Spicy Cajun Shrimp Bisque

Ingredients

For the Shrimp and Seasoning

1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on or off
1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Roux and Vegetables

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 yellow onion, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

For the Bisque Base

4 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces, undrained
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons green onions, sliced

Instructions

1
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 min
2
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the roux is a light golden brown color. Be careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 5 min
3
Add the diced yellow onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
⏱️ 7 min
4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 min
5
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring the bisque to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 15 min
6
While the bisque simmers, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
⏱️ 5 min
7
Remove the bay leaf from the bisque. You can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the bisque for a smoother consistency, or leave it chunky if preferred. If using an immersion blender, blend directly in the pot until desired smoothness is achieved, being careful not to over-blend.
⏱️ 3 min
8
Stir the cooked shrimp into the bisque. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
⏱️ 2 min
9
Ladle the Spicy Cajun Shrimp Bisque into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and sliced green onions before serving warm.
⏱️ 2 min