Crawfish Bisque

Dive into the rich and indulgent flavors of Southern cuisine with this creamy Crawfish Bisque, a comforting classic that's perfect for any occasion. Featuring plump, tender crawfish tails bathed in a velvety, spiced broth, this recipe is a celebration of the beloved crustacean and bold Cajun seasonings. A light brown roux sets the foundation, lending a nutty depth, while a trio of aromatic vegetables—onion, celery, and bell pepper—adds layers of complexity. Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper provide a whisper of heat, balanced beautifully with a touch of heavy cream and bright lemon juice. Simmered to perfection and served optionally with fluffy white rice, this bisque is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as elegant as it is satisfying. Ideal for dinner parties or cozy nights in, it’s a true taste of Louisiana tradition!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds crawfish tails (cooked)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (finely chopped)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups seafood or chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cooked white rice (optional, for serving)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 2

Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Stir constantly for about 5-7 minutes, until the roux turns a light brown color and develops a nutty aroma.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, cayenne pepper, paprika, and bay leaves. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Slowly pour in the seafood or chicken stock while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth base.

Step 6

Add the tomato paste and stir until fully incorporated. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to slightly thicken.

Step 7

Lower the heat and stir in the crawfish tails, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Step 9

Optional: Serve the bisque over cooked white rice, and garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3090.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3083.0

Total Fat 167.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 92.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 1653.4mg	0%
Sodium 6734.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 193.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.7g	0%
Total Sugars 17.6g
Protein 175.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 673.9mg	0%
Iron 24.2mg	0%
Potassium 4101.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.5%

Protein: 23.6%

Carbs: 26.0%