Cajun-Inspired Creamy Crab & Shrimp Seafood Bisque (Keto-Friendly)

by
A steaming bowl of creamy Cajun seafood bisque with shrimp and crab, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning, served in a rustic ceramic bowl.

A Warm & Flavorful Keto Seafood Bisque for Winter

There’s nothing quite like a rich and creamy seafood bisque recipe to warm you up on a chilly winter night. This Cajun-inspired bisque is packed with tender shrimp, sweet lump crab, and bold Louisiana flavors, making it the perfect comfort food. Unlike traditional versions, this keto-friendly seafood bisque skips the flour and uses a luscious blend of heavy cream and cream cheese to achieve its velvety texture. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb seafood soup or just a hearty, indulgent dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Keto-Friendly & Low-Carb – No flour, just rich, natural flavors
Warm & Comforting – Perfect for chilly winter evenings
Bold Cajun Flavors – A smoky, spicy kick from Cajun seasoning
Luxuriously Creamy – A velvety bisque without heavy carbs

Ingredients (Serves 6)

The Bisque Base:

A top-down view of fresh shrimp, lump crab meat, butter, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, seafood stock, and fresh herbs arranged on a dark wooden surface.
Fresh ingredients, Cajun spices, and a touch of creamy goodness!
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 small bell pepper (red or orange), diced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice level)
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • ½ cup dry white wine (or seafood stock for non-alcoholic)
  • 3 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

The Seafood:

  • ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing shrimp)

Garnish:

  • Extra parsley
  • A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning
  • Drizzle of melted butter

Instructions

S 1: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant (about 4-5 minutes).
  3. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the spices bloom.
A cast-iron pot with onions, garlic, celery, and bell peppers sizzling in butter, being stirred with a wooden spoon. Steam rising from the pot for a warm, home-cooked feel.
The heart of any good bisque starts here! Sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in butter brings out deep, smoky flavors.

2: Build the Bisque Base

  1. Deglaze the pot by pouring in white wine (or seafood stock), scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  2. Add seafood stock and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

3: Make It Creamy

  1. Reduce heat to low, then slowly whisk in heavy cream and cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
  2. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and let the bisque simmer for another 5 minutes.

4: Prepare the Seafood

  1. In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the shrimp for 2 minutes per side, just until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
  2. Gently fold in the crab meat and shrimp into the bisque. Simmer on low for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
  3. Stir in lemon juice and parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot in small bowls for an elegant starter or larger portions for a hearty meal.
  • Garnish with extra parsley, a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning, and a drizzle of melted butter.
  • Pair with keto-friendly garlic bread or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Seafood Bisque Recipe

Use Fresh Seafood – Fresh shrimp and crab give the best flavor, but frozen works too!
Don’t Overcook the Seafood – Add shrimp at the end to keep them tender.
Adjust the Spice Level – Use more Cajun seasoning for heat or tone it down for a milder bisque.
Make It Extra Thick – If you prefer a thicker bisque, blend ½ cup of the soup and return it to the pot.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: ~320 kcal
Fat: ~28g
Carbs: ~5g (net carbs)
Protein: ~18g

(Note: Macros are estimated based on ingredients and may vary.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bisque ahead of time?

Yes! This bisque tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently over low heat.

Can I freeze seafood bisque?

Since it contains cream, freezing may cause separation. If freezing, omit the heavy cream and add it when reheating.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Mascarpone or a mix of heavy cream and a touch of parmesan works well for a creamy consistency.

Is this bisque spicy?

It has a Cajun kick, but you can reduce the cayenne or use mild Cajun seasoning for a gentler flavor.

Final Thoughts

This keto-friendly seafood bisque Recipe is the ultimate winter comfort food, blending creamy richness with bold Cajun flavors. It’s perfect for cozy nights, special occasions, or an indulgent weeknight dinner.

Try it out and let me know how you like it! Would you add anything else to make it your own? 😊🍲

Leave a Comment