Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transform your dinner table into a gourmet seafood paradise! These stuffed shrimp aren't just a recipe; they're a culinary experience that marries the delicate sweetness of succulent shrimp with rich, flavorful crab meat. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your taste buds with every single bite.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by carefully peeling and deveining them, leaving the tail intact for presentation. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper stuffing and browning.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Butterfly each shrimp by making a deep cut along the underside, being careful not to cut completely through. Gently open the shrimp to create a pocket for stuffing.
- Generously fill each shrimp with the crab meat mixture, pressing the stuffing gently but firmly into the cavity. Ensure the stuffing is evenly distributed.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the stuffed shrimp on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows for even cooking and browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and the stuffing is golden brown and heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the shrimp to cool slightly.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve immediately with a lemon wedge on the side for extra brightness.
Tips
- Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and presentation. The larger the shrimp, the easier they are to butterfly and stuff.
- Pat the shrimp completely dry before stuffing to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent excess moisture.
- Don't overstuff the shrimp - aim for a generous but neat filling that allows the shrimp to cook evenly.
- Use fresh ingredients, especially the crab meat and parsley, to maximize flavor complexity.
- For an extra crispy top, consider broiling the shrimp for 1-2 minutes after baking to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal temperature and texture of the stuffed shrimp.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a light, citrusy cocktail to complement the seafood's delicate flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
