Easy New Orleans Shrimp And Corn Bisque Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy seafood dreams come alive with this New Orleans shrimp and corn bisque that captures the vibrant essence of Louisiana cuisine.

Southern comfort flows through every spoonful of this rich, decadent soup.

The blend of sweet corn and succulent shrimp creates a harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Coastal ingredients merge seamlessly in this traditional recipe, telling a story of culinary heritage.

Fresh Gulf shrimp and tender corn kernels form the heart of this luxurious bisque.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to deliver an authentic taste of New Orleans.

You’ll savor every velvety bite of this legendary Southern classic that promises to warm your soul and delight your senses.

FAQs

  • What makes Cajun seasoning different from regular spice blends?

Cajun seasoning is a bold, spicy mix typically containing paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper, and oregano. It provides a distinctive Louisiana-style heat and flavor profile unique to Southern cooking.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this bisque?

Yes, just thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking and pat them dry. Ensure they’re peeled and deveined to match the recipe’s requirements. Fresh or frozen both work well in this dish.

  • How do I prevent my bisque from becoming too thick or lumpy?

Whisk the roux and liquids slowly and consistently. Add stock gradually while stirring constantly to create a smooth base. If lumps form, use a hand blender or whisk vigorously to break them down.

  • Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for sherry?

Absolutely! Use chicken or seafood stock as a direct replacement. For added depth, you can add a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tangy notes sherry provides.

What Makes Shrimp And Corn Bisque Stand Out

  • Dive into a New Orleans-inspired dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary, flavor-packed bisque with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Streamline your cooking process by prepping ingredients beforehand, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal hassle.
  • Impress both family and friends with a versatile recipe that works beautifully as a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant starter for special gatherings, appealing to seafood lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.
  • Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit personal preferences, allowing everyone to create their perfect version of this delightful Southern-style soup.

What Goes Into This Louisiana-Style Bisque

Main Proteins:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the primary protein and signature flavor of the New Orleans-style bisque.
  • Cream: Rich dairy ingredient that creates a smooth and luxurious base for the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery
  • Corn: Sweet kernels that add texture and subtle sweetness to the bisque.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Seasoning and Liquids:
  • Cajun Seasoning: Spice blend that adds signature New Orleans-style heat and complexity to the dish.
  • Sherry, Shrimp Stock, Water: Liquid ingredients that build the soup's liquid base and enhance overall flavor profile.
  • Butter, Flour: Essential components for creating a traditional roux that thickens and enriches the bisque.
  • Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that provide bright, fresh garnish and additional layer of flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings for final flavor adjustment.

How To Cook Shrimp And Corn Bisque Easily

Step 1: Prepare All Ingredients

Gather and prep all your ingredients before starting.

Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and refrigerate while you begin cooking.

This approach ensures a smooth cooking process and keeps everything organized.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Warm a large pot over medium-low heat.

Add these vegetables:
  • Onions
  • Bell peppers
  • Celery

Cook slowly for about 5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and release their fragrant aroma.

Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Pour sherry or stock into the pot to deglaze, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce for a minute, intensifying the flavor profile.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Roux

Melt butter with the sautéed vegetables.

Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 5 minutes.

Watch the roux transform into a golden, thick consistency that will give the bisque its rich texture.

Step 5: Build Liquid Foundation

Gradually whisk in shrimp stock and water, stirring until completely smooth.

Add half of the fresh parsley and green onions.

Simmer the soup uncovered for 20 minutes, skimming any foam that forms on the surface.

Step 6: Incorporate Seafood And Corn

Gently add the seasoned shrimp, corn, and warmed cream to the pot.

Simmer for 5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and become tender.

Stir in the remaining herbs or reserve them for a beautiful garnish.

Step 7: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the bisque carefully.

Enhance with additional salt, black pepper, or Cajun seasoning until the flavors reach perfect harmony.

The goal is a balanced, mouth-watering dish that celebrates New Orleans culinary traditions.

