Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat

Introduction

This Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp with Crabmeat is a show-stopping dish that combines the sweet, succulent flavors of jumbo shrimp with a rich, savory crabmeat stuffing. The shrimp are baked to perfection, remaining tender and juicy, while the crabmeat filling adds a creamy, flavorful twist that elevates the entire dish. Whether you serve it as an elegant appetizer or a sophisticated main course, this recipe is perfect for special occasions, holiday dinners, or any time you want to indulge in something truly special.

The stuffing itself is incredibly easy to prepare, blending tender crabmeat, breadcrumbs, and a mix of aromatic seasonings. Once baked, the stuffing becomes golden brown and slightly crispy, adding a satisfying texture contrast to the tender shrimp. As the stuffing bakes, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich, savory bite that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

What I love about this dish is how versatile it is. You can serve it as an appetizer at a dinner party, or make it the star of the show for a holiday meal or family gathering. The combination of flavors and textures makes it feel fancy and indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make. If you’re a fan of seafood, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your rotation—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Special occasions
• Holiday meals
• Dinner parties
• Seafood lovers
• Elegant appetizers

Why You’ll Love This Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat

Here’s why you’ll adore Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp with Crabmeat:

• Simple Yet Elegant: Despite its refined presentation, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. The combination of jumbo shrimp and a rich crabmeat stuffing creates a dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
• Tender Shrimp: The shrimp stay tender and juicy after baking, while the crabmeat stuffing adds a perfect contrast in texture and flavor.
• Versatile Dish: You can serve this as a fancy appetizer or a main course, making it a great choice for both casual dinners and formal occasions.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The stuffing can be prepared ahead of time, and the shrimp can be stuffed and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake, saving time on the day of your event.
• Flavorful Crab Stuffing: The crabmeat stuffing is infused with garlic, lemon, herbs, and a hint of spice, making every bite irresistible.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp with Crabmeat:

• 12 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails on
• 1/2 pound lump crabmeat, drained and picked over
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Jumbo Shrimp: The large shrimp are perfect for stuffing and provide a meaty, flavorful base for the crab filling.
• Lump Crabmeat: High-quality lump crabmeat gives the stuffing a sweet, delicate flavor and rich texture.
• Cream Cheese & Mayonnaise: These ingredients add creaminess to the stuffing, ensuring it’s rich and smooth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory depth of flavor to the stuffing mixture.
• Dijon Mustard & Old Bay Seasoning: These ingredients enhance the seafood flavors and add a subtle tang and spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp with Crabmeat:

Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Use a paring knife to make a small slit down the back of each shrimp to create a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Season the Shrimp: Lightly season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Set aside.

Prepare the Crabmeat Stuffing:

4. Mix the Stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the crabmeat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently fold the ingredients together, being careful not to break up the crabmeat too much. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape.

Stuff the Shrimp:

5. Stuff the Shrimp: Using a spoon, gently stuff each shrimp with the crabmeat mixture. Fill each shrimp generously but avoid overstuffing to ensure they bake evenly. Place the stuffed shrimp in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are arranged in a single layer.

Bake the Shrimp:

6. Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffed shrimp for added richness and flavor.
7. Bake: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the stuffing is golden and bubbly. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque, and the stuffing should be firm and slightly browned on top.

Serve:

8. Serve and Garnish: Remove the shrimp from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

How to Serve Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat

Here’s how to serve your Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp with Crabmeat in different ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the stuffed shrimp on a platter as an elegant appetizer for your next dinner party or holiday gathering.
• With a Side Salad: Pair the shrimp with a fresh green salad or a light citrus salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• With Rice or Risotto: Serve over a bed of rice or a creamy risotto for a complete meal.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a light and healthy side dish.
• With Garlic Bread: For a more indulgent meal, serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up any leftover stuffing or juices from the shrimp.

Additional Tips for Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat

Here are some tips to help you perfect your Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp with Crabmeat:

• Use Fresh Crabmeat: If possible, use fresh lump crabmeat for the best flavor. Canned crabmeat will work as well, but the taste won’t be as vibrant.
• Don’t Overstuff the Shrimp: Be careful not to overstuff the shrimp, as this can cause the stuffing to spill out while baking and make the shrimp tough.
• Broil for a Crispy Top: For a crispy golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Customize the Seasoning: If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the stuffing.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the shrimp and stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate the assembled dish for up to 4 hours before baking.

Recipe Variations for Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat

Try these fun variations of Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp with Crabmeat:

• Lobster Stuffing: Substitute the crabmeat with fresh lobster meat for an extra-luxurious version.
• Cheese Stuffing: Add more cheese to the stuffing, such as mozzarella or Gruyère, for a gooey, cheesy filling.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp: Skip the crabmeat stuffing and simply stuff the shrimp with garlic butter and fresh herbs for a simpler version.
• Spicy Stuffing: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Use a mix of finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, and breadcrumbs for a vegetarian stuffing.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the stuffed shrimp before baking. Arrange the stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Leftover stuffed shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to warm through.

Special Equipment for Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat

Here’s some special equipment that will help you prepare your Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp with Crabmeat:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for arranging the stuffed shrimp.
• Mixing Bowls: A medium-sized bowl for preparing the stuffing and a smaller bowl for mixing the shrimp seasoning.
• Butter Melter: A small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for melting the butter.
• Spoon: A spoon to gently stuff the shrimp with the crabmeat mixture.

FAQ Section for Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe with Crabmeat

1. Can I use smaller shrimp?
   Yes, you can use smaller shrimp, but adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller shrimp will cook faster.
2. What other seafood can I add to the stuffing?
   You can add chopped scallops, lobster, or even fish to the stuffing to vary the flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can stuff the shrimp and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before baking.
4. Can I use a different cheese for the stuffing?
   Yes, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
5. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked through?
   The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. You can also check by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part of the shrimp, aiming for 120°F (49°C).

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Conclusion

Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp with Crabmeat is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that combines the delicate flavors of shrimp with a rich, flavorful crabmeat stuffing. Perfect for any occasion, from a special holiday feast to a casual dinner, these stuffed shrimp will elevate your meal with their stunning presentation and mouthwatering taste. The combination of tender shrimp and savory crabmeat filling creates a dish that is both elegant and satisfying.

What’s great about this recipe is its versatility – you can adjust the stuffing ingredients to suit your tastes by adding herbs, cheese, or even a touch of spice. The simplicity of the preparation ensures that even novice cooks can achieve a gourmet result. Whether served as an appetizer or the main course, these stuffed shrimp are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

I can’t wait to see how your Baked Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp with Crabmeat turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creations. Feel free to leave a comment with any variations you’ve tried or tips to make this dish even more delicious!