Elevate your holiday menu with this sumptuous Creamy Crab and Shrimp Soup. Combining the delicate flavors of crab and shrimp with a rich, velvety broth, this soup brings a touch of elegance to any festive occasion. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special family gathering, this recipe promises to impress your guests with its delightful taste and effortless preparation. Enjoy a dish that embodies both comfort and sophistication, perfect for creating memorable holiday moments.
Ingredients For Creamy Crab and Shrimp Soup
PLAN/PURCHASE
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) sweet butter, unsalted
- 1 teaspoon (3 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 ounce (30 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) half & half
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) dry sherry
- 4-5 large (about 120 grams) shrimp, shelled, deveined, tails intact, cooked
- 4 ounces (113 grams) lump crab meat, cooked
- Salt, kosher variety, to taste
- White pepper, freshly ground, to taste
OPTIONAL ITEMS
- 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 milliliters) lemon juice, freshly squeezed, for brightness
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) hot sauce, such as Frank’s, for hidden heat
How To Make Creamy Crab and Shrimp Soup
- Preheat and Prepare: Ensure all ingredients are ready and the shrimp and crab are cooked and set aside. Measure out the required amounts to streamline the cooking process.
- Choose the Right Sherry: There are two types of sherry—drinking and cooking. For the best flavor, opt for a cooking sherry that is also enjoyable to drink, as recommended by the late Julia Child.
- Gather Your Ingredients: Assemble all ingredients to facilitate a smooth cooking experience, following the principle of mise en place.
- Create the Soup Base: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in 1 teaspoon of all-purpose flour until fully incorporated with the butter.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Gradually add 1 ounce of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of half & half, and 1/2 cup of whole milk to the saucepan. Continue to whisk the mixture until it begins to simmer, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
- Season the Broth: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, and add salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, maintaining a barely simmering state to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a separate skillet, cook the shrimp in a mixture of butter, wine, and lemon juice over medium heat until they are fully cooked, approximately 2 tablespoons of each ingredient.
- Cook the Crab: Use the same skillet to toss the lump crab meat in the remaining juices from the shrimp. Heat the crab meat briefly to absorb the flavors and ensure it is warmed through.
- Enhance the Soup: Return to the soup base and add a bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce to brighten the flavors and add a subtle heat, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Combine and Serve: Ladle the creamy soup into shallow bowls. Place the seasoned crab meat in the center of each bowl, then arrange the cooked shrimp in a decorative pattern around the crab. Serve with saltines or oyster crackers on the side for added texture and flavor.
This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Soup is a perfect blend of rich, savory flavors and elegant presentation, making it an ideal addition to your holiday dining repertoire. The combination of tender crab and shrimp in a luscious, spiced broth creates a dish that is both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting a festive gathering, this soup will undoubtedly become a beloved favorite, delighting your guests with its exquisite taste and sophisticated charm. Embrace the ease of preparation and the luxurious flavors that make this soup a standout choice for any special occasion. Enjoy the warmth and hospitality it brings to your holiday table!
