unsalted butter in a medium pot over medium heat, then add minced shallots and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.
Deglaze and Build Base
- Pour in dry sherry and scrape the pot bottom to loosen browned bits, simmering until reduced by half. Add the shrimp bisque starter, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine and bringing the bisque to a gentle simmer.
Cook Shrimp
- Carefully add the raw, peeled shrimp to the simmering bisque. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp are opaque, pink, and cooked through, avoiding overcooking to prevent toughness.
Finishing and Serve
- Stir in the half-and-half until fully incorporated, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove from heat, ladle into bowls, and garnish with fresh chives and a lemon twist before serving immediately.