Paleo Crab Bisque

Total time50 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time35 min

4.6

(5)

Classic bisque gets its signature richness from heavy cream and butter, which means it's usually off the table for anyone eating grain-free and dairy-free. This version solves that beautifully — a full can of coconut milk steps in for the cream, delivering the same velvety, luxurious texture without a drop of dairy. Arrowroot starch does the thickening work that flour would normally handle, and it blends in seamlessly so the soup coats the back of a spoon just the way a proper bisque should. The base builds serious depth from sautéed onion, celery, carrot, and garlic, all toasted with tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne before the stock even goes in. Once everything is blended smooth and the coconut milk is stirred through, a full pound of lump crab meat gets folded in gently at the end so it stays tender and sweet. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the whole bowl right before serving. This one makes four generous servings and is the kind of recipe that feels genuinely restaurant-worthy on a weeknight.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

4 servings

For the bisque

2 tbsp avocado oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 stalks celery, finely diced
1 medium carrot, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
3 cups seafood stock broth or chicken broth
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
2 tbsp arrowroot starch
2 tbsp cold water
1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

For serving

2 tbsp fresh chives, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

1
Heat the avocado oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion, celery, and carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and the onion is translucent, about 6–8 minutes.
2
Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Watch closely so it does not brown.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!