Easy Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab: A Beginner-Friendly Delight

Imagine hosting a dinner party or preparing a special meal and serving a dish that looks like it came straight from a high-end seafood restaurant. Stuffed shrimp often seem complex, but this Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab recipe is surprisingly simple and perfect for beginner cooks. With straightforward steps, easy-to-find ingredients, and a foolproof method, you’ll be able to create a gourmet dish with minimal effort.

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This recipe combines succulent shrimp, flavorful crab stuffing, and a touch of spice for a well-balanced and delicious appetizer. It can also be served as a main dish alongside pasta, rice, or fresh greens. Unlike fried alternatives, this baked version keeps things lighter while still delivering rich flavors.

Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or just looking for an elegant yet manageable recipe, this dish is a great place to start. With helpful tips along the way, you’ll gain confidence in preparing and handling shrimp, working with crab, and creating a balanced seasoning profile.

Now, let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering baked stuffed shrimp recipe.

Ingredients and Preparation

This recipe serves about 30 stuffed shrimp, making