Discover the Luxurious Flavors of French Shrimp Bisque.
Indulge in the creamy elegance of Shrimp Bisque, a quintessential French soup that elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece.
This dish combines the sweet, briny flavors of shrimp with the richness of Cognac, white wine, and fresh cream to create a velvety, aromatic broth that’s irresistibly satisfying.
Perfect as a starter for formal dinners or a comforting main course, this recipe highlights the balance of flavors that define French cuisine.
The shrimp, sautéed to perfection and blended into a smooth puree, provide a luscious texture, while the lobster sauce enhances the depth of the bisque. Finished with a touch of cayenne for warmth, this dish is both indulgent and refined.
Serve Shrimp Bisque with a warm baguette or a crisp green salad for a complete dining experience. Pair it with a glass of chilled Chardonnay or a light Pinot Gris to enhance its delicate flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this bisque is a surefire way to impress your guests and satisfy your culinary cravings.
⦁ Main Ingredients:
⦁ 1¾ lbs medium shrimp, in their shells
⦁ 1 package Aromont lobster sauce
⦁ 1 carrot, finely diced
⦁ 1 small onion, finely diced
⦁ 1 celery stalk, finely diced
⦁ 1 fl oz whipping cream
⦁ 1 cup whipping cream
⦁ Seasoning & Enhancements:
⦁ ¼ cup Cognac
⦁ ½ cup dry white wine
⦁ 2 tablespoons butter
⦁ Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
1. Prepare the Lobster Sauce: In a small saucepan, mix the lobster sauce with 9 fl oz of warm water. Bring to a boil, stir in 1 fl oz of whipping cream, and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the carrot, onion, and celery, cooking until softened. Add the shrimp and stir until their shells turn red.
3. Flambé and Simmer: Remove the pan from heat and add Cognac. Carefully ignite the alcohol to flambé. Once the flames subside, return to the stove, add white wine and reserved lobster sauce, and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Blend and Strain: Strain the mixture through a sieve, reserving the broth. Shell the shrimp, return them to the pot, and blend until smooth.
5. Finish the Bisque: Add 1 cup of whipping cream and bring to a gentle boil. Adjust seasoning with salt and cayenne pepper. Swirl in 1 tablespoon of butter for extra richness.
6. Serve: Ladle the bisque into warm bowls and serve immediately for a rich, comforting experience.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Shrimp – Use shell-on shrimp; the shells are essential for building deep flavor in the stock
✔ Aromatics – Onion, garlic, celery, and carrot form the savory base
✔ Tomato Paste – Adds depth and subtle sweetness; enhances color
✔ Brandy or Cognac – A splash elevates the bisque with classic French flair
✔ Heavy Cream – For that signature velvety texture and richness
✔ Herbs & Spices – Bay leaf, thyme, paprika, and cayenne for warmth and complexity
✔ Stock – Use homemade shrimp shell stock or seafood stock for best results
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Peel & Devein Shrimp – Set meat aside and reserve shells for stock
✔ Build the Stock – Sauté shells with aromatics and simmer 30–45 mins to extract max flavor
✔ Blend Smooth – After cooking, blend the bisque base thoroughly for a silky texture
✔ Strain for Elegance – Use a fine mesh sieve to remove solids for a restaurant-quality finish
✔ Add Shrimp Last – Gently poach shrimp in the hot bisque just before serving to keep them tender
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Brandy Boost – Deglaze with brandy or Cognac before adding stock for layered flavor
✔ Acidity Balance – Add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to cut through richness
✔ Spice Smart – Cayenne or smoked paprika adds warmth—adjust to taste
✔ Cream Wisely – Add cream at the end and avoid boiling to prevent curdling
📦 Storage
✔ Cool Before Storing – Let bisque cool fully before refrigerating to preserve texture
✔ Refrigerate – Store in airtight container up to 3 days
✔ Freeze (Without Cream) – For longer storage, freeze bisque base before adding cream and shrimp
✔ Reheat Gently – Warm slowly over low heat, stirring often to keep the bisque smooth
🍽 Serving
✔ Finish with Flair – Top with crème fraîche, a swirl of cream, or chopped herbs
✔ Serve with Crunch – Pair with toasted baguette slices or puff pastry sticks
✔ Make it a Starter or Main – Serve in small cups for appetizers or deep bowls for dinner
✔ Wine Pairing – Try a dry white like Chardonnay or a light rosé for balance