There’s something undeniably special about gathering with friends and family over a plate of Crab Stuffed Shrimp. Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of seasoned shrimp wafting through your kitchen, instantly elevating any meal into a memorable occasion. I vividly recall the first time I served this dish at a holiday get-together; the oohs and aahs from my guests as they took that first bite were all the affirmation I needed that I had struck culinary gold.
These shrimp are not just an appetizer; they are a luxurious bite filled with the rich flavors of lump crab, fresh spinach, and artichokes, harmoniously complemented by a hint of smoked paprika. Perfectly baked with a golden and crispy topping, they are sure to delight seafood enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Best of all, this elegant dish is easy to prepare, making it a go-to for any gathering. So, if you’re ready to impress your loved ones, let’s dive into this delicious recipe that promises to transform your next meal into a feast!
Why will you love Stuffed Shrimp?
Deliciously Elegant: These Crab Stuffed Shrimp embody sophistication without the fuss, making them the perfect showstopper at any gathering.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory crab, artichokes, and a touch of smoked paprika creates an unforgettable taste sensation.
Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe invites cooks of all skill levels to shine in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Serve them as an appetizer, and watch as your friends and family rave about each delicious bite.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them a day in advance and simply bake before serving, saving you time during busy gatherings.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to customize the filling with various seafood or veggies, ensuring everyone can enjoy a personal touch!
Stuffed Shrimp Ingredients
Prepare to create a delightful dish with these essential ingredients for your Crab Stuffed Shrimp masterpiece!
For the Shrimp
• 16-20 Shrimp – Large shrimp must be deveined and butterflied to hold the scrumptious filling securely.
For the Seasoning
• Smoked Paprika – Adds depth with a rich, smoky flavor; substitute with regular paprika for a milder taste if desired.
• Olive Oil – Essential for seasoning the shrimp, enhancing moisture and overall flavor.
• Old Bay Seasoning – A classic blend that brings out the authentic seafood flavors in your stuffed shrimp.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Contributes savory depth, ensuring your shrimp are flavorful from the inside out.
• Italian Seasoning & Pepper – Adds aromatic herbs and warmth, enhancing the overall taste profile.
For the Filling
• Lump or Claw Crab Meat – Provides the rich seafood flavor that makes this dish unforgettable; opt for high-quality crab for the best experience.
• Cooked Spinach – A nutritious addition that adds richness; make sure it’s well-strained to avoid excess moisture.
• Chopped Artichokes – They introduce a unique flavor and texture, enhancing the stuffing’s appeal.
• Mayonnaise – Acts as a binder, adding creaminess; can be swapped for sour cream or cream cheese for a twist.
• Dijon Mustard & Worcestershire Sauce – Enhances the flavor complexity of the filling for a sophisticated taste.
• Italian Breadcrumbs – Binds the filling while adding a crisp texture post-baking.
• Cheese (Mozzarella and Pepperjack) – Offers creaminess and flavor; any melty cheese can work if you prefer.
• Minced Garlic & Dried Herbs – Provide that aromatic kick that elevates your stuffed shrimp.
• Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest – Brightens the flavors, lending freshness to the overall mixture.
For Serving
• Unsalted Butter, Minced Garlic, & Fresh Dill – Create a garlic butter dill sauce for drizzling over baked shrimp, enhancing the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Stuffed Shrimp
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the perfect stage for baking your stuffed shrimp to a tender, juicy finish.
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Season the shrimp by tossing them in a mixture of olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper, ensuring each shrimp is coated evenly.
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Mix the filling in a bowl. Combine lump crab meat, well-strained cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Italian breadcrumbs, cheese, minced garlic, dried herbs, fresh lemon juice, and zest. Blend until well combined for a luscious stuffing!
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Fill each butterflied shrimp generously with the prepared stuffing mixture. Make sure not to overfill, allowing room for the shrimp to cook evenly.
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Arrange the stuffed shrimp on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the tops are golden brown and crispy.
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Prepare a garlic butter dill sauce by melting unsalted butter in a small pan, then add minced garlic and fresh dill, stirring until fragrant.
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Drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce over the baked shrimp before serving, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.
Optional: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for added brightness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing these Crab Stuffed Shrimp ahead of time is a smart way to save on busy weeknights or holiday gatherings! You can assemble the stuffed shrimp up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. To maintain their deliciousness, ensure that your filling is well-seasoned and not too wet, which will prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven and bake the shrimp directly from the fridge, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated thoroughly. With this prep-ahead strategy, you’ll be ready to delight your guests with minimal last-minute fuss!
