If you’re craving a rich, comforting bowl of coastal goodness, this Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe is sure to hit all the right notes. It perfectly balances creamy textures, tender chunks of fresh seafood, and a bouquet of herbs and spices that come together in a velvety, flavorful broth. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or a cozy night in, this bisque is the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and heartwarming, wrapping you in the true essence of the ocean with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe lies in simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous color you want from a bisque.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The perfect base to sauté your vegetables and build flavor.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when softened gently.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth and a touch of spice.
- 1 celery stalk (diced): Offers a subtle crunch and an earthy brightness.
- 1 carrot (peeled and diced): Contributes sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional): Introduces acidity and complexity to the broth.
- 4 cups seafood stock or fish stock: The backbone of your bisque, infused with ocean flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that luscious, creamy texture everyone loves in bisque.
- 1/2 cup tomato paste: Adds richness and a beautiful reddish hue.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or other seafood seasoning): Heightens seafood flavors with a classic blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Gives herbal notes that balance the creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring it all together.
- 8 oz cod fillets (cut into bite-sized pieces): Tender and mild, perfect for soaking up bisque flavors.
- 8 oz shrimp (peeled and deveined): Sweet and juicy, a must-have seafood star.
- 8 oz scallops (sliced in half if large): Adds a delicate, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A fresh, bright finish to the dish’s rich profile.
How to Make Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced celery, and carrot. Sauté gently until the veggies soften and exude a fragrant aroma, about 5-7 minutes. This tender vegetable base builds the foundation for your bisque’s flavor.
Step 2: Deglaze and Infuse Flavors
Pour in the dry white wine, if using, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. This helps lift any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot and infuses a subtle acidity that brightens the dish. If you prefer to skip the wine, no worries—the seafood stock will still shine through beautifully.
Step 3: Add Stock and Seasonings
Stir in the seafood stock, heavy cream, and tomato paste until the tomato paste fully dissolves. Sprinkle in Old Bay seasoning, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for 10 minutes. This is where the bisque starts developing its velvety, aromatic profile.
Step 4: Cook the Seafood
Add the cod pieces, shrimp, and scallops directly into the simmering broth. Let them cook gently for about 5-7 minutes until the seafood is just opaque and tender — overcooking will steal the delicate textures. This step truly elevates the bisque, embracing fresh seafood in every bite.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Give everything a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the bisque into bowls, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and get ready to dive into a soup that feels like a warm hug from the sea.
How to Serve Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a lovely, classic garnish that adds a pop of green and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. For a little extra flair, you could also consider a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten each sip.
Side Dishes
Crusty baguette slices or garlic bread make perfect partners, ideal for soaking up every drop of the bisque’s luxurious broth. A crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables keep the meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this bisque in individual mini cocottes or soup tureens adds charm, especially for entertaining. You could even float a few crisp bacon bits or a tiny sprinkle of smoked paprika on top to create contrasting textures and smoky highlights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This bisque stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent option for prepping a day ahead.
Freezing
Because of the cream and seafood, freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining texture—seafood can become rubbery once frozen and reheated. If you want to freeze, consider storing the bisque base without the seafood, then add fresh seafood when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent burning or separation. If the bisque thickens too much, stir in a splash of cream or stock to loosen it. Add the seafood towards the end to warm through without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood works well; just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this bisque dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a rich cashew cream to maintain that creamy texture without dairy.
Can I prepare this recipe without white wine?
Definitely. Simply omit the wine; the seafood stock will still provide plenty of flavor. You can add a splash of lemon juice at the end for some brightness if you like.
What can I use if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
Use a mix of paprika, celery salt, cayenne, and black pepper to mimic the classic Old Bay profile. Alternatively, any seafood seasoning blend you enjoy will work great.
How thick should the bisque be?
The bisque should be smooth and creamy, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still silky and pourable—not too heavy or gloopy.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a seafood dish that’s both impressive and comforting, the Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe is your soulful answer. It’s warm, indulgent, and showcases the ocean’s finest with every spoonful. I hope you enjoy making it as much as you do eating it. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to share with loved ones!
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Seafood Bisque with Scallops, Cod, and Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and creamy seafood bisque combines tender cod, succulent shrimp, and delicate scallops in a flavorful, spiced tomato and seafood stock base. Enhanced with aromatic vegetables, white wine, and Old Bay seasoning, this elegant soup is perfect as an impressive starter or a comforting main dish.
Ingredients
Seafood and Garnish
- 8 oz cod fillets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 8 oz shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 oz scallops (sliced in half if large)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 celery stalk (diced)
- 1 carrot (peeled and diced)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 4 cups seafood stock or fish stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or other seafood seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced celery, and carrot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Deglaze: Pour in the dry white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the seafood stock, tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, dried thyme, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Simmer the bisque: Let the bisque simmer uncovered for about 10-12 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Add seafood: Gently add the cod pieces, shrimp, and scallops into the simmering bisque. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and opaque.
- Finish with cream: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Heat through gently without boiling to avoid curdling, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, adjust seasoning if necessary, and ladle the bisque into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Using fresh seafood stock will greatly enhance the bisque’s flavor, but store-bought stock works well in a pinch.
- If you want a smoother texture, you can partially puree some of the cooked vegetables before adding the seafood.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or omit it entirely.
- This bisque pairs beautifully with crusty bread or oyster crackers.
- Ensure not to overcook the seafood to maintain tender texture.
