intro

I love seafood, and I still remember my first taste of crab stuffed shrimp. It was at a famous local restaurant. The shrimp, wrapped in crab stuffing, was so good it made me want to make it at home.

Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that brings back that amazing taste. It’s quick and easy, ready in just 30 minutes.

Key Takeaways

Crab Stuffed Shrimp is a restaurant-quality seafood dish that can be made at home in just 30 minutes.
The recipe features jumbo or colossal shrimp stuffed with a creamy crab filling, seasoned with garlic, lemon, and herbs.
This healthier version is baked, not fried, and contains no butter or mayonnaise, making it a more calorie-conscious option.
The dish can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for special occasions or entertaining guests.
Customizable variations, such as spicy or Cajun-style, allow for personalization to suit different taste preferences.

Why This Seafood Dish Will Impress Your Guests

Take your next gathering to the next level with this amazing crab stuffed shrimp recipe. It’s perfect for special events like Christmas or New Year’s Eve. The mix of juicy shrimp and crab meat is a coastal delight that will wow your guests.

Restaurant-Quality Appeal

This recipe is made with care, offering a taste and look that’s top-notch. The extra-jumbo shrimp, stuffed with crab filling, look stunning. It’s a dish that will impress anyone.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Whether it’s a small dinner or a big party, this shellfish dishes recipe is a great choice. It’s easy to make and has amazing flavors and textures. Your guests will love the taste of a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Health Benefits of Seafood Combination

This dish is not just tasty, but also good for you. Shrimp and crab are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a healthier choice than fried or creamy dishes, making everyone happy.

Wow your guests with this incredible crab stuffed shrimp dish. It’s a highlight of Louisiana cuisine and coastal delicacies. Be the star host of the season with this dish that will be remembered for a long time.

Essential Ingredients for Crab Stuffed Shrimp

Make your seafood dish stand out with a crab stuffed shrimp recipe. It’s perfect for impressing your guests. Start with jumbo or colossal shrimp for a juicy base. Choose fresh lump or claw crab meat, especially Maryland blue crab, for the best flavor.

You’ll need some pantry staples: egg, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, parsley, whipped cream cheese, and panko breadcrumbs. The egg holds the filling together. Garlic, lemon, and Old Bay give it a savory Cajun flavor. Dijon mustard adds a bit of spice, and cream cheese and panko breadcrumbs make it creamy and crunchy.

For a richer taste, try using Ritz crackers instead of panko breadcrumbs. Add a fresh touch with chopped parsley on top.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a seafood appetizer that will wow your guests. They’ll love your cajun cooking and crab stuffing skills.

“The secret to a truly amazing crab stuffed shrimp dish is using the freshest, highest-quality seafood you can find.” – Chef Lana, Seafood Enthusiast

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

When you’re cooking up shrimp recipes or any seafood dish, the right tools are key. Let’s look at what you need to make your crab-stuffed shrimp dish perfect.

Preparation Tools

A sharp paring knife for deveining and butterflying the shrimp
Mixing bowls for combining the crab stuffing ingredients
A baking sheet or casserole dish for assembling and baking the stuffed shrimp

Cooking Equipment

You’ll need an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) to bake the stuffed shrimp just right.

Serving Essentials

To serve your crab-stuffed shrimp, use a platter or serving dish. Add lemon wedges and small dishes for dipping sauces like clarified butter or remoulade. This will make your seafood dish even better.

With these kitchen tools and equipment, you’re ready to make a crab-stuffed shrimp dish that will wow your guests. The right tools make cooking easy and fun.

Preparing and Butterflying the Shrimp

To make the perfect crab-stuffed shrimp, start by preparing and butterflying the shrimp. This method makes the shrimp look great and lets the crab stuffing fill the shrimp’s natural pocket.

First, take off the shell from each shrimp, keeping the tail on. This keeps the shrimp strong during stuffing and baking. Then, use a small, sharp knife to make a shallow cut down the shrimp’s back. Be careful not to cut all the way through. This is the butterflying step, which opens the shrimp for the crab stuffing.

After butterflying, remove the thin, dark vein from the shrimp’s back. This makes the shrimp look better and gets rid of any bad stuff.

Now that the shrimp are ready, it’s time to make the tasty crab stuffing. This will turn these simple shrimp into a true seafood masterpiece.

Making the Perfect Crab Stuffing

Making the perfect crab stuffing for your crab stuffed shrimp is an art. This filling is the dish’s heart, so getting the ingredients right is key. Let’s look at how to make a crab stuffing that will wow your guests.

Mixing the Base Ingredients

Begin by beating an egg in a bowl. Add minced garlic, onion powder, fresh lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley. Mix in softened cream cheese until it’s smooth.

Seasoning Tips

For more flavor, add a teaspoon of red curry paste to the mix. This gives a Thai twist to the seafood seasoning. You can also try paprika or cayenne for different heat levels.

Texture Considerations

To get the right texture in cooking, fold in the crab meat gently. This keeps the pieces whole. Then, add panko breadcrumbs for a nice crunch.

The crab stuffing should be moist but not soggy. The panko adds structure and crunch. Follow these tips to make a stuffing that will make your shrimp dish unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Assembly Process

Making crab-stuffed shrimp is easy and impressive. Start by placing the shrimp on a baking sheet. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and lemon juice on them to boost the taste.

