Stuffed Shrimp is a delicious dish that combines juicy, tender shrimp with a flavorful stuffing made from a mix of breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. Baked to golden perfection, each bite offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Why Stuffed Shrimp?
Stuffed shrimp is a dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re preparing an elegant holiday dinner or a romantic date night meal, it offers a delicious experience filled with flavor and texture. The tender, sweet shrimp provide the perfect contrast to the rich, savory stuffing, creating a bite that’s both satisfying and memorable.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Stuffed Shrimp
- Choose the Right Shrimp: Larger shrimp work best for stuffing. Make sure to peel and devein them while leaving the tail on for presentation.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and lose their delicate flavor.
- Stuffing Consistency: The stuffing should be moist but not soggy. Add breadcrumbs gradually to reach the right texture.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, broil the shrimp for 1-2 minutes after baking.
Variations of Stuffed Shrimp
- Cheesy Stuffed Shrimp: Add shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese to the stuffing for a melty, cheesy finish.
- Spicy Cajun Style: Incorporate Cajun seasoning and diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Shrimp: Wrap each stuffed shrimp with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick before baking for a smoky, savory twist.
How to Serve Stuffed Shrimp
Stuffed shrimp can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Here are some delicious pairings:
- Appetizer: Serve on a platter with a side of cocktail sauce or a lemon-garlic aioli.
- Main Course: Pair with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of creamy risotto.
- Surf and Turf: Complement the dish with a juicy steak for a luxurious dinner experience.
Wine Pairing
- A crisp Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with stuffed shrimp, enhancing the flavors of both the seafood and the herbs.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Recipe FAQs
Can You Freeze Stuffed Shrimp?
Yes! You can freeze stuffed shrimp before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
It’s not recommended, as pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when baked. Use raw shrimp for the best results.
What other fillings work well?
Aside from crab meat, you can use chopped scallops, minced lobster, or even a vegetarian stuffing with mushrooms and spinach.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. The stuffing should also be golden brown.
Stuffed Shrimp
Stuffed Shrimp is a delicious dish that combines juicy, tender shrimp with a flavorful stuffing made from a mix of breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. Baked to golden perfection, each bite offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 2 lbs shrimp, deveined and butterflied
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried herbs (like thyme or oregano)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
For the Filling
- 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 swap with sour cream or cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 8 oz cheese (I used a blend of mozzarella and pepper jack)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried herbs
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
For the Garlic Butter Dill Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, toss your butterflied shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, - Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, and black pepper. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine crab meat (if using), strained and chopped spinach, artichokes, mayo (or your preferred substitute), breadcrumbs, cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, dried herbs, garlic salt, lemon juice, and zest. Mix until well blended.
- Generously stuff each shrimp with the filling mixture. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake until the shrimp are pink and the stuffing is golden and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.
- While the shrimp bake, melt unsalted butter in a small pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and fresh dill. Drizzle this over your baked stuffed shrimp for an extra layer of flavor!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 781Total Fat 54gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 33gCholesterol 429mgSodium 2606mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 4gSugar 2gProtein 54g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed shrimp is a show-stopping dish that brings the flavors of the sea to your table in the most delicious way. With the right ingredients, a few simple techniques, and a little creativity, you’ll have a dish that’s as impressive as it is scrumptious. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your success stories in the comments below. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
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