Crab Stuffed Shrimp – This dish perfectly combines succulent shrimp with a rich, savory crab filling, creating an entrée worthy of any dinner party or special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crab-stuffed shrimp marries two incredible seafood flavors—juicy, plump shrimp and sweet, tender crab. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also visually stunning, with the shrimp curled around a mound of golden-browned stuffing. It’s perfect for holidays, romantic dinners, or whenever you feel like indulging.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crab-Stuffed Shrimp
To ensure your dish turns out flawlessly, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh shrimp and lump crab meat are key to achieving the best flavor. If fresh isn’t available, high-quality frozen options work well too.
- Devein and Butterfly Properly: For even cooking and easy stuffing, make sure to properly butterfly the shrimp by cutting along the back and removing the vein.
- Bind the Filling Well: A mixture of breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and egg helps the crab stuffing hold together and stay moist during cooking.
- Don’t Overstuff: Be generous with the filling but avoid overloading; this ensures the shrimp cooks evenly.
- Bake, Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp.
Variations to Try
Customizing your crab-stuffed shrimp is easy. Here are some delicious variations:
- Cajun-Style: Add Cajun seasoning and diced bell peppers to the stuffing for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix shredded Parmesan or Gruyère cheese into the crab filling for a creamy, cheesy flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal.
- Herbaceous Flair: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives into the stuffing for a bright, aromatic touch.
How to Serve Crab-Stuffed Shrimp
Crab-stuffed shrimp can be the star of your table or part of a larger meal. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Appetizer: Serve these as elegant appetizers on a platter garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
- Main Course: Pair with buttery mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Sauce Pairings: A drizzle of lemon butter sauce, creamy garlic sauce, or a tangy remoulade takes the dish to the next level.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerating: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked crab-stuffed shrimp. Wrap them individually in foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To retain moisture, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
1. What type of shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal as they have enough surface area to hold the stuffing.
2. Can I use canned crab meat?
While fresh or refrigerated lump crab meat offers the best flavor, canned crab meat is a budget-friendly alternative. Just make sure to drain it well.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and stuff the shrimp, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
4. How do I prevent the stuffing from falling out?
Butterflying the shrimp properly and placing them tightly together on the baking sheet helps keep the stuffing secure.
5. What’s the best way to add flavor to the stuffing?
Enhance the crab stuffing with Old Bay seasoning, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of lemon juice for a burst of flavor.
Crab Stuffed Shrimp (Baked)
Crab Stuffed Shrimp - This dish perfectly combines succulent shrimp with a rich, savory crab filling, creating an entrée worthy of any dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb 1 lb lump crabmeat
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp (about 16- 20 per pound), peeled, deveined and butterflied, leave the tail
- 10 Ritz crackers, finely ground (or panko)
- 2 Tbsp butter, unsalted and melted
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Kosher salt, divided
- 1 Tbsp chopped parsley, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Insert a paring knife from the top and cut about ⅔ of the body until you hit the tail. Open up the meat until it lies flat.
- In a small mixing bowl, add the crab meat, Dijon, Worcestershire, melted butter, old Bay seasoning, Ritz cracker crumbs, ¾ tsp Kosher salt and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Season shrimp with ¼ tsp salt. Stuff shrimp with the crab filling and press to make sure they are standing upright.
- Bake the shrimp for about 13-15 minutes or until the crab filling is a light golden brown.
- Serve with chopped parsley and enjoy immediately.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 323Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 365mgSodium 2105mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 47g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Conclusion
Crab-stuffed shrimp is a timeless seafood delicacy that delivers restaurant-quality results from the comfort of your kitchen. With its rich, flavorful stuffing and succulent shrimp base, it’s a dish that’s sure to delight. Whether you’re preparing it for a special event or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is a surefire hit. Try it out and savor the taste of the sea in every bite!
