Easy & Elegant Crab Stuffed Shrimp: The Ultimate Recipe for Any Occasion
Prepare to impress your guests and delight your taste buds with this incredible crab stuffed shrimp recipe. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated appetizer to kick off a dinner party or a memorable main course served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, these succulent, butterflied shrimp generously filled with a flavorful crab meat stuffing are guaranteed to be a hit. The best part? This gourmet-quality dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
Mastering the Art of Stuffed Shrimp
This recipe holds a special place in our hearts, being one of the first culinary creations ever shared on YouTube, and it remains a timeless favorite for its exquisite taste and elegant presentation. The secret to truly exceptional stuffed shrimp lies in the quality of its components, particularly the crab stuffing. We believe in using only the finest ingredients to achieve that authentic, rich seafood flavor that truly elevates this dish.
For this recipe, we exclusively use real lump crab meat. While other varieties exist, the sweet, tender flakes of lump crab provide an unparalleled texture and depth of flavor that simply cannot be replicated. Paired with real mayonnaise for creaminess and the iconic Old Bay Seasoning for that signature Chesapeake Bay kick, our crab filling embodies the perfect balance of savory and aromatic notes. This commitment to quality ensures every bite is bursting with an unforgettable taste experience.
Why This Crab Stuffed Shrimp Recipe Is a Must-Try
There are countless reasons why this particular stuffed shrimp recipe stands out and continues to be a go-to for many home cooks:
- An Elegant Dish for Any Gathering: This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The refined appearance and gourmet taste of these crab-stuffed shrimp make them an ideal choice for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or any event where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort but maximum impact.
- Perfectly Cooked, Juicy Shrimp: The technique of butterflying the shrimp allows them to cook evenly and absorb the rich flavors of the crab stuffing. Baked in the oven, the shrimp remain tender and juicy, complementing the succulent, perfectly seasoned crab meat filling beautifully. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes in every bite.
- Diet-Friendly Options: For those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. By simply omitting the breadcrumbs from the crab stuffing, you can easily transform this decadent meal into a healthy, yet incredibly satisfying, option without sacrificing any flavor.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: Despite its sophisticated appeal, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. With active prep time kept to a minimum and a total cook time of less than 30 minutes, you can create a culinary masterpiece even on your busiest days.
Essential Ingredients for Crafting Your Crab Stuffed Shrimp
Gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step towards culinary success. Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic dish:
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for stuffing. Make sure they are peeled and deveined, leaving the tails on for a beautiful presentation.
- Crab Meat: As mentioned, real lump crab meat is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Look for fresh or refrigerated pasteurized crab meat.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the crab stuffing, ensuring it holds its shape.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the rich seafood flavors.
- Real Mayo (Mayonnaise): A crucial component for a creamy, cohesive, and flavorful stuffing. Quality mayonnaise makes a big difference.
- Old Bay Seasoning: The iconic blend of herbs and spices that gives the crab stuffing its classic, savory, and slightly spicy character.
- Cayenne Pepper: A pinch adds a subtle heat that wonderfully complements the sweetness of the crab and shrimp without overpowering them. Adjust to your spice preference.
- Bread Crumbs: Help bind the stuffing and provide a delightful texture. For a low-carb option, these can be omitted or substituted with almond flour.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential. It brightens the flavors, cuts through the richness, and adds a zesty finish to both the stuffing and the baked shrimp.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors of the seafood and spices.
How to Butterfly Shrimp for Optimal Stuffing
Butterflying shrimp is a simple technique that creates a larger surface area for stuffing and ensures even cooking. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Start with peeled and deveined shrimp, leaving the tails intact for presentation.
- Lay a shrimp on its side on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp paring knife, carefully make a slit along the inner curve of the shrimp, from the head end almost to the tail. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to create a hinge.
- Gently open the shrimp flat, pressing down slightly to create a butterfly shape. The shrimp should now lie relatively flat on your plate or baking sheet with its tail pointing upwards.
- Repeat this process for all your shrimp. This simple step not only makes stuffing easier but also gives the final dish a beautiful, fanned appearance.
