How to Make Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster

Indulge in the creamy, luxurious flavors of the sea without breaking your Weight Watchers points budget! This Seafood Bisque is packed with tender chunks of crab, shrimp, and lobster, all blended into a smooth, velvety broth. With a focus on flavor and lightened-up ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion meal.

Ingredients

For the Bisque Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or light butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups low-sodium seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
• 1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Seafood:

• 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1/2 pound cooked lobster meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics

1. Heat the olive oil (or light butter) in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Make the Roux

1. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
2. Slowly whisk in the seafood or chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.

Add Liquids and Seasonings

1. Stir in the milk, half-and-half, tomato paste, white wine (if using), Old Bay seasoning, and smoked paprika.
2. Simmer the mixture gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Blend the Base

1. Using an immersion blender, puree the bisque base until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a countertop blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.

Add Seafood

1. Gently fold in the shrimp, crab, and lobster. Let the seafood heat through for 5 minutes on low heat—avoid overcooking as the seafood is already cooked.
2. Add the fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Serve hot with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or a light salad.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving: 1/6 of the recipe)

• Calories: ~210
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• WW Points: ~5 (depending on the Weight Watchers plan)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy, Yet Light: This bisque delivers a luxurious texture without the heavy cream and excess fat traditionally found in seafood bisques.
2. Packed with Seafood Goodness: The trio of shrimp, crab, and lobster adds incredible flavor and makes every bite indulgent and satisfying.
3. Customizable: Don’t have all three types of seafood? Swap one out for scallops, white fish, or even canned tuna.
4. Weight Watchers-Friendly: At just ~5 points per serving, this bisque is perfect for keeping you on track while enjoying a restaurant-quality meal.

Tips for Success

• Seafood Quality: Use the freshest seafood you can find for the best flavor. Frozen seafood works well, too—just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly.
• Blending the Base: For an ultra-smooth bisque, strain the blended soup through a fine mesh sieve after pureeing.
• Optional Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you enjoy a touch of spice.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk and coconut milk for the low-fat milk and half-and-half.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Main Dish: Pair the bisque with a mixed greens salad topped with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions before a seafood entrée like grilled fish or shrimp skewers.
• With Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a low-point roll is perfect for dipping into the creamy bisque.

This Seafood Bisque with Crab, Shrimp, and Lobster is a decadent treat that’s easy on both your time and your WW points. Perfect for cozy evenings or entertaining guests, it offers the flavors of an upscale restaurant meal in the comfort of your own home. With its creamy, flavorful broth and succulent chunks of seafood, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your Weight Watchers recipe rotation!