Then, take 1 tablespoon of crab mix and shape it into a ball. Place it in the center of each shrimp. Fold the shrimp’s tail over the stuffing and press it down. Do this for all shrimp to make them look great.

Place butterflied shrimp on a prepared baking sheet.
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Form 1 tablespoon of crab mixture into a ball and place on each shrimp.
Wrap the shrimp’s tail around the stuffing and press to secure.
Repeat for all shrimp.

This recipe is great because you can prepare the shrimp ahead of time. Just cover the baking sheet and refrigerate until baking. It’s perfect for special events or when you have guests over.

Ingredient	Quantity
Raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp with tails removed	1/2 pound
Rice wine vinegar for the shrimp filling	1 teaspoon
Sesame oil for the shrimp filling	1 teaspoon
Soy sauce for seasoning the shrimp filling	1 teaspoon
Sambal oelek for adding heat to the shrimp filling	1/2 teaspoon
Cornstarch to bind the shrimp filling	1 tablespoon

Baking Instructions and Temperature Guidelines

To make delicious crab stuffed shrimp, baking is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking.

Optimal Cooking Time

Bake the crab stuffed shrimp for 8-10 minutes. This makes the shrimp pink and firm. It also heats the crab stuffing well. Don’t overcook, as it can make the shrimp tough.

Visual Cues for Doneness

The shrimp should have a vibrant, pink hue, indicating they are cooked through.
The crab stuffing should be heated thoroughly, with no signs of rawness or chilliness.
The texture of the shrimp should be firm and plump, not shrunken or dried out.

To get a crispy top, broil the shrimp for the last minute. This adds a golden-brown crust. It makes the dish look and feel better.

Perfectly cooked crab stuffed shrimp need attention and visual checks. With practice, you can make amazing baked seafood at home.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Make your crab stuffed shrimp dish even better with great serving ideas and tasty pairings. Serve the baked shrimp with a fresh lemon wedge and a side of clarified butter or zesty remoulade sauce for dipping. Try pairing it with flavorful sides like fragrant rice pilaf, baked potatoes, crisp salads, roasted vegetables, or warm crusty bread.

For a New Orleans-inspired feast, serve the crab stuffed shrimp with other Creole or Cajun seafood dishes. The combination of succulent shrimp and rich crab filling goes well with bold, aromatic Creole flavors. Consider adding dishes like jambalaya, étouffée, or gumbo for a memorable meal.

For drinks, a chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or buttery Chardonnay pairs perfectly with seafood. These wines’ acidity and freshness balance the richness of the crab stuffed shrimp, creating a perfect dining experience.

Crab stuffed shrimp is versatile, making it great for any occasion or a delicious weeknight meal. You can tailor your meal plan to your guests’ tastes and your creativity. Try different sides, flavors, and pairings to find your favorite seafood combination and make your meal special.

Conclusion

This crab stuffed shrimp recipe is a true delight. It combines the fresh tastes of shrimp and crab in a way that’s both impressive and satisfying. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, sure to please your guests and become a favorite.

The mix of textures and flavors in this easy seafood recipe is amazing. It’s great for special events and can be made ahead of time, making hosting easy. This homemade gourmet dish is a great way to impress and improve your cooking skills.

Try this crab stuffed shrimp dish and enjoy making a meal like a restaurant at home. Each bite is a treat, and mastering this recipe is truly rewarding.

FAQ

What sets this crab stuffed shrimp recipe apart?

This recipe is top-notch, perfect for special events like Christmas or New Year’s. It’s great as an appetizer or main dish.

What are the health benefits of this seafood dish?

It’s packed with protein and nutrients from shrimp and crab. It’s also lighter, baked instead of fried, with less filler.

What are the key ingredients in the crab stuffing?

You’ll need jumbo shrimp, crab meat, egg, garlic, and lemon juice. Also, old bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, parsley, whipped cream cheese, and panko breadcrumbs.

What kitchen tools and equipment are needed?

You’ll need a sharp knife, mixing bowls, and a baking sheet. An oven preheated to 350°F is essential. For serving, use a platter, lemon wedges, and small dishes for sauces.

How do you prepare and butterfly the shrimp?

Remove the shell but keep the tail. Devein by cutting along the back and removing the vein. Butterfly by cutting down the back, but not all the way through.

How do you make the perfect crab stuffing?

Mix egg, garlic, onion powder, lemon juice, and old bay. Add mustard, parsley, and whipped cream cheese. Fold in crab meat gently. The mix should be moist but not too wet, with panko adding structure.

How do you assemble the crab stuffed shrimp?

Place butterflied shrimp on a baking sheet. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Make a ball of crab mixture and place it on each shrimp. Wrap the tail around the stuffing and press to secure. Repeat for all shrimp.

What are the baking instructions and temperature guidelines?

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Look for pink, firm shrimp and heated stuffing. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender.

What are some serving suggestions and pairings?

Serve with lemon wedges and clarified butter or remoulade sauce. Pair with rice pilaf, baked potatoes, or fresh salad. Roasted vegetables or warm bread are also good. For a full meal, add other seafood dishes or a New Orleans-inspired feast.