What to Serve with Crab Stuffed Shrimp: Perfect Pairings
These versatile stuffed shrimp can be enjoyed as a standalone appetizer or transformed into a complete meal. When serving as a main course, pairing them with the right sides can truly elevate the dining experience. Consider these delicious options:
Classic Pairings:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: As mentioned, rich and buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the savory seafood. Their smooth texture and subtle flavor allow the shrimp to shine.
- Rice Dishes: A side of Spanish Rice offers a flavorful, aromatic companion, with its blend of tomatoes, spices, and rice. Alternatively, a simple lemon-herb rice or a light pilaf would also be excellent choices.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any flavorful juices left on the plate, adding a satisfying crunch to your meal.
Lighter & Healthier Options:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Parmesan Brussel Sprouts add a delightful nutty flavor and tender-crisp texture. Other great choices include asparagus, green beans, or a medley of seasonal roasted vegetables.
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich crab and shrimp, adding freshness and acidity.
- Steamed Broccolini or Asparagus: These vibrant green vegetables offer a simple, healthy, and elegant side that pairs beautifully with seafood.
Ultimately, the choice is yours! Whether you prefer a hearty accompaniment or something lighter, these crab-stuffed shrimp are wonderfully adaptable.
Tips for Success & Frequently Asked Questions
To ensure your crab stuffed shrimp turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips and answers to common queries:
Pro Tips for the Juiciest Shrimp:
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye on them during baking and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn opaque and pink. The suggested baking time of 13-15 minutes is a good guideline, but actual time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your shrimp.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: As emphasized, using real lump crab meat and good quality mayonnaise makes a significant difference in the final taste. Don’t skimp on these key components.
- Chill the Stuffing: Refrigerating the crab mixture for an hour before stuffing helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to handle. This also ensures the stuffing holds its shape better during baking.
- Seasoning: Taste your crab mixture before adding the egg and breadcrumbs (if using) to adjust salt and pepper levels. Remember Old Bay is already seasoned, so add additional salt cautiously.
- Lemon Zest Boost: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, consider adding a pinch of finely grated lemon zest to the crab mixture along with the juice.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips:
- Can I prepare this in advance? Yes! You can prepare the crab stuffing mixture up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. You can also butterfly the shrimp ahead of time. However, for the best results, stuff the shrimp just before baking to prevent them from becoming watery.
- How to store leftovers: Leftover cooked crab stuffed shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating instructions: To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can make the shrimp tough.
Can I Use Imitation Crab Meat?
While you *can* use imitation crab meat, it’s highly recommended to use real lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture. Imitation crab meat often lacks the sweet, delicate flavor and flaky texture of real crab, and its composition can be different, which might affect the stuffing’s consistency. If you do use imitation crab, ensure it’s finely flaked or chopped to integrate well into the mixture, and you may need to adjust seasonings slightly.
How Do I Know When the Shrimp is Cooked?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn opaque and pink. They will also curl into a C-shape. Overcooked shrimp will be very tightly curled into an O-shape and will have a rubbery texture. It’s better to slightly undercook them and check frequently than to overcook. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the shrimp should read 145°F (63°C).
Explore More Delicious Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of shrimp, there’s a world of culinary possibilities waiting for you. Here are some other fantastic shrimp recipes to add to your repertoire:
- Honey Garlic Shrimp: A sweet and savory delight, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
- Shrimp Marinade: Learn how to infuse your shrimp with incredible flavor before grilling, sautéing, or baking.
- Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta: A rich and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender shrimp in a luscious Alfredo sauce.
- Cajun Salmon and Shrimp: A spicy and vibrant dish that combines two fantastic seafood options for a robust flavor experience.
Don’t forget to connect with us for more culinary inspiration! You can find more delicious recipes and cooking tutorial videos on YouTube and Facebook.
Stuffed Shrimp
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs shrimp
- 1 lb crab meat
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tbsp old bay seasoning
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 of lemon juiced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, old bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, parsley, bread crumbs, egg, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper lightly.
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Fold in the crabmeat gently, then cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Peel shrimp leaving tails on then butterfly and season with salt and pepper.
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Place about 1 tbsp of the crab mixture on top of the shrimp.
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Bake for 13-15 minutes or until fully cooked through, squeeze a little lemon juice if desired and enjoy!
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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