If you love a rich, velvety soup that sings with the fresh flavors of the sea, you are going to fall head over heels for this Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender scallops, flaky cod, and juicy shrimp all swimming in a creamy, herb-infused broth that warms the heart and delights the palate. This bisque is comfort food with an elegant twist, bringing a special restaurant-quality touch right to your own kitchen without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this luscious bisque starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to layer flavor and texture perfectly. Every item plays an essential role, from the sweet seafood that’s the star of the show to the herbs and aromatics that build the base of this unforgettable broth.
- 1 lb fresh scallops: Tender and sweet, scallops add a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to beat.
- 1 lb fresh cod fillets: The flaky, mild cod balances the richness with delicate chunks that soak up the creamy broth beautifully.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a touch of sweetness and a slight snap to the bisque’s texture.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: A gentle, flavorful base that keeps the flavors bright and clean without overpowering the seafood.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings the luxurious, smooth finish that seafood bisques are famous for.
- 2 medium shallots, finely chopped: Mild and sweet, shallots provide a subtle onion flavor to deepen the broth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds warmth and a touch of savory depth to the soup.
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme: Herbaceous notes elevate the bisque with a fresh and slightly earthy aroma.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- 2 tbsp butter: Used for sautéing, it adds a rich foundation that complements the creaminess perfectly.
How to Make Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped shallots and cook them gently until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. This step softens the shallots and releases their natural sweetness, which gently flavors the base of your bisque. Then, stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme and cook just until their fragrances bloom into the kitchen, making your home smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth to the aromatic mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing all those fragrant flavors to mingle and develop fully. This simmering step is crucial because it creates a flavorful backdrop that ties all the seafood and cream together in the final bisque.
Step 3: Add the Seafood
Gently nestle the scallops, cod chunks, and shrimp into the simmering broth. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes. You want the seafood to be tender and just cooked through, so keep an eye on it—overcooking seafood is so easy and can turn your bisque chewy rather than silky and delightful.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Season
Turn the heat down to low before stirring in the heavy cream. Mixing it in gently will make sure your bisque stays luxuriously smooth and silky. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as you go to find that perfect balance that sings with all the seafood flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is warmed through, your Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and get ready to savor every silky spoonful of this dreamy dish.
How to Serve Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves on top adds a pop of vibrant green color and a fresh herbal aroma that complements the bisque perfectly. For an extra touch of elegance, a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a small dollop of crème fraîche can elevate each serving and make it feel special.
Side Dishes
This seafood bisque pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or classic garlic baguette slices for dipping into all that creamy goodness. For a lighter option, a crisp mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and balances the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the bisque in warm soup bowls or even hollowed-out mini sourdough loaves. You can also garnish with finely chopped chives or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a subtle kick and color contrast that turns your bisque into a dining experience worth photographing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though that is rare!), transfer the bisque to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Because the seafood is delicate, it’s best to enjoy it within this window to preserve the taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing this seafood bisque is not generally recommended since the texture of cooked seafood can become rubbery after freezing and thawing. However, if you must freeze it, remove the seafood pieces first, freeze the creamy broth separately, and add fresh seafood when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and to ensure even warming. Avoid boiling the bisque during reheating to keep the cream from breaking and the seafood tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this bisque?
Absolutely! While this Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe highlights those three, you can experiment with lobster, crab meat, or mussels. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to prevent overcooking delicate seafood.
Is it possible to make this bisque dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind this will add a slightly different flavor, but it can still be delicious and creamy.
How thick is this bisque? Can I blend it?
This recipe balances a silky creamy broth with generous chunks of seafood. If you prefer a smoother bisque, you can blend a portion of the broth before adding the seafood, but be careful not to over-blend to preserve some texture.
What’s the best way to tell when the seafood is perfectly cooked?
Seafood cooks quickly, especially in a simmering broth. The scallops should be opaque and slightly firm, cod should flake easily with a fork, and shrimp will turn pink and curl up. Timing and gentle heat are the keys to tender seafood.
Can I prepare any steps ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop the shallots, garlic, and thyme in advance and store them in the fridge. You can also have the seafood prepped and ready to go. However, for the best fresh taste, it’s ideal to assemble and cook the bisque just before serving.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe, it’s going to become one of your absolute favorite go-to dishes for impressing friends or simply treating yourself. Its perfect balance of creamy richness and fresh seafood flavors makes every spoonful a joy. Don’t hesitate—grab those fresh scallops, cod, and shrimp, and dive into making a bisque that’s as comforting as it is elegant. You won’t regret it!
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Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
A rich and creamy Seafood Bisque featuring tender scallops, flaky cod, and succulent shrimp simmered in a flavorful broth with shallots, garlic, and fresh thyme, finished with a touch of heavy cream for a luxurious finish.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb fresh scallops
- 1 lb fresh cod fillets
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Broth and Flavorings
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 medium shallots, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the finely chopped shallots until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking until fragrant to build the base flavor.
- Simmer broth: Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together nicely.
- Cook seafood: Gently add the scallops, cod chunks, and shrimp to the simmering broth. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes or until all the seafood is cooked through and tender.
- Add cream and season: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season the bisque with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to combine without boiling.
- Serve: Ladle the warm bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the seafood; it should remain tender and not rubbery.
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture in this bisque.
- For a richer bisque, consider blending a portion of the broth before adding the seafood.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or a drizzle of cream for an elegant presentation.
