If you’re craving a seafood dish that bursts with flavor and looks as impressive as it tastes, you’re going to love this Juicy Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat Delight Recipe. Imagine plump jumbo shrimp, perfectly baked to tender perfection and filled with a luscious crabmeat stuffing that’s creamy, savory, and a little bit zesty. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that elevates a special occasion or a cozy dinner into something memorable. Whether you’re cooking for family or surprising guests, this dish delivers elegance and delight in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating your own seafood masterpiece. Each element in this recipe serves a distinct purpose, enhancing the overall taste, texture, and visual appeal of the dish. From fresh jumbo shrimp to aromatic herbs, every component works harmoniously.
- 1 pound Large Shrimp (Peeled and deveined): Jumbo shrimp provide the juicy and meaty base; peeling and deveining ensures ease of eating and a clean presentation.
- 1 cup Lump Crabmeat: This tender crabmeat is the star of the stuffing, offering that authentic seafood flavor and flaky texture.
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds a delicate crunch to the filling, balancing the creamy elements without weighing it down.
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise: Keeps the stuffing moist and creamy; Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute.
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley brings a burst of green color and a subtle earthiness that brightens the crab mixture.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: The perfect acidic kick that balances richness with a refreshing citrus note.
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic: Adds savory depth and complements the seafood flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning: A classic seafood seasoning blend that adds warmth and complexity; feel free to use your favorite spices instead.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Melting this over the shrimp before baking enriches the dish with luscious flavor and helps achieve a golden finish.
How to Make Juicy Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat Delight Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Preparing the tray ahead of time ensures a smooth workflow when it’s time to bake the shrimp.
Step 2: Butterfly the Shrimp
Carefully butterfly each peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp by slicing along the back but not all the way through. This creates a pocket perfect for stuffing without falling apart during baking.
Step 3: Mix the Crabmeat Filling
In a bowl, combine lump crabmeat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Old Bay seasoning. This mixture should be tender yet hold its shape, full of bright flavors and a hint of zest from the lemon and seasoning.
Step 4: Stuff the Shrimp
Fill each butterflied shrimp generously with the crabmeat mixture. Take your time to ensure each shrimp is packed nicely, which will guarantee a juicy bite every time. Arrange them spaced out on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Add Butter and Bake
Melt unsalted butter and gently drizzle it over the stuffed shrimp for extra richness and a golden-baked finish. Pop the tray into the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink and the stuffing is cooked through.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once baked, allow the shrimp to rest for a few moments. This brief cooling lets the juices settle, making each bite more succulent and flavorful.
How to Serve Juicy Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges makes for a visually appealing and fresh-tasting garnish, perfectly complementing the rich seafood flavors. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add just the right touch of sheen and richness.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing this shrimp delight with a crisp green salad or a light pasta tossed in garlic and olive oil. Steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables also work beautifully, keeping the meal balanced and allowing the shrimp to shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the shrimp stuffed with crabmeat on a platter lined with mixed greens or edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece. Alternatively, place each shrimp on individual appetizer spoons with a dollop of aioli or cocktail sauce for an elegant starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover shrimp to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the stuffed shrimp uncooked by arranging them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place shrimp in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely, peel, and devein them before butterflying. Pat them dry to help the stuffing stick well.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the stuffing?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a fantastic lighter alternative that still provides creaminess without overpowering the crab flavor.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño to the filling for a gentle heat kick that elevates the flavor profile.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
No worries. A simple combination of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne can replicate some of that signature taste.
How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?
The shrimp will turn opaque pink, and the flesh will feel firm but still tender to the touch. Overcooking can make it rubbery, so stick close to the recommended baking time.
Final Thoughts
Make sure to try this wonderfully flavorful and satisfying Juicy Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat Delight Recipe soon. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a gourmet chef, even if you’re just cooking for a casual night at home. Trust me, every bite will keep you coming back for more and impress anyone lucky enough to share your table.
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Juicy Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Juicy Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat Delight recipe features large shrimp butterflied and filled with a savory mix of lump crabmeat, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. Baked to perfection with a rich buttery drizzle, this dish offers a flavorful and elegant seafood appetizer or main course that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound Large Shrimp (Peeled and deveined)
Crabmeat Stuffing
- 1 cup Lump Crabmeat (Or substitute with chopped shrimp or scallops)
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Regular breadcrumbs can work in a pinch)
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley (Basil or chives can be used instead)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Lime juice can be a substitute)
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Garlic powder can substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (Can swap for any favorite seasoning mixtures)
Topping
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Omit for a lighter dish if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Shrimp: Butterfly each peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp by slicing them lengthwise through the back without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the stuffing.
- Make Stuffing: In a bowl, combine lump crabmeat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix gently to maintain the crab’s texture while blending the flavors.
- Stuff Shrimp: Carefully stuff each butterflied shrimp with the crabmeat mixture, pressing the filling firmly but gently to stay intact during baking. Arrange the stuffed shrimp on the prepared baking sheet evenly spaced.
- Add Butter: Melt the unsalted butter and drizzle it evenly over the stuffed shrimp to add richness and help the topping brown beautifully.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque, the stuffing is golden and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and to avoid burning your mouth.
Notes
- For a lighter variation, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and omit the butter drizzle.
- Old Bay seasoning can be replaced with your preferred seafood seasoning mix.
- If lump crabmeat is not available, finely chopped cooked shrimp or scallops make excellent substitutes.
- Ensure shrimp are thoroughly deveined and peeled for the best texture.
- Serve with a fresh lemon wedge for added zest and brightness.
- Careful not to overcook the shrimp to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
