Craving a creamy, comforting soup? Try this easy New Orleans-style shrimp and corn bisque! It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for any night.
What Is It?
This bisque is a creamy soup made with shrimp, sweet corn, and spices. It’s a Southern classic with a hint of smoky paprika and optional spice. Think of it as a cozy, hearty meal in a bowl!
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and cleaned)
- 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 4 cups broth (seafood or chicken)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Green onions/parsley for garnish
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
What to do:
- Melt butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. (A heavy pot ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning.)
- Add chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the melted butter.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent (see-through) and the peppers soften. Add garlic in the last minute to avoid burning it.
Why this matters:
- Sautéing the veggies in butter softens their texture and releases their natural sweetness and aromas, forming the flavor base of the bisque.
- Garlic burns easily, so adding it later ensures it doesn’t turn bitter.
Step 2: Make the Roux
What to do:
- Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk for 1–2 minutes. (This creates a “roux,” a classic thickening agent.)
- Slowly pour in broth while whisking or stirring continuously. Gradually adding the broth prevents lumps from forming.
Why this matters:
- The roux acts as a binder, giving the bisque its signature creamy texture.
- Cooking the flour for 1–2 minutes removes its raw taste, leaving a nutty, toasty flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
What to do:
- Stir in corn, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil) and cook for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Why this matters:
- Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and softens the corn kernels for a tender bite.
- Smoked paprika adds depth and a subtle smoky flavor, while cayenne introduces optional heat.
Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cream
What to do:
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until fully combined.
- Add peeled, deveined shrimp (raw or thawed if frozen) and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and slightly curled.
Why this matters:
- Heavy cream adds richness and balances the spices.
- Shrimp cook quickly—overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch closely! They’re done when they change color and feel firm to the touch.
Step 5: Serve
What to do:
- Ladle the bisque into bowls and top with chopped green onions and fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Why this matters:
- Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a pop of flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, or adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a dash of hot sauce if needed.
Simple Tips for the Best Shrimp & Corn Bisque
Follow these easy tricks to make your bisque extra creamy and flavorful!
1. Fresh or Frozen?
- Fresh is best for sweetness and texture (especially shrimp and corn), but frozen works too ! Just thaw shrimp fully before cooking.
2. Spice It Up (or Keep It Mild)
- Love heat? Add extra cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
- Prefer mild? Skip the cayenne altogether. Adjust to your taste!
3. Make It Creamier
- If your bisque feels thin, blend part of the soup for a richer texture.
- Use an immersion blender or pulse in a regular blender.
- Mix back into the pot for a silky finish (keep some corn chunks for bite!).
Nutrition Info (Per Bowl)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20g (from shrimp!)
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 18g (creamy goodness)
- Fiber: 3g (thank you, corn!)
Why It’s Good for You
- Shrimp: High in protein and nutrients like selenium (great for your immune system).
- Corn: Adds fiber for healthy digestion.
- Cream: Keeps you full longer (in moderation, of course!).
This bisque is comfort food with a dash of health—perfect for cozy nights! 🌽🦐
