Scallop Bisque Recipe – A Creamy, Elegant Seafood Delight
This Scallop Bisque is a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for light summer dinners or as part of a multi-course meal. With its rich, creamy texture and delicate flavor, it brings the sweetness of scallops together with a smooth base of milk, butter, and seasonings. Whether served alone with a crisp green salad or as an appetizer for a special dinner, this bisque offers a comforting, yet refined experience. Easy to prepare in just under 40 minutes, it’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy a cozy evening meal at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scallops | 1 pound | Fresh or frozen scallops, thawed if using frozen |
| Onion | 1 medium | Finely chopped |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons | Unsalted |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons | All-purpose flour |
| Milk | 2 cups | Whole milk works best for creaminess |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | Freshly ground for best flavor |
| Garlic | 1 clove | Minced |
| Bay Leaf | 1 | Remove before serving |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 271.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 77.5 mg |
| Sodium | 449.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 11.9 g |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugars | 0.1 g |
| Protein | 23.7 g |
Instructions
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Sauté the Onion
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The butter should be bubbly but not browned, ensuring the onion doesn’t scorch.
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Create the Roux
Blend the flour into the softened onion and butter mixture. Stir well to ensure the flour absorbs the butter and forms a smooth paste. Gradually add the milk, a little at a time, while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to stir as the mixture begins to thicken. -
Simmer and Thicken
Keep cooking the mixture, stirring frequently, until it has thickened to a creamy consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to lower the heat to avoid scorching the milk, which can cause a curdled texture. -
Season the Bisque
Once the mixture has thickened, add salt, pepper, garlic, and the bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine the seasonings into the sauce, then add the scallops. Gently stir the scallops into the creamy base, ensuring they are evenly distributed. -
Cook the Scallops
Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The scallops should cook through and become tender without overcooking, which can cause them to become rubbery. The mixture should remain smooth and creamy. -
Finish and Serve
After 15 minutes, remove the bay leaf from the bisque. Taste the bisque and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed. Ladle the bisque into bowls and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
This Scallop Bisque is perfect for a light but elegant meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or serve it alongside a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it as part of a multi-course seafood feast, with other dishes like lobster tails or shrimp cocktails to complement the bisque.
For a more luxurious touch, garnish the bisque with a few extra scallops, a drizzle of cream, or some finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives. This bisque can also be chilled and served as a cold soup for warmer months.
Tips and Variations
- Scallops: If you’re not a fan of scallops, feel free to substitute them with shrimp or crab for a different flavor profile. Both work beautifully in creamy bisques.
- Vegan Version: For a plant-based version, use dairy-free butter and almond milk or coconut milk instead of the milk and butter.
- Extra Creamy: For an even richer bisque, substitute a portion of the milk with heavy cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Scallop Bisque is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavor. The delicate sweetness of the scallops paired with the richness of the milk and butter creates a comforting, luxurious dish that feels like a special treat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a quiet dinner at home, or looking for a fresh, light meal to enjoy on a summer evening, this bisque fits the bill perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that combines simplicity with elegance, making it suitable for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen scallops work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the bisque. -
How can I make this bisque spicier?
If you prefer a spicier bisque, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the base. Adjust to taste as needed. -
Can I make this ahead of time?
While this bisque is best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. Keep in mind that the scallops might lose a bit of their tender texture after being stored. -
Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! This bisque can easily be made with shrimp, lobster, or crab. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some seafood cooks faster than others.
This Scallop Bisque offers the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or enjoying it as a main course, it’s sure to impress with its luxurious texture and subtle flavors. Enjoy the richness of seafood in this easy-to-make dish that is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
