As I rummaged through my fridge for ideas to impress friends over the holidays, a glimmer of craving struck me—a dish so impressive yet so simple: delicious crab stuffed shrimp! These elegant morsels not only tantalize the taste buds, but they also come together in a flash, turning any gathering into a festive occasion. Each bite showcases tender shrimp wrapped around a creamy, savory filling that’s as satisfying as it is luxurious. Plus, this recipe is gluten-free with easy substitutions available, ensuring everyone can enjoy it. Are you ready to create a seafood masterpiece that will leave your guests raving? Let’s dive in!
Why is this stuffed shrimp a must-try?
Flavor Explosion: Each bite of these stuffed shrimp bursts with rich crab flavor, enhanced by a delightful blend of herbs and spices.
Quick and Easy: You can have this impressive dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for casual dinners or holiday gatherings.
Versatile and Creative: Feel free to swap ingredients like using lobster instead of crab or adding different vegetables for a unique twist—imagination is your only limit!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With these delectable bites, you’ll be the star of the party, impressing everyone with your culinary skills and delicious offerings.
Healthy Option: Made with fresh ingredients, including spinach and artichokes, this dish is a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Perfect Pairing: Serve these delightful stuffed shrimp with a side of garlic butter sauce and a wedge of lemon for a truly elevated dining experience.
For more seafood inspiration, check out my recipes for Christmas Stuffed Pork or Shrimp Balls Savory.
Stuffed Shrimp Ingredients
For the Shrimp
• 16-20 Shrimp – Choose fresh, large shrimp for easy stuffing and superior flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil – Helps season the shrimp; replace with melted butter for a richer taste.
• 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika – Adds a lovely smokiness; use regular paprika for a milder flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning – Enhances the seafood taste; only add if you enjoy a classic kick.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder – A convenient way to add depth; fresh minced garlic will intensify the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder – Offers savory nuances; fresh onion may add texture if you prefer.
• ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning – A mix of dried herbs to uplift the stuffing flavors; swap with fresh herbs if you have them.
• ½ teaspoon Pepper – Provides a gentle heat; can be adjusted according to your taste.
For the Filling
• 8 oz Lump or Claw Crab Meat – The star of your stuffing, lending sweetness and texture. Substitute with other seafood if allergies arise.
• 1 cup Cooked Spinach – Nutritionally rich; ensure it’s squeezed and fixed into small pieces. Frozen spinach works well here, too.
• 6 oz Chopped Artichokes – Adds a delightful tang; canned ones should be drained thoroughly.
• 1 cup Mayo – Acts as the binder; switch to sour cream or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard – A hint of sharpness that elevates the mixture; it’s optional if you prefer a milder taste.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce – Adds depth; while optional, it’s a recommendation for extra umami.
• ½ cup Italian Breadcrumbs – For texture; gluten-free breadcrumbs can be swapped in here without any fuss.
• 8 oz Cheese (Mozzarella and Pepperjack) – Melts beautifully for a creamy texture; Cheddar or a non-dairy cheese can also be used.
For the Sauce
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter – Essential for making the garlic butter dill sauce; don’t skip this step!
• 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic (for sauce) – Infuses the sauce with robust flavor; fresh garlic enhances this richly.
• 1 teaspoon Fresh Dill (chopped) – Complements the shrimp perfectly; can be replaced with parsley or omitted if desired.
To Brighten the Dish
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds brightness to the filling; lemon zest heightens the citrus aroma for a fresh touch.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create an unforgettable platter of stuffed shrimp that will truly wow your guests!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Stuffed Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This essential step ensures your stuffed shrimp will bake evenly and perfectly. While the oven warms up, gather your baking tray, and line it with parchment paper or a light layer of cooking spray, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a large mixing bowl, toss the deveined, butterflied shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Make sure each shrimp is well-coated with these flavorful spices. You’ll want the shrimp to glisten and be fragrant, so take a moment to appreciate the aroma before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the crab meat, cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Italian breadcrumbs, mozzarella and pepperjack cheese, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix everything until fully incorporated. The filling should be creamy yet chunky, showcasing the bits of crab and vegetables for those delicious stuffed shrimp.
Step 4: Stuff the Shrimp
Carefully fill each seasoned shrimp with the crab mixture, being mindful not to overstuff. The filling should be heaping but contained within the shrimp. Place the stuffed shrimp on the lined baking tray, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking. This is where you’ll start seeing your delicious crab stuffed shrimp take shape!
Step 5: Bake the Shrimp
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know your stuffed shrimp are ready when they turn opaque and the filling is bubbly and slightly golden on top. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a little different, and you want to achieve that perfect golden-brown hue.
Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter Dill Sauce
While the shrimp are baking, prepare the garlic butter dill sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, then add the minced garlic and fresh dill. Allow this sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Once ready, set it aside, allowing the flavors to infuse while your stuffed shrimp finish baking.
What to Serve with Delicious Crab Stuffed Shrimp
Elevate your dining experience with perfect accompaniments that enhance the delightful flavors of your elegant seafood dish.
-
Garlic Butter Pasta: A light and flavorful pasta tossed in garlic-infused butter complements the shrimp, adding a satisfying texture and taste. The buttery sauce mirrors the richness of the stuffed shrimp, creating a harmonious pairing.