Tips For Creamy And Flavorful Bisque

  • Prepare all ingredients before cooking to streamline the process and reduce stress during preparation.
  • Sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery slowly over medium-low heat to develop deep, rich flavors without burning.
  • Stir flour and butter constantly for 5 minutes to create a golden, flavorful base that thickens the bisque beautifully.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings at the end, adding salt, pepper, or Cajun spice gradually to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
  • Add shrimp and corn near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking, ensuring tender, succulent seafood in every spoonful.

How To Store And Reheat Corn Bisque Properly

  • Transfer cooled bisque to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour bisque into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Thaw frozen bisque overnight in the refrigerator. Gently reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of additional stock or cream if the consistency seems too thick.
  • Pour bisque into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature and avoid overheating to prevent separating the cream.

Satisfying Pairings For Shrimp Bisque

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the bisque's rich, creamy texture and cut through its spicy Cajun notes.
  • Serve with Crusty French Bread: Grab a warm, artisan baguette to soak up the bisque's flavorful broth and provide a delightful textural contrast to the smooth soup.
  • Match with Spicy Remoulade Sauce: Prepare a zesty remoulade on the side, featuring tangy mayo, Creole mustard, and hot sauce to enhance the shrimp's bold Louisiana-style seasoning.
  • Create Herbed Cornbread Accompaniment: Bake a quick cornbread with fresh herbs like thyme or green onions, which echoes the corn in the bisque and provides a Southern-style side dish.

Creative Spins On Shrimp Corn Bisque

  • Gluten-Free Bisque: Replace flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free shrimp stock and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream. Use olive oil instead of butter to maintain a rich, creamy texture while avoiding dairy.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute shrimp with roasted cauliflower or king oyster mushrooms. Use vegetable stock and add smoked paprika for depth of flavor, maintaining the New Orleans-style essence.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip corn and replace with diced zucchini. Use cauliflower rice as a base and reduce overall liquid to create a thicker, more concentrated bisque that fits ketogenic dietary needs.
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New Orleans Shrimp And Corn Bisque Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque whisks Southern comfort straight from Louisiana’s passionate culinary heart. Hearty seafood and sweet corn blend into a rich, velvety soup that promises pure comfort in every luxurious spoonful you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1.5 pounds medium raw shrimp (41/50 size or similar)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1.5 bell peppers (any color), chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ears of corn (2.5 cups kernels)
  • 24 green onions, chopped
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped

Dairy, Liquid, and Seasoning:

  • 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick or 0.5 cup)
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups shrimp stock (or chicken, vegetable, or seafood stock)
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 2 cups heavy cream, warmed
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
  • Salt, black pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning to taste

Instructions

  1. Meticulously prepare all ingredients beforehand, ensuring shrimp are seasoned with Cajun spices and chilled for optimal flavor development.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed pot, gently sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery over medium-low heat for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
  3. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly, stirring constantly to prevent burning, which can create bitter undertones.
  4. Deglaze the pot with sherry, scraping accumulated caramelized bits from the bottom, allowing liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors for about 1 minute.
  5. Create a golden roux by melting butter and incorporating flour, whisking continuously for 5 minutes until mixture transforms into a rich, nutty-colored base.
  6. Gradually incorporate shrimp stock and water, stirring until smooth and free of lumps, then integrate half the fresh herbs.
  7. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, periodically skimming foam from the surface to maintain a clean, refined texture.
  8. Gently fold in seasoned shrimp, corn kernels, and warmed cream, allowing ingredients to meld together for 5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and tender.
  9. Finalize by adjusting seasoning with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun spices to elevate the bisque’s complex flavor profile.
  10. Garnish with remaining fresh herbs and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Organize all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce stress in the kitchen.
  • Slowly sauté vegetables to release maximum flavor and create a rich, aromatic base for the bisque.
  • Stir the butter and flour mixture constantly to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden color that adds depth to the dish.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, understanding that Cajun spices can intensify as the bisque simmers.
  • Swap shrimp for plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit for a vegetarian version, and use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly alternative.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk to reduce calories and add unique flavor.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 408
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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