Stuffed Shrimp Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and make this stuffed shrimp recipe your own!
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Seafood Swap: Replace crab meat with cooked lobster or shrimp for a twist on flavor that seafood lovers will adore.
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Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling for extra color and texture, creating a delightful vegetable medley.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the filling for those who crave a touch of heat in this seafood treat.
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Cheesy Options: Swap mozzarella and pepperjack for creamy goat cheese or sharp cheddar to elevate the flavor profile and offer a different cheese experience.
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Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil in the filling for an aromatic twist that enhances freshness.
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Citrus Zing: Introduce orange zest along with the lemon for a unique citrus flavor that brightens the dish and adds an unexpected surprise.
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Gourmet Touch: Infuse the stuffing with a splash of white wine or a hint of lemon-infused olive oil to elevate the flavors and impress your guests.
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Bread Crumb Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of Italian breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp.
Expert Tips for Stuffed Shrimp
Choose the Right Shrimp: Larger shrimp (16-20 count) not only present beautifully but also hold the filling better, making for a more satisfying bite.
Strain Spinach Well: Ensure your cooked spinach is well-strained to avoid a soggy filling. Excess moisture can lead to disappointing results.
Adjust the Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to tailor the seasoning levels to your taste. This allows you to create stuffed shrimp that suit your palate perfectly.
Monitor Cooking Time: Use a digital thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so keep a close eye!
Make-Ahead Advantage: Prepare the filling a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your stuffed shrimp.
What to Serve with Stuffed Shrimp?
These delectable stuffed shrimp create a perfect centerpiece for any meal, inviting the warmth and comfort of good company and delicious food.
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Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery perfection of garlic bread adds a wonderful contrast to the richness of the stuffed shrimp, perfect for soaking up the flavors.
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Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad, with its crunchy romaine and creamy dressing, offers a refreshing balance against the savory seafood, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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Steamed Asparagus: Bright, vibrant asparagus provides an elegant touch alongside stuffed shrimp. Its tender crunch and subtle flavor complement the richness of the shrimp while adding a pop of color on the plate.
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Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf infused with herbs makes for a simple yet flavorful side. Its mildness allows the stuffed shrimp to shine while providing a comforting, hearty accompaniment.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables, drizzled in olive oil and herbs, introduces a caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory tones of the shrimp.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay, with its fruity notes and refreshing acidity, is an ideal pairing, enhancing the flavors of the crab stuffing while keeping the meal light.
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Lemon Sorbet: To cleanse the palate after the rich stuffed shrimp, a bright, refreshing lemon sorbet serves as a delightful dessert that echoes the citrus notes in your dish.
Savor each bite and enjoy the harmony of flavors as you share this delightful meal with your loved ones.
Storage Tips for Stuffed Shrimp
Fridge: Store any leftover stuffed shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a tasty second serving.
Freezer: If you want to freeze these scrumptious stuffed shrimp, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to ensure they’re heated through without drying out.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shrimp a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh before serving to maintain that delicious flavor and texture!
Stuffed Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for stuffed shrimp?
I recommend using large shrimp in the 16-20 count range as they provide a perfect size for stuffing. Larger shrimp present beautifully and hold the filling securely, ensuring a satisfying bite.
How do I store leftover stuffed shrimp?
Store any leftover stuffed shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a delicious second serving, just as good as the first time!
Can I freeze stuffed shrimp?
Absolutely! To freeze stuffed shrimp, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How can I avoid soggy stuffing?
Very important! Make sure your cooked spinach is well-strained to prevent excess moisture. Excess liquid can lead to a soggy filling. Additionally, consider adjusting the main liquid ingredients in the stuffing, like mayo, if needed.
Are there any allergy substitutions I can make for the filling?
Yes! If anyone has shellfish allergies, feel free to substitute the crab with cooked lobster, shrimp, or even a completely vegetarian mix with ingredients like mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious alternative.
Mouthwatering Stuffed Shrimp That Impress Every Time
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the shrimp by tossing them in a mixture of olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
- Mix the filling in a bowl. Combine lump crab meat, well-strained cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Italian breadcrumbs, cheese, minced garlic, dried herbs, fresh lemon juice, and zest.
- Fill each butterflied shrimp generously with the prepared stuffing mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shrimp on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and the tops are golden brown.
- Prepare a garlic butter dill sauce by melting unsalted butter in a small pan, then add minced garlic and fresh dill.
- Drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce over the baked shrimp before serving.