Savory Garlic Shrimp Bisque Starter
This luxurious Savory Garlic Shrimp Bisque Starter features succulent jumbo shrimp simmered in a rich, aromatic bisque base. Perfect for a cozy meal, it's enhanced with shallots, garlic, and a hint of sherry.
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.
Notes
For an extra touch, serve this bisque with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors. Remember not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become tough if left in the heat for too long. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.