Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crab Recipe

Savory Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crab Recipe for Guests

Succulent baked jumbo shrimp stuffed with crab promise a seafood adventure that will make your taste buds dance.

Coastal kitchens have long celebrated this luxurious combination of oceanic flavors.

Delicate crab meat nestled inside plump shrimp creates a stunning appetizer or main course.

Sophisticated yet surprisingly simple, this recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance to your dining table.

Professional chefs might look impressed, but you can easily master these delectable bites.

Crispy edges and tender, rich filling guarantee a memorable meal that impresses everyone around your table.

Prepare to savor every single mouthwatering bite of this extraordinary seafood creation.

Why Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crab Feels Special

  • Elevate Your Seafood Game: Transform ordinary jumbo shrimp into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece with this gourmet stuffed recipe that impresses even the most discerning food lovers.
  • Quick and Elegant Dish: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in minutes with minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks wanting to create something special without complex techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine succulent shrimp with rich crab meat, creating a luxurious blend of textures and tastes that will delight seafood enthusiasts and wow dinner guests at any gathering.
  • Versatile Entertaining Option: Serve as an elegant appetizer for dinner parties, romantic date nights, or sophisticated potlucks, guaranteeing a memorable dining experience that looks professionally prepared.

Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crab Ingredients

Seafood Base:
  • Jumbo Shrimp: Large shellfish with a sweet, delicate flavor.
  • Crab Meat: Tender and rich seafood perfect for stuffing.
Stuffing Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provide texture and cheesy depth to the stuffing.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the stuffing.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Garlic, Parsley, Old Bay Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Enhance overall flavor profile.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens and adds citrusy freshness to the dish.

Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crab Cooking Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Slice and Prepare Shrimp

Carefully cut a gentle pocket along the back of each jumbo shrimp. This will create the perfect little home for your delicious crab stuffing.

Step 3: Create Magical Crab Stuffing

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Fresh crab meat
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix everything together until the ingredients are best friends and completely blended.

Step 4: Stuff the Shrimp with Love

Tenderly press the crab mixture into each shrimp’s pocket. Make sure the stuffing is snug and secure – no escaping allowed!

Step 5: Add a Zesty Touch

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stuffed shrimp to brighten up all those delicious flavors.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink color and look completely opaque. The stuffing should develop a gorgeous light golden crust.

Jumbo Shrimp Stuffing Tips That Let Crabmeat Shine

  • Select Fresh Seafood: Choose high-quality, fresh jumbo shrimp and lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
  • Control Stuffing Consistency: Mix crab stuffing gently to maintain a light, fluffy texture without overworking the ingredients.
  • Prevent Overcooking: Watch shrimp carefully during baking to avoid drying out; they cook quickly and become tough if left too long.
  • Enhance Flavor Boost: Squeeze fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the seafood's natural sweetness and add a zesty kick.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for those with dietary restrictions.

Tips for Keeping Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp Fresh

  • Store leftover stuffed shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer.
  • Preheat oven to 275°F. Place shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 145°F to ensure food safety.
  • Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval. Stop heating once warm to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Throw away stuffed shrimp if left at room temperature for over 2 hours. Discard if stored refrigerated for more than 2 days. Watch for any signs of spoilage like unusual odor or discoloration before consuming.

Ideal Pairings for Crab-Stuffed Shrimp

  • Elevate Seafood Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with bright citrus notes that complements the delicate crab and shrimp flavors, cutting through the rich buttery stuffing.
  • Zesty Herb Companion: Serve with a fresh Mediterranean-style salad featuring lemon vinaigrette, arugula, and chopped herbs to mirror the dish's bright and delicate seasoning profile.
  • Butter-Friendly Sidekick: Pour a light pilsner or wheat beer that offers refreshing carbonation to balance the dish's richness and enhance the Old Bay seasoning's subtle spiciness.
  • Texture-Enhancing Side: Prepare garlic roasted asparagus or crispy roasted fingerling potatoes to provide a crunchy contrast to the soft, succulent stuffed shrimp.

Crab Stuffed Shrimp Takes

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute breadcrumbs with finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to reduce carbohydrate content and add a crunchy element.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter and omit Parmesan cheese, replacing it with nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use pork rinds as a breadcrumb replacement and increase the butter content to align with ketogenic macronutrient requirements.

FAQs

  • How do I choose the right shrimp for this recipe?

Look for large or jumbo shrimp with shells on, preferably fresh or properly thawed. Make sure they are firm, have a mild sea smell, and are free from discoloration or black spots.

  • Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab?

While possible, real crab meat provides better flavor and texture. Imitation crab might make the stuffing less rich and authentic. If using imitation, choose high-quality lump-style varieties.

  • What if I'm allergic to shellfish or don't like seafood?

This recipe is specifically seafood-based, so it’s not suitable for those with shellfish allergies. Consider alternative protein recipes or vegetarian stuffed vegetable dishes that follow similar preparation techniques.

  • How can I tell if the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp turn from grayish to pink and opaque when done. They should curl slightly and look plump. Overcooking makes them tough, so watch carefully during the 12-15 minute baking time.

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Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crab Recipe

Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crab Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent jumbo shrimp stuffed with rich crab meat promise a luxurious seafood experience that elevates dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Coastal flavors merge seamlessly, delivering an elegant dish perfect for special occasions when you crave restaurant-quality seafood at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 0.5 pound (1/2 lb or 226 grams) lump crab meat (fresh or canned)

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Binding and Topping Ingredients:

  • 0.25 cup (4 tablespoons or 30 grams) breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
  • 0.25 cup (4 tablespoons or 25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Warm the culinary workspace to a toasty 375°F and arrange a protective parchment layer across the baking tray.
  2. Delicately slice each jumbo shrimp along its posterior, creating a generous pocket for the luxurious filling.
  3. Craft the maritime stuffing by blending succulent crab meat with crisp breadcrumbs, molten butter, aromatic garlic, aged Parmesan, verdant parsley, zesty Old Bay seasoning, nuanced salt, and freshly cracked pepper until the mixture achieves harmonious consistency.
  4. Tenderly nestle the seasoned crab mixture into each shrimp’s prepared crevice, pressing gently to secure the delicate filling without compromising the shrimp’s delicate structure.
  5. Liberate a cascade of bright citrus juice across the prepared seafood ensemble, awakening the underlying flavor profiles.
  6. Transfer the adorned shellfish into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform for 12-15 minutes until the shrimp transition to a luminous pink and the stuffing develops a gentle golden embrace.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow a brief moment of rest before serving, permitting the flavors to harmonize and settle.

Notes

  • Check shrimp freshness by ensuring they smell clean and ocean-like, without any strong fishy odors.
  • Choose jumbo shrimp with shells still on for maximum moisture retention during baking.
  • Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Pat shrimp dry before stuffing to help the crab mixture adhere better and prevent excess moisture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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