Stuffed Shrimp

Stuffed shrimp is a culinary delight that beautifully balances elegance and comfort food. I stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering, where we wanted to impress our guests without spending all day in the kitchen. The combination of succulent shrimp filled with a luscious stuffing of crab, spinach, and cheesy goodness captivated everyone at the table. This dish is perfect for a special occasion, a cozy dinner, or simply to treat yourself, and it brings a bit of coastal charm to your home-cooked meals.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why should you consider stuffing shrimp for your next meal? For starters, it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines fresh seafood with hearty filling. The mix of flavors, from the savory crab and artichokes to the creamy cheese and herbs, creates a delightful taste experience that appeals to a wide range of palates. Not to mention, it’s relatively quick to prepare—ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.

“Wow! These stuffed shrimp were the highlight of our dinner party. The flavor was incredible, and my guests couldn’t get enough!” – Emily, home cook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Before diving into the recipe details, let’s set some expectations. Making stuffed shrimp involves preparing the shrimp, creating a flavor-packed filling, and then letting the oven work its magic. The whole process takes about an hour, which includes some hands-on time and baking. It’s straightforward enough for anyone looking to elevate their seafood game.

What You’ll Need

To make stuffed shrimp, you’ll need a mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s what you should gather:

• 2 lbs of 16-20 shrimp, deveined and butterflied
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz lump or claw crab meat (optional but highly recommended)
• 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 (mozzarella and pepperjack work well)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped

Step-by-Step Directions

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get started:

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, season the deveined shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
3. In another bowl, mix the filling by combining crab meat (if using), cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, cheese, minced garlic, dried herbs, garlic salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
4. Carefully fill each butterflied shrimp with the stuffing mixture. Be generous but avoid overstuffing.
5. Place the stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until shrimp are fully cooked.
6. Melt the butter in a small pan with minced garlic and drizzle over the top before serving for added richness.

Best Way to Serve

When it comes to serving stuffed shrimp, presentation matters! Arrange your shrimp on a serving platter with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley. Pair them with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. A refreshing cocktail or a crisp white wine makes for the perfect drink to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (though they’re delicious enough that you might not), here’s how to store them:

• Allow the cooked stuffed shrimp to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing them uncooked. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then wrap tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Expert Advice

• Quality Matters: Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the shrimp while baking. They should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with spices or alternative ingredients based on your preferences—this dish is highly adaptable!

Creative Twists

Looking to give your stuffed shrimp a unique twist? Consider adding ingredients like chorizo for a spicy kick, switching the cheese to feta for a Mediterranean flair, or tossing in some sun-dried tomatoes for added sweetness. You can also layer on different spices based on your flavor preferences.

FAQ

How long does it take to prepare stuffed shrimp?

Preparation time is about 20-30 minutes, with an additional 20-25 minutes of baking. Total time is roughly an hour.

Can I make the stuffed shrimp in advance?

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

Are there any substitutes for crab meat?

Yes, you can omit the crab or replace it with imitation crab, chopped shrimp, or even a vegetarian option such as mushrooms. Adjust seasonings accordingly!

By following this guide, you’re well-equipped to create stuffed shrimp that are not only delicious but memorable. Enjoy the culinary journey!

Stuffed Shrimp

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

A delightful combination of succulent shrimp stuffed with crab, spinach, and cheesy goodness, perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs of 16-20 shrimp, deveined and butterflied
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon 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 (mozzarella and pepperjack)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, season the deveined shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
3. In another bowl, mix the filling by combining crab meat (if using), cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, cheese, minced garlic, dried herbs, garlic salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
4. Carefully fill each butterflied shrimp with the stuffing mixture.
5. Place the stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until shrimp are fully cooked.
6. Melt the butter in a small pan with minced garlic and drizzle over the top before serving.

Notes

Serve with a light salad or roasted vegetables. Quality shrimp yields the best flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: shrimp, stuffed shrimp, seafood recipe, crab, dinner party