Go Back
+ servings

Crab Bisque

This crab bisque recipe is a versatile, delicious option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering bold seafood flavors with the option for a creamy or lighter touch.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 -6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1/2 a small yellow onion diced
  • 1 cup Rao’s marinara sauce
  • 2 cups seafood stock
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or cooking white wine
  • 2 clusters of fresh snow crab legs
  • 1 cup crab meat picked from the crab legs
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • Seafood seasoning like Old Bay to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream for a creamier bisque

Instructions

  • Prepare the Snow Crab Legs:Before starting, clean the crab legs and set them aside. You’ll be adding them to the bisque to infuse their flavor. Once prepped, you're ready to begin!
  • Sauté Aromatics on the Griddle:Heat your griddle on medium-high and melt the tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and diced onions, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent. This builds a flavorful foundation for the bisque.
  • Build the Base with Stock and Wine:Once your onions and garlic are fragrant, pour in the seafood stock and white wine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly. The white wine adds a pleasant acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the seafood and butter.
  • Add the Marinara:Stir in the Rao’s marinara sauce, which brings a touch of sweetness and depth to the bisque. The natural tomato flavor and herbs from the sauce work beautifully with the crab.
  • Cook the Crab:Now, it's time to add the snow crab legs and picked crab meat. Place the crab legs on the griddle and allow them to cook in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, letting the bisque absorb the crab’s briny flavor. Add the picked crab meat into the sauce to meld with the broth.
  • Season to Perfection:Season your bisque with Kosher salt, pepper, and your favorite seafood seasoning, like Old Bay. This step is key to personalizing the dish, so adjust the seasonings to your liking.
  • Optional: Add Cream (For a Creamier Bisque):If you prefer a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream after you’ve seasoned the bisque. This will give it a velvety texture without overpowering the delicate crab flavor. However, if you want to keep it light, like in my original recipe, you can skip this step.
  • Finish and Serve:Once everything is cooked through and the flavors have fully melded, remove from heat. Serve the bisque hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. It’s perfect with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.