Smooth Creamy Shrimp Corn Bisque

This hearty Shrimp and Corn Bisque has become my go-to comfort meal on busy weeknights when I crave something both satisfying and impressive. The smooth, velvety texture paired with tender shrimp and sweet corn creates the perfect balance of flavors without any dairy or gluten.

I first created this recipe when hosting an impromptu dinner party for friends with dietary restrictions. What started as a culinary challenge has become one of my most requested dishes, even by those with no dietary limitations.

Ingredients

• Ghee or butter: for sautéing and creating a rich foundation for all other flavors
• Onion celery and carrot: creating the aromatic base that gives depth to the bisque
• Corn kernels: providing natural sweetness and texture both blended and whole
• Garlic cloves: essential for that savory undertone that complements the sweetness
• Arrowroot starch: a gluten free thickener that creates silky texture without graininess
• Sea salt and black pepper: fundamental seasonings that enhance all other flavors
• Paprika: adds a subtle smoky note and beautiful color to the finished bisque
• Dried thyme: brings an earthy herbaceous quality that pairs perfectly with seafood
• Tomato paste: concentrated flavor that adds umami and balances the sweetness
• Bone broth or chicken broth: provides depth and nutrition beyond regular stock
• Coconut milk: creates dairy free creaminess with a subtle sweetness
• Shrimp: the star protein that cooks quickly and adds beautiful texture
• Fresh herbs for garnish: adding color and freshness to the finished dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Flavor Base:

Heat ghee in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add onion celery carrot and just a portion of corn kernels. Cook while stirring occasionally for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften but not brown. This initial cooking releases the natural sweetness in the vegetables.

Build the Roux:

Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant being careful not to burn it. Sprinkle arrowroot starch evenly over the vegetables ensuring no clumps form. Stir continuously for one full minute allowing the starch to cook slightly which removes any raw taste.

Develop the Seasonings:

Add salt pepper paprika thyme and tomato paste stirring vigorously to incorporate everything evenly. The mixture will become thick and fragrant with the spices toasting slightly which intensifies their flavors.

Create the Base Liquid:

Pour in broth gradually while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 3 minutes until you notice it beginning to thicken. The liquid should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

Blend Until Smooth:

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the hot mixture to a traditional blender. Puree until completely smooth with no visible vegetable pieces. If using a traditional blender return the pureed mixture to the pot.

Add Creaminess:

Return the pot to medium heat and pour in the coconut milk stirring to incorporate completely. The bisque will take on a beautiful light orange color and silky texture.

Finish With Texture:

Add the remaining corn kernels and raw shrimp to the pot. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until shrimp turn completely pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp or they will become tough.

Serve and Garnish:

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle the hot bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and green onions for color and freshness.

Save This

The coconut milk is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its magic when developing recipes for my sister who developed a dairy allergy as an adult. She cried actual tears of joy when tasting this bisque because it reminded her of our grandmother's cream based soups that she thought she could never enjoy again.

Dietary Adaptations

This bisque is naturally gluten free when using arrowroot starch as the thickener. For those who can consume gluten regular all purpose flour works equally well in the same quantity. The coconut milk provides a dairy free alternative but can be substituted with heavy cream for those without dairy restrictions. The flavor profile changes slightly with cream being richer and coconut milk adding a subtle tropical note that many actually prefer with the seafood.

Make Ahead Tips

This bisque can be partially prepared ahead of time for even quicker weeknight meals. Complete all steps through blending the base and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to serve reheat the base bring to a simmer add the coconut milk corn and shrimp to finish cooking. This method actually intensifies the flavors as they have time to meld in the refrigerator.

Flavor Variations

The versatility of this recipe allows for numerous variations. For a spicy version add a diced jalapeño with the aromatics and finish with a sprinkle of cayenne. Create a smoky southwestern version by adding roasted poblanos and substituting cilantro for parsley. For a luxurious upgrade add lump crab meat along with the shrimp in the final cooking stage. My personal favorite variation includes a splash of dry sherry added just before serving which adds incredible depth.

Common Queries

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, both fresh or frozen shrimp work well. Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking for best texture.

→ What can I substitute for coconut milk?

Heavy cream or half-and-half are great alternatives for a creamy consistency if dairy is not a concern.

→ How do I make the bisque thicker?

Increase the amount of arrowroot or cornstarch. Blending more of the vegetables and corn will also create a thicker base.

→ Is this bisque gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use arrowroot or cornstarch instead of wheat-based thickeners, the dish is gluten-free.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store cooled bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

→ Can the spice level be adjusted?

Absolutely! For extra heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne, jalapeños, or Old Bay seasoning to taste.