Stuffed Shrimp

Stuffed shrimp are an irresistible seafood delight that combine the sweet, briny flavor of shrimp with a rich and savory stuffing. Perfect for an elegant dinner party, cozy family gathering, or even as a satisfying weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, creating the perfect stuffed shrimp is easier than you might think. Read on to discover the full recipe and tips for serving this scrumptious dish.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) 16-20 Shrimp (deveined and butterflied)
• 2 teaspoons (10g) smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) pepper
• 8 oz (225g) lump or claw crab meat (optional)
• 1 cup (240ml) cooked spinach (strained & chopped)
• 6 oz (170g) chopped artichokes (strained & chopped)
• 1 cup (240ml) mayo (you can also use sour cream or cream cheese)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup (60g) Italian breadcrumbs
• 8 oz (225g) cheese (I used mozzarella and pepper jack)
• 1 tablespoon (15g) minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried herbs
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15g) minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon (5g) fresh dill (chopped)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, season the deveined, butterflied shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. In a separate bowl, create the filling by combining the lump or claw crab meat (if using), cooked and strained spinach, chopped artichokes, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, cheese of choice, minced garlic, and dried herbs. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Carefully fill each butterflied shrimp with the prepared stuffing mixture. Ensure each shrimp is well-filled but not overflowing.
5. Place the stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the stuffing is golden brown.
7. While the shrimp are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and fresh dill, stirring until fragrant.
8. Once done, drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the stuffed shrimp and serve immediately.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Nutrition info: Approx. 400 calories per serving (varies depending on ingredients used)

How to serve

Stuffed shrimp can be served as a stunning main dish or as an appetizer at your next gathering. Pair them with a light salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to complement the flavorful stuffing. A side of garlic butter, lemon wedges, or a tangy dipping sauce can elevate the dish further. For an elegant presentation, consider plating the stuffed shrimp on a bed of fresh greens, garnished with additional chopped dill or parsley.

FAQs

1. Can I make stuffed shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and stuffing in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

2. What kind of cheese works best for stuffed shrimp?
Mozzarella and pepper jack are excellent choices for their melty texture and flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese like cheddar or gouda.

3. Is it necessary to use crab meat?
No, crab meat is optional. The dish will still be delicious without it, so you can customize it based on your preferences or dietary restrictions.

Stuffed Shrimp

Stuffed shrimp are an irresistible seafood delight that combines the sweet, briny flavor of shrimp with a rich and savory stuffing, perfect for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Seafood

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the shrimp

• 2 lbs 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 pepper

For the filling

• 8 oz lump or claw crab meat (optional) Can be omitted for a crab-free version.
• 1 cup cooked spinach (strained & chopped)
• 6 oz chopped artichokes (strained & chopped)
• 1 cup mayo (you can also use sour cream or cream cheese)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 8 oz cheese (I used mozzarella and pepper jack)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 zest zest of 1 lemon

For the garlic butter sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill (chopped)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, season the deveined, butterflied shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. In a separate bowl, create the filling by combining the lump or claw crab meat (if using), cooked and strained spinach, chopped artichokes, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, cheese of choice, minced garlic, and dried herbs. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Carefully fill each butterflied shrimp with the prepared stuffing mixture. Ensure each shrimp is well-filled but not overflowing.

Baking

1. Place the stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the stuffing is golden brown.

Garlic Butter Sauce

1. While the shrimp are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and fresh dill, stirring until fragrant.
2. Once done, drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the stuffed shrimp and serve immediately.

Notes

Stuffed shrimp can be served as a main dish or appetizer. Pair with light salad or roasted vegetables. A side of garlic butter, lemon wedges, or a tangy dipping sauce can elevate the dish. Optional to prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking.