Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe

Sink your spoon into a bowl of pure Southern comfort with this Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe. Creamy, rich, and alive with flavors from the Gulf coast, this bisque is studded with sweet corn, plump shrimp, and blanketed in a luscious, velvety broth. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone around the table, filling your kitchen with the warm aroma of Cajun spices and love. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a weeknight or looking to impress guests, this Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This list proves how a handful of basic, well-chosen ingredients can transform into something truly memorable. Each item adds depth, texture, and that signature Gulf flavor to the bisque; no shortcuts here—these are the heart and soul of the Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe!

• Bacon: Adds incredible smoky depth and savory richness to the base — don’t skip it!
• Yellow onion: Brings a touch of sweetness and a classic aromatic foundation.
• Bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and subtle sweetness; use any color you love.
• Celery: Lends freshness and a gentle crunch that rounds out the vegetables.
• Garlic: Provides that irresistible aromatic punch to the broth.
• Sherry cooking wine: Deglazes the pot, capturing all the flavor from the bacon and veggies.
• Butter: Helps to create that iconic creamy roux for a silky texture.
• All purpose flour: Thickens the bisque and makes the broth irresistibly velvety.
• Shrimp stock (or chicken, vegetable, or seafood stock): A seafood stock brings out the shrimp flavor, but any good stock will work.
• Water: Helps achieve the perfect soup consistency.
• Green onions: Freshen each bite with zing, both cooked in and sprinkled on top.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the whole dish with its fragrant, herbal notes.
• Raw shrimp: The star protein—medium sized and seasoned to perfection, these turn sweet and succulent.
• Cajun seasoning: Brings just the right kick of heat and that essential Louisiana flair.
• Corn (fresh off the cob): Adds natural sweetness and delightful pops of texture. Nothing beats fresh!
• Heavy cream: Ensures every spoonful is incredibly rich, creamy, and decadent.
• Salt, black pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning: For that last perfecting touch, tailored to your taste.

How to Make Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe

Step 1: Prep Everything

Start by getting organized, as this is key for a smooth, fun cooking experience! Finely chop all your veggies (onion, bell pepper, celery, green onions, and parsley), mince the garlic, and cut the bacon into small pieces. Remove corn kernels from the cobs for maximum flavor. Peel, devein, and pat the shrimp dry, then toss them with Cajun seasoning so they soak up that iconic Louisiana taste. Chilling the shrimp while you prep helps intensify the flavor.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the bacon. Let it cook for around 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces get just-crisp (not burned!). The rendered bacon fat will flavor the whole bisque, so drain all but 1 tablespoon of it. Trust me, this is the ultimate flavor builder.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Turn the heat to medium-low. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot with the bacon. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is softening and fragrant, then stir in the garlic for that final hit of aroma—just a minute is perfect so the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 4: Deglaze with Sherry

Pour in sherry and scrape up all the delightful browned bits stuck to the bottom (that fond is liquid gold!). Simmer for 1-2 minutes to let the alcohol cook off, which leaves behind just the right tangy-sweet depth in your Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe base.

Step 5: Make the Roux

Add the butter and let it melt completely into the vegetables and bacon. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the flour mixture darkening slightly and thickening up; this step is essential for that smooth, thick bisque texture we all crave.

Step 6: Simmer and Build Flavor

Slowly whisk in the shrimp stock, adding it a bit at a time to avoid lumps. Follow with the water, half the green onions, and half the parsley. Bring up to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, occasionally skimming off any foam or fat. This is where all those flavors truly meld together.

Step 7: Cook the Shrimp, Corn, and Cream

Toss in the seasoned shrimp, sweet corn, and warm heavy cream. Stir well and add the remaining green onions and parsley (or save some for garnishing later). Let it all simmer just until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through—usually 5 minutes is perfect.

Step 8: Finish & Taste

Take a moment to taste your bisque and adjust the seasoning. A little more salt, black pepper, or Cajun seasoning can really make the flavors pop. Remember, it’s all about your personal touch!

Step 9: Serve Hot

Ladle the piping hot Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe into bowls. Garnish as you wish, and dive in while it’s steaming and fresh!

How to Serve Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe

Garnishes

A splash of color makes this dish sing! Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and thinly-sliced green onions over each bowl. If you want to go all-in, scatter a few bacon crumbles or a swirl of cream for a truly gourmet finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This bisque pairs like a dream with a crusty French baguette—perfect for sopping up every last drop! Add a light green salad or sweet cornbread on the side for a full Louisiana feast, and don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine to make your meal extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve your Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe in bread bowls, mini cocottes, or even inside roasted hollowed-out bell peppers at a dinner party. You can also ladle it into small espresso cups for a fun appetizer at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making day-two leftovers a special treat!

Freezing

Because this bisque is cream-based, freezing can sometimes alter the texture slightly, but it’s still doable! Portion into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little room for expansion) and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat the bisque over low heat on the stove, stirring often so it doesn’t scorch or separate. Add a splash of cream or stock if it’s thicker than you’d like. Microwaving works for single servings, but stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. You’ll still get wonderful flavor and texture in your Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe.

Is there a substitute for sherry cooking wine?

If you don’t have sherry, a splash of dry white wine works well. For an alcohol-free option, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It’s best to use raw shrimp, since they soak up flavors as they cook and stay tender. But if you only have cooked shrimp, add them at the very end just to warm them; otherwise, they may become rubbery.

How spicy is this bisque?

The spice level really depends on your Cajun seasoning. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat, and add more at the end to taste. This Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe is deliciously customizable!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute a rich unsweetened coconut cream or a plain oat-based cream for the heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still tasty and decadent.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to cook up a batch of this unforgettable Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe! It’s a celebration of fresh Gulf flavors and Southern heart, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and make some new memories around the table.

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