Description
Enjoy the warm, rich flavors of New Orleans with this Shrimp and Corn Bisque, a luxurious soup that combines tender shrimp, sweet corn, and Cajun-spiced creaminess. With its velvety texture and comforting taste, this dish is ideal for gatherings or special occasions, bringing a touch of Southern hospitality to your table. This bisque is all about layering flavors, from the smoky crisp bacon to the aromatic trinity of vegetables, simmered in a homemade shrimp stock that elevates every spoonful. Perfect with crusty bread or as a starter for a seafood meal, this bisque captures the heart of Louisiana cuisine in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper (any color), finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup cooking sherry (or white wine/broth)
- 8 tbsp butter (1 stick), European style recommended
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups shrimp stock (or chicken/vegetable stock)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2–4 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 pounds medium raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, seasoned with Cajun spice)
- 4 ears fresh corn, kernels removed (or 2–3 cups frozen/canned, drained)
- 2 cups heavy cream, warmed
- Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Crisp Bacon: In a large Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp in the pot.
- Sauté Veggies: Add onion, bell pepper, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, sautéing for 1 minute.
- Deglaze: Pour in sherry to deglaze, scraping browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Create Roux: Melt butter in the pot. Sprinkle flour over the bacon and vegetable mixture, stirring until flour is slightly browned and thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Stock & Simmer: Slowly whisk in shrimp stock, adding in increments to avoid lumps. Add water, half of the green onions, and half of the parsley. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Shrimp & Corn: Add seasoned shrimp, corn, heavy cream, and remaining green onions and parsley. Simmer until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with green onions, parsley, or extra bacon if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes