This New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque is a creamy delight bursting with flavor! It combines juicy shrimp with sweet corn in a rich broth that warms your heart and soul.
Every spoonful is like a little taste of Louisiana! I love how easy it is to make, perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests. Just grab a bowl and enjoy the comfort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp are great for this recipe, but if you prefer a different size, feel free to use large or small shrimp instead. If shrimp aren’t available, you can use crab or even imitation crab for a different twist.
Corn: Fresh corn kernels bring sweetness, but frozen corn works perfectly too and is often easier to find. If you want a little crunch, you can add some diced bell peppers or even sweet corn salsa.
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky flavor, but turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon can be good substitutes for a lighter version. You can also skip it altogether if you prefer a healthier take.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the bisque a rich texture, but you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. For dairy-free, consider using coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute.
Cajun Seasoning: This is key for that New Orleans flavor! If you don’t have it, you can mix your own using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How Do I Create a Great Roux?
Making a roux is essential for the creamy base of your bisque. A good roux thickens the soup and gives it depth. Here’s how to do it:
- In a pot, melt butter with bacon fat over medium heat.
- Add the flour and continuously stir for 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden color, which means it’s done!
- This step is important: don’t rush! If you burn the roux, it can taste bitter.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp quickly is key to keeping them tender. Here’s how:
- After seasoning your shrimp, heat a skillet to medium-high with a bit of oil or bacon fat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer; this allows them to cook evenly and get that nice char.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery!
These tips will help ensure that your New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque is a delicious hit every time! Enjoy!
New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup:
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped
- Reserved bacon bits, for topping
- For Sautéing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or reserved bacon fat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Shrimp and Corn Bisque takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. So, in about 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside. Keep the bacon fat in the pot for added flavor in your bisque.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat until they are soft and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes.
3. Make the Roux:
Now stir in the butter and let it melt. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly to form a roux. You want to cook for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color, making sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
4. Add Chicken Broth:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring to dissolve any lumps of flour along the way. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the soup thickens slightly.
5. Add the Corn:
Next, stir in the corn kernels and let them simmer for another 5-7 minutes until they are tender. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the other flavors in the bisque!
6. Mix in the Cream and Seasonings:
Pour in the heavy cream along with the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir and taste it, adjusting any seasonings as needed.
7. Sauté the Shrimp:
While the bisque simmers, heat olive oil or the reserved bacon fat in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your shrimp with a pinch of Cajun seasoning and pan-sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are nicely charred and opaque. Once done, remove them from heat.
8. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked bacon back into the bisque, reserving a bit for garnish if you’d like. Stir everything together so the flavors incorporate nicely.
9. Serve the Bisque:
Ladle the warm bisque into serving bowls. Each bowl should be topped with 3-4 seared shrimp, a sprinkle of reserved bacon bits, and a handful of freshly chopped chives or green onions for that finishing touch!
10. Enjoy:
Serve this comforting New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque hot, paired with some crusty bread or crackers for dipping. Enjoy the lovely combination of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors in every spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water for a quick thaw. Pat them dry afterward for better searing.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you’d like to make a dairy-free version of this bisque, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. The coconut milk will add a hint of sweetness that complements the other flavors nicely!
What Can I Use Instead of Bacon?
If you’re looking for a bacon substitute, you can use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a healthier option. You can also omit it entirely and add a bit of smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor without the meat.
Can I Make This Bisque Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to add the shrimp just before serving to keep them tender. When reheating, do so gently on the stove to avoid overcooking and maintaining that creamy texture.