Imagine a dish that combines the succulent sweetness of tender shrimp with the unexpected crunch of crisp apples and vibrant vegetables – a recipe that transforms ordinary seafood into an extraordinary culinary adventure. This Shrimp Stuffed with Apple and Vegetables is not just a meal; it's a gourmet experience that will transport your palate to new heights of flavor and sophistication. Get ready to impress your dinner guests and elevate your home cooking with this show-stopping recipe that's surprisingly easy to prepare!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Apple
- Bell pepper
- Carrot
- Onion
- Garlic
- Breadcrumbs
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by carefully deveining and removing the shells, leaving the tail intact. Butterfly the shrimp by making a gentle cut along the back, opening them flat.
- Finely dice the apple, bell pepper, carrot, and onion into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
- In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced vegetables and apple, sautéing until they become soft and slightly caramelized, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Remove the vegetable mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Mix in breadcrumbs to create a cohesive stuffing mixture.
- Season the stuffing with salt and pepper, ensuring the ingredients are well combined.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Carefully stuff each butterflied shrimp with the vegetable and apple mixture, pressing gently to secure the filling.
- Arrange the stuffed shrimp on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the stuffing is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight ocean-like smell.
- When butterflying the shrimp, use a sharp knife and make sure not to cut completely through the shrimp. The goal is to create a pocket for the stuffing.
- Pat the shrimp dry before stuffing to ensure the filling adheres better and the shrimp cook evenly.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They should be pink and just opaque. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the vegetable mixture or sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top before serving.
- If you want a crispier top, you can briefly broil the stuffed shrimp for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture – these stuffed shrimp are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 180mg