-
Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens tossed with a citrus vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling. This salad adds a burst of color and a crunchy element, nicely balancing the indulgence of the shrimp.
-
Baked Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with olive oil and lemon zest add a healthy, vibrant touch. Their earthy flavors enhance the seafood without overshadowing it, making for an elegant side.
-
Creamy Risotto: A rich, creamy risotto infused with fresh herbs creates a luxurious base for the stuffed shrimp. The risotto’s velvety consistency pairs beautifully with the various textures found in the dish.
-
Roasted Baby Potatoes: Crispy, golden baby potatoes seasoned with rosemary complement the stuffed shrimp well. Their crunchy exterior and soft center provide a delightful contrast to the dish’s creamy filling.
-
Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay offers a delightful crisp acidity that cuts through the richness of the stuffed shrimp. Choose a lightly oaked version to perfectly enhance the natural flavors of the seafood.
-
Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light lemon sorbet acts as a refreshing palate cleanser. Its bright citrus notes beautifully echo the lemon used in your dish, leaving your guests with a refreshing finish after the meal.
Expert Tips for Stuffed Shrimp
- Select Quality Shrimp: Choose the largest, freshest shrimp possible for easy stuffing and maximum flavor. Avoid frozen shrimp with a lot of ice buildup.
- Avoid Overfilling: Stuff the shrimp generously but don’t overfill; this prevents them from cooking evenly and bursting during baking.
- Watch Baking Time: Bake until shrimp are opaque and the stuffing is bubbly—overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp. Broil briefly at the end for a crispy top!
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge; assemble the stuffed shrimp just before baking to save time.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize your stuffed shrimp by adding your favorite ingredients, such as different cheeses or vegetables, for a unique twist.
How to Store and Freeze Stuffed Shrimp
Fridge: Store leftover stuffed shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their fresh flavor and texture.
Freezer: If you’d like to freeze stuffed shrimp, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffed shrimp on a baking tray and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they’re heated through.
Serving Fresh: For the best experience, enjoy your stuffed shrimp while they are fresh. If frozen, avoid refreezing after thawing to maintain quality.
Make Ahead Options
These crab stuffed shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flavorful ingredients meld together beautifully. Simply mix the crab meat, spinach, artichokes, mayo, and seasonings, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, stuff the shrimp just before baking to preserve their freshness and texture. For even greater convenience, you can season and stuff the shrimp the night before as well. Cover them tightly and refrigerate, then bake directly from the fridge, allowing an extra couple of minutes of baking time for perfect, restaurant-quality results!
Stuffed Shrimp Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these stuffed shrimp variations that will delight your taste buds and suit all preferences!
- Lobster Swap: Replace crab meat with succulent lobster for a luxurious twist that guarantees special occasion appeal.
- Vegetable Delight: Instead of spinach and artichokes, use roasted red peppers and mushrooms for added flavor and color.
- Cheese Change: Try integrating feta or gouda instead of mozzarella and pepperjack for a unique taste experience.
- Heat It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for those who enjoy a little kick in their shrimp!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to cater to gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.
- Herbaceous Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley in the filling will enhance the flavor profile and provide freshness.
- Creamy Alternative: Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter version of the filling that’s equally delicious.
- Seafood Medley: Combine crab meat with scallops or shrimp for a diverse seafood filling that will please any seafood lover.
For a wonderful side dish, pair these stuffed shrimp with a decadent garlic butter sauce and a fresh lemon wedge, or round out your meal by trying my delectable Stuffed Pork Tenderloin for an unforgettable dinner experience!
Crab Stuffed Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for stuffed shrimp?
Absolutely! I recommend using large, fresh shrimp, as they are easier to stuff and offer superior flavor. Look for shrimp that are deveined and butterflied for optimal results. Avoid frozen shrimp with excessive ice buildup, as that can indicate poor quality.
How do I store leftovers of my stuffed shrimp?
Very easy! Simply place leftover stuffed shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. To maintain their fresh flavor and texture, reheat them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I freeze stuffed shrimp, and how?
Certainly! If you want to freeze your stuffed shrimp, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
What can I substitute if I’m allergic to crab?
No worries! You can substitute the crab meat with other seafood options, such as lobster or scallops, or even use a mixture of sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Just keep in mind the cooking times may vary based on the seafood you choose.
How can I avoid overcooking the shrimp while baking?
Great question! To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on your shrimp while they bake. They should turn opaque and the stuffing should be bubbly. A good trick is to remove them from the oven as soon as they’re finished and consider broiling them for a minute to achieve a crispy top if desired.
Can stuffed shrimp be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply stuff the shrimp just before cooking. This helps save time and makes it easier to serve a delicious dish at your gathering!
Irresistible Stuffed Shrimp That Will Wow Your Guests
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Toss the deveined shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
- In another bowl, combine crab meat, spinach, artichokes, mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, cheese, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Stuff each shrimp with the crab mixture, being careful not to overstuff, and place them on the baking tray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until shrimp are opaque and filling is bubbly and golden.
- For the garlic butter dill sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, add minced garlic and dill, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Leave a Reply