Oh, where do I even start with this delightful dish? Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat has a way of making any dinner feel truly special. I remember the first time I tried this at a quaint seaside restaurant. The salty air mingled with the aroma of baked seafood, and I was captivated. I knew I had to recreate that moment at home, and boy, am I glad I did! Every time I make this dish, it transports me right back to that little gem by the ocean, where the waves seemed to clap in applause for every bite.
This recipe is your golden ticket to impressing friends or treating yourself to a lovely evening in. The combination of plump shrimp and savory crabmeat, baked to perfection, creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a fancy date night, you’ll find that Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat is a hug in food form. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, kick up some delicious tunes in the background, and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend celebrations.
- Impressive yet easy to whip up – you’ll look like a culinary genius!
- Gluten-free and packed with flavor, it pleases all palates.
- Jumbo shrimp makes it feel like a fancy treat without breaking the bank.
- Great to prepare ahead of time, saving you stress during meal prep.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to whip up this delightful dish:
- 12 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on for presentation)
- 1 cup lump crabmeat, picked through for shells
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko adds a lovely crunch!)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (the secret to moist filling)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds a punch!)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for that zing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get your hands a little salty and your kitchen smelling divine? Follow these easy steps to make your scrumptious Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat:
- Preheat your oven: To 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your shrimp bake evenly and get that beautiful color.
- Prep the shrimp: In a medium bowl, carefully butterfly each shrimp, slicing them down the back without cutting all the way through. This opens them up beautifully for stuffing!
- Make the filling: In another bowl, combine the crabmeat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently—this is not the time to get too vigorous; you want those lovely lumps of crab to stay intact!
- Stuff those shrimp: Generously fill each butterflied shrimp with the crabmeat mixture. Don’t be shy; pile it high! This is where all the flavor lives.
- Arrange them on a baking sheet: Place the stuffed shrimp on a lightly greased baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over them for added richness and to help them brown nicely.
- Bake to perfection: Pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the tops are golden brown. You’ll be greeted by a heavenly aroma that’ll make it hard to wait!
- Serve and enjoy: Once baked, let them sit for a minute before serving. They make for a stunning centerpiece on your table!
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you’ve nailed the basics, let’s get a bit playful!
- Add a kick: Feel free to throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing for those who love a little heat.
- Seafood medley: Mix in some finely chopped shrimp or scallops with your crabmeat for added depth.
- Herbs galore: Fresh dill or basil could also bring a refreshing twist to the stuffing—imagine the scents wafting through your kitchen!
- Cheese variations: Use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or gouda, to match your cheese-loving heart.
Serving Suggestions
This dish deserves the spotlight! I love to serve my Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat alongside a crisp green salad or a vibrant tomato and avocado salad. You can also add some fluffy white rice or creamy risotto to soak up those scrumptious flavors. And what about a nice glass of Chardonnay or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc? The pairing elevates the whole experience, wouldn’t you agree?
For a cozy touch, consider serving them on a lovely platter, garnished with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley. It’s all about that presentation—let’s give our food the love it deserves!
Storage Tips
Not going to lie; leftovers are hard to resist! But if you find yourself with some, here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
- Freeze: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the stuffed shrimp before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake them, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
- Reheat: To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through—about 10-15 minutes should do it. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture. They’ll still come out delicious!
What if I can’t find lump crabmeat?
If lump crabmeat is out of reach, don’t stress! You can use canned crabmeat or even imitation crab (surimi) if that’s what you have. Just remember to pick through it for any shells or undesirable bits.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare the stuffed shrimp and store them in the fridge before baking. Just cover them tightly and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great meal prep idea!
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?
Look for that lovely pink color, and the shrimp should be opaque and firm to the touch. If you have a thermometer handy, the internal temperature should reach 120°F (49°C).
Conclusion
And there you have it—your journey to scrumptious Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed with Crabmeat is just beginning! I hope you feel inspired to gather your ingredients and try this recipe at home. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a little moment of joy that you can share with loved ones or treat yourself to after a long day. Don’t forget to come back and let me know how it turned out for you! Happy cooking, my friend!
Delicious Baked Jumbo Shrimp Stuffed w Savory Crabmeat
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor baked jumbo shrimp filled with crabmeat This easy recipe brings together flavorful ingredients for a delightful seafood dish
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 calories
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Fat: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
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