Stuffed Shrimp

Stuffed shrimp are a delightful seafood dish that combines plump, juicy shrimp with a rich and flavorful filling. This recipe elevates ordinary shrimp to a whole new level of deliciousness, making it an impressive choice for dinner parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight meal. As someone who has enjoyed making and tasting these stuffed wonders, I can confirm they never fail to impress. With their delightful blend of textures and flavors, the stuffed shrimp offer both comfort and elegance at the same time.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

There are countless ways to prepare shrimp, but what makes this stuffed shrimp recipe truly special is the combination of fresh ingredients and a savory stuffing that promises to dazzle your taste buds. Not only is it an ideal dish for special occasions, but it can also make a fantastic weeknight dinner that’s easy to whip up. The use of lump crab meat, if you choose to include it, adds a luxurious touch without breaking the bank. This dish is great for impressing guests at a dinner party, serving as a crowd-pleaser at holiday feasts, or simply treating yourself to something delicious.

“This stuffed shrimp recipe has become a staple in my home! The flavors meld beautifully, and my entire family can’t get enough of it.”

Preparing Stuffed Shrimp

The process of making stuffed shrimp is easier than you might think! Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure an even cook. Prepare your shrimp by deveining and butterflying them, which not only enhances presentation but also allows for the stuffing to sit perfectly inside. Then work on the delicious stuffing mixture. It’s all about layering flavors, from garlic to herbs, which come together to create a savory experience that pairs perfectly with the shrimp. Finally, once your shrimp are stuffed, bake them for about 20-25 minutes for a deliciously satisfying dish.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

To turn this culinary delight into reality, gather these ingredients:

• 2 lbs of 16-20 shrimp (deveined and butterflied)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 8 oz lump or claw crab meat (optional)
• 1 cup cooked spinach (strained and chopped)
• 6 oz chopped artichokes (strained and chopped)
• 1 cup mayonnaise (or substitute with sour cream or cream cheese)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 8 oz cheese (e.g., mozzarella and pepper jack)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp dried herbs
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and zest
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp fresh dill (chopped)

(Feel free to substitute crab meat with additional veggies for a vegetarian option or swap out the cheese based on your preference!)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a bowl, season the deveined, butterflied shrimp with a mix of olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
3. For the filling, combine crab meat, prepared spinach, artichokes, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, cheese, minced garlic, dried herbs, and garlic salt in a separate bowl.
4. Carefully fill each butterflied shrimp with the stuffing mixture.
5. Arrange the stuffed shrimp on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until shrimp are thoroughly cooked and the stuffing is nicely golden.
6. For serving, melt some butter with minced garlic and drizzle it over the plated shrimp.

Perfect Pairings for Stuffed Shrimp

These stuffed shrimp make for an eye-catching entrée but pairing them right can elevate your meal even further. Consider serving them with a light salad, such as a spinach or arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier side, creamy risotto or garlic mashed potatoes work wonderfully to absorb the delicious flavor of the shrimp. Lastly, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs exquisitely with this dish, enhancing the seafood experience.

Keeping Stuffed Shrimp Fresh Longer

If you find yourself with leftovers, there’s no need to worry! To store your stuffed shrimp, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. If you’d like to prepare them in advance, you can freeze the uncooked stuffed shrimp. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn and use them within three months for the best quality.

Tips and Tricks

• For an extra decadent touch, feel free to mix in some Parmesan cheese with your stuffing.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds brightness and balances the rich flavors beautifully.
• If you want to cut down on prep time, consider using pre-cooked shrimp or a store-bought dipping sauce for serving.

Creative Twists

While the original recipe is undeniably delicious, there are many ways to recreate it. For example, you could switch up the cheese by utilizing a strong blue cheese for a bolder flavor. Incorporating different herbs, such as cilantro or mint, can give a refreshing twist to your dish. For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the stuffing. Additionally, if you want to cater to dietary needs, try a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative for those avoiding gluten.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make stuffed shrimp?

From prep to table, expect to spend about 45 minutes on this dish, including 25 minutes of baking time.

Can I make stuffed shrimp in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing and fill the shrimp ahead of time. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

How can I substitute the crab meat?

If crab isn’t available or you prefer a vegetarian option, feel free to omit it entirely or replace it with more vegetables like chopped bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms.

Is it safe to thaw and refreeze stuffed shrimp?

It’s best to cook the stuffed shrimp before refreezing. Thaw in the refrigerator and note that refrozen shrimp may have a different texture.

This stuffed shrimp recipe is sure to become a highlight on your dinner table. Embrace the rich flavors and textures, and don’t be surprised when family and friends come back for seconds! Enjoy cooking and indulging!

Stuffed Shrimp

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

A delightful seafood dish combining juicy shrimp with a rich and flavorful filling, perfect for dinner parties or cozy weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs of 16-20 shrimp (deveined and butterflied)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz lump or claw crab meat (optional)
• 1 cup cooked spinach (strained and chopped)
• 6 oz chopped artichokes (strained and chopped)
• 1 cup mayonnaise (or substitute with sour cream or cream cheese)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 8 oz cheese (e.g., mozzarella and pepper jack)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp dried herbs
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and zest
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp fresh dill (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a bowl, season the deveined, butterflied shrimp with a mix of olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
3. For the filling, combine crab meat, prepared spinach, artichokes, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, cheese, minced garlic, dried herbs, and garlic salt in a separate bowl.
4. Carefully fill each butterflied shrimp with the stuffing mixture.
5. Arrange the stuffed shrimp on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until shrimp are thoroughly cooked and the stuffing is nicely golden.
6. For serving, melt some butter with minced garlic and drizzle it over the plated shrimp.

Notes

Feel free to substitute crab meat with additional veggies for a vegetarian option or swap out the cheese based on your preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: stuffed shrimp, seafood, easy dinner, crab stuffed shrimp, baked shrimp, party food, special occasion