If you’re craving a seafood dish that brings together the best of land and sea with a burst of flavor in every bite, the Juicy Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat Delight Recipe is your new go-to indulgence. This recipe combines plump, tender jumbo shrimp with a luscious, savory crabmeat filling, baked to golden perfection. The flavors meld beautifully, making it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. Each shrimp is a treasure chest of texture and taste that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients is the first step to making this dish shine. The mix of fresh seafood, zesty herbs, and crunchy breadcrumbs gives this recipe its signature texture and flavor balance.
- 1 pound Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Jumbo size is key for stuffing and juicy bites.
- 1 cup Lump Crabmeat: Choose fresh lump crabmeat for sweetness and a delicate texture, or swap with chopped shrimp or scallops.
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a delightful crispiness; regular breadcrumbs work if you don’t have panko.
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and binds the filling, with Greek yogurt as a tangy lighter option.
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley: Provides fresh, herbal brightness; basil or chives are great alternatives.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Brings a refreshing zing that balances the richness; lime juice can be used instead.
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic: Infuses savory depth, though garlic powder can be substituted for ease.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning: The classic seafood seasoning that ties all the flavors together, feel free to use your favorite seafood spice blend.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Melts over the stuffed shrimp, adding richness; you can omit for a lighter dish.
How to Make Juicy Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Shrimp
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet to prepare for the stuffing process. Butterflying each shrimp carefully will create the perfect pocket for our scrumptious crabmeat filling — it’s a simple step that makes all the difference for presentation and flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Crabmeat Filling
In a medium bowl, gently combine the lump crabmeat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Old Bay seasoning. This mixture should be moist but hold together well enough to stuff, blending creamy, tangy, and savory tones into the perfect filling.
Step 3: Stuff the Jumbo Shrimp
Carefully spoon the crabmeat mixture into each butterflied shrimp, making sure each one is generously filled but not overflowing. Arrange your stuffed shrimp neatly on the prepared baking sheet, which sets the stage for even baking.
Step 4: Butter and Bake
Drizzle melted unsalted butter over the stuffed shrimp to keep them luscious and golden as they bake. Pop them into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and the topping is irresistibly golden and crisp.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
After baking, give your beautiful shrimp a few moments to cool slightly so the flavors settle and the juices stay locked in. This step ensures every bite is as juicy and delightful as you imagined.
How to Serve Juicy Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the top add a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor that complements the seafood perfectly. A light squeeze of lemon juice on the plate right before eating brightens the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Juicy Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat Delight Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic butter roasted asparagus, or a fluffy bed of couscous. Each side balances the rich, savory shrimp with freshness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these stuffed shrimp on a bed of baby spinach or alongside charred lemon wedges for an eye-catching presentation. For a party, arrange them on a large platter with colorful edible flowers or microgreens to wow your guests visually and gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stuffed shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keeping them cool and sealed preserves their flavor and texture for a quick and delicious second round.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the stuffed shrimp before baking by arranging them on a tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a sealed container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warm throughout, about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the crabmeat filling lose its tempting texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned crabmeat instead of lump crabmeat?
While fresh lump crabmeat offers the best texture and flavor, canned crabmeat can be a convenient substitute. Just be sure to drain it well and handle gently to avoid breaking it up too much.
What if I am allergic to shellfish? Can I make this recipe with other proteins?
This recipe relies heavily on shrimp and crab for its signature flavor, but you could experiment with finely chopped cooked chicken or firm white fish. The spice and herbs will still shine through beautifully.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply omit the butter or use a dairy-free alternative. The mayonnaise can also be substituted with a vegan mayo to keep it creamy without dairy.
How do I butterfly jumbo shrimp properly?
Using a sharp knife, slice along the back of the shrimp without cutting all the way through. Open the shrimp gently like a book to create a pocket for stuffing, careful not to tear the flesh.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes, prepare and stuff the shrimp a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Just add the butter drizzle and bake close to serving time to enjoy their peak flavor and juiciness.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat Delight Recipe is a truly show-stopping seafood dish that combines elegance and ease in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a heartfelt weeknight dinner, it’s sure to bring smiles and satisfy your cravings with every succulent bite. Dive into this delightful recipe and savor the magic of seafood done right!
Print
Juicy Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Experience the rich flavors of seafood with this Juicy Baked Jumbo Shrimp stuffed with a delightful crabmeat mixture. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender butterfly shrimp with a savory blend of crabmeat, breadcrumbs, and herbs, baked to perfection for a delectable appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound Large Shrimp (Peeled and deveined)
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 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 lengthwise, ensuring not to cut all the way through so the shrimp can be opened like a book, allowing room for stuffing.
- Make Stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine lump crabmeat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix gently but thoroughly to integrate all ingredients into a cohesive filling.
- Stuff Shrimp: Take each butterflied shrimp and generously spoon the crabmeat filling onto the open side, pressing lightly to adhere, then arrange the stuffed shrimp on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Add Butter & Bake: Melt the unsalted butter and drizzle it evenly over the stuffed shrimp to add moisture and flavor. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and the stuffing is golden and cooked through.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the shrimp cool for a few moments to allow flavors to settle and to ensure safe handling before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute lump crabmeat with chopped shrimp or scallops if crabmeat is unavailable.
- For a lighter alternative to mayonnaise, use Greek yogurt.
- Old Bay seasoning can be replaced with your own favorite seafood seasoning blend.
- Butter can be omitted for a lower-fat version or substituted with olive oil.
- Ensure shrimp are thoroughly deveined and peeled before stuffing for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on the size of your shrimp to avoid overcooking.
