Jamaican-Inspired Snapper Bisque Recipe
This Jamaican-inspired Snapper Bisque is a rich, creamy seafood soup that blends French elegance with Caribbean flavors. Fresh snapper is simmered with onions, garlic, celery, roasted red pepper, thyme, and a touch of scotch bonnet heat, then blended smooth and finished with heavy cream. Topped with crispy snapper and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect dish for cozy nights or dinner parties.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lbs fresh snapper fillets
- 4 cups fish stock or broth
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion , chopped
- 4 garlic cloves , minced
- 2 celery stalks , chopped
- 2 medium carrots , chopped
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole or chopped, to taste)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 stalks scallion (green pepper)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning badia
- 1 tsp adobo
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Homemade Seafood Stock
- 1 whole snapper fish
- 5-7 whole all spice pimento
- 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper ( optional but recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp Green Seasoning
For Garnish
- Crispy snapper fillet or chunk
- Fresh parsley or chives
- Drizzle of cream or olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Snapper
- Clean and season the snapper fillets lightly with salt, black pepper, and a touch of seasoned salt ( 1 tablespoon).
- Set aside to pan-sear or fry for garnish.
How to Make Homemade Fish Stock
- In a large pot add in about 7 cups of water
- To the pot, add in the whole snapper fish, thyme, garlic, all spice and green seasoning.
- Boil until the fish is cooked, about 30-45 mins
- Remove the fish and set it aside.
- Use a strainer to pour stock over veggies.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter and olive oil.
- Add onions, garlic, celery, carrots, scallions, and thyme. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
Build Flavor
- Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and scotch bonnet.
- Add broth and boil until soft.
Flake Whole Snapper
- While your bisque is boiling, flake the whole snapper fish and remove all the bones. Then set it aside
Blend into a Smooth Bisque
- Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) to puree until silky smooth.
Add Creamy Finish
- Stir in heavy cream, adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch more all-purpose seasoning.
- Add in flaked snapper and stir it completely.
Fry Snapper Filets
- To a skillet or frying pan add in oil, garlic and scotch bonnet pepper
- When the oil is heated, sear the fish on both sides.
Serve and Garnish
- Ladle into bowls. Top with a piece of crispy snapper, a swirl of cream, and sprinkle with parsley.
Video
Notes
Final Thoughts
Snapper bisque is more than just a soup—it’s a fusion of comfort, elegance, and culture. By bringing together the creamy richness of a French classic and the bold seasonings of Jamaica, you get a dish that feels both familiar and exciting. Whether you serve it as an appetizer for guests or as a cozy family dinner, this bisque is guaranteed to impress. If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and a little different from the usual seafood dishes, give this Jamaican snapper bisque a try. With every spoonful, you’ll taste the warmth of the Caribbean blended with timeless culinary tradition.Nutrition
Serving: 4gCalories: 2317kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 130gFat: 176gSaturated Fat: 107gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 44gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 662mgSodium: 4119mgPotassium: 4402mgFiber: 11gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 32633IUVitamin C: 206mgCalcium: 811mgIron: 7mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
