Rich and Creamy New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

This New Orleans shrimp bisque combines fresh shrimp and sweet corn in a rich, creamy broth. Starting with crispy bacon and building layers of flavor with fresh herbs and cajun seasoning, it's a special dish that's worth the effort.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:26:37 GMT
A bowl of creamy shrimp soup with chopped herbs and pieces of vegetables, accompanied by slices of bread and lemon wedges. Pin it
A bowl of creamy shrimp soup with chopped herbs and pieces of vegetables, accompanied by slices of bread and lemon wedges. | recipesim.com

My New Orleans Style Shrimp and Corn Bisque

The first time I tasted Louisiana Shrimp and Corn Bisque I knew I had to learn how to make it at home. This creamy dreamy soup loaded with tender shrimp and sweet corn brings back memories of cozy New Orleans restaurants. Every spoonful feels like pure comfort with that rich flavorful broth that just warms your soul. When I make this for dinner parties everyone wants seconds and the recipe. There's something magical about how the Cajun spices blend with the creamy base.

A Taste of New Orleans

This recipe took me years to perfect after falling in love with it in Louisiana. I still remember sitting in that little restaurant off Bourbon Street tasting my first bowl. Now I love making it whenever I want to treat my family to something special. The sweet corn and Cajun spiced shrimp create such an amazing combo in that velvety broth. My kitchen smells just like those New Orleans bistros when this is simmering.

What You Need

  • Fresh Shrimp: Small to medium ones work best grab them peeled and deveined to save time
  • Bacon: Adds such amazing smoky flavor save some crispy bits for topping
  • Vegetables: You need the classic trinity onion celery and bell pepper plus garlic and fresh sweet corn
  • Cooking Sherry: Just a splash makes everything taste better white wine works too
  • Shrimp Stock: Homemade is amazing but store bought seafood stock works in a pinch
  • Heavy Cream: Makes everything rich and velvety
  • Seasonings: Good Cajun seasoning fresh parsley and green onions

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best way to make shrimp stock?

Save your shrimp shells and heads, sauté them in oil, then simmer with onion, celery, and water for 30 minutes. Strain before using.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before seasoning. Fresh shrimp gives best results, but good quality frozen shrimp works well too.

→ Why do you cook the flour for 5 minutes?

This makes a brown roux, adding color and deep flavor to the bisque. Keep stirring to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Make the base up to a day ahead, but add shrimp and cream just before serving to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

→ What can I substitute for sherry wine?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of chicken broth works well. You can also skip it, but it adds nice flavor.

Shrimp Corn Bisque

A luxurious New Orleans-style bisque with tender shrimp and sweet corn in a bacon-enriched cream broth. Perfect for special dinners.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: New Orleans

Yield: 4-6 bowls depending on serving size

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 Fresh Shrimp: Small to medium ones work best, peeled and deveined to save time.
02 Bacon: Adds such amazing smoky flavor, save some crispy bits for topping.
03 Vegetables: Onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, and fresh sweet corn.
04 Cooking Sherry: A splash makes everything taste better; white wine works too.
05 Shrimp Stock: Homemade is amazing, but store-bought seafood stock works in a pinch.
06 Heavy Cream: Makes everything rich and velvety.
07 Seasonings: Good Cajun seasoning, fresh parsley, and green onions.

Instructions

Step 01

Peel and devein the shrimp if not already prepared. Set aside.

Step 02

Cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon pieces and leave a few tablespoons of rendered fat in the pan.

Step 03

Sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper in the bacon fat until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.

Step 04

Add shrimp stock, cooking sherry (or white wine), and heavy cream to the pan. Stir to combine.

Step 05

Add shrimp and sweet corn to the pot, cooking until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Step 06

Stir in Cajun seasoning, fresh parsley, and green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 07

Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon pieces before serving.

Notes

  1. This dish is a comforting bisque inspired by the flavors of New Orleans.
  2. Pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven.
  • Knife and cutting board.
  • Ladle.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Seafood (shrimp).
  • Dairy (cream).
  • Alcohol (sherry or wine).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~