Spicy Creamy Shrimp Bisque
This Spicy Creamy Shrimp Bisque is a delightful and sophisticated twist on a classic recipe, drawing inspiration from a beloved Bon Appetit creation. Perfect for serving as a luxurious first course, this bisque features tender shrimp bathed in a rich and creamy broth that's infused with aromatic onions, garlic, and a hint of zesty cayenne pepper. The ratio of creamy half-and-half or rich heavy cream adds a luscious texture, making each spoonful a comforting indulgence. Ideal for seafood lovers, this bisque is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile enough to impress at dinner parties or warm family gatherings.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Onion
3/4 cup (Chopped)
Garlic
2-3 cloves (Chopped)
Chicken Broth
2 cups (No preparation required)
White Rice
3 tablespoons (Uncooked (not instant))
Cooked Shrimp
12 ounces (Deveined and shelled)
Tomato Paste
3 tablespoons (No preparation required)
Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (No preparation required)
Fresh Tarragon
1/2 teaspoon (Chopped)
Half-and-half or Heavy Cream
1 1/2 cups (No preparation required)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3
Pour in the chicken broth and add the white rice. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the rice is tender, which should take about 15 minutes.
5
Stir in the cooked shrimp, reserving 6 shrimp for garnish. Cover the pot and simmer until the shrimp are warmed through, about 1-2 minutes.
6
Using a blender or an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth. If using a blender, be sure to leave a vent for steam to escape.
7
Return the pureed soup to the pot and whisk in the tomato paste, cayenne pepper, and chopped tarragon until well combined.
8
Gradually add the half-and-half or heavy cream to the soup, whisking continuously, and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer.
9
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve hot, garnished with the reserved shrimp.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Creamy Shrimp Bisque?
It is a sophisticated seafood soup featuring tender shrimp in a rich, creamy broth infused with garlic, onions, and zesty cayenne pepper.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of shrimp should I use?
You should use 12 ounces of cooked shrimp that have been deveined and shelled.
Is this bisque spicy?
Yes, it contains 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a zesty kick.
What kind of rice is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of uncooked white rice; do not use instant rice.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can use either 1 1/2 cups of half-and-half or heavy cream depending on your preference for richness.
How long does it take to cook the rice in the broth?
The rice should simmer in the chicken broth for about 15 minutes until tender.
How do I achieve a smooth texture?
Use a blender or an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth after the rice and shrimp have simmered.
What herb is used for seasoning?
Fresh chopped tarragon is used to add a unique aromatic flavor.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 cloves of chopped garlic.
Why should I reserve 6 shrimp?
Six shrimp are set aside to be used as a garnish when serving the hot bisque.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chicken broth.
How much tomato paste is added?
You will need 3 tablespoons of tomato paste.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them in melted butter for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
What is the first step in making this bisque?
Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Can I use an immersion blender?
Yes, an immersion blender is a great tool for pureeing the soup directly in the pot.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick recipe that can be prepared in under 60 minutes.
When do I add the shrimp to the pot?
Add the cooked shrimp after the rice is tender, then simmer for 1-2 minutes to warm them through.
What precautions should I take when using a standard blender?
Be sure to leave a vent for steam to escape to prevent pressure buildup from the hot liquid.
How do I incorporate the cream?
Gradually whisk the half-and-half or heavy cream into the pureed soup and return it to a gentle simmer.
What are the primary flavor aromatics?
The primary aromatics used are onion and garlic.
Is this dish suitable as a first course?
Absolutely, it is described as a luxurious first course for dinner parties.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
While chicken broth is specified, seafood stock or vegetable broth could be used as alternatives.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be chopped, and you will need 3/4 cup.
What makes the soup creamy?
The combination of pureed rice and the addition of half-and-half or heavy cream creates the creamy texture.
How much tarragon is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of fresh chopped tarragon.
Is the shrimp raw or cooked when added?
The recipe specifically calls for 12 ounces of cooked shrimp.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a soup, bisque, seafood dish, and comfort food.
Should I serve the bisque hot or cold?
This Spicy Creamy Shrimp Bisque should be served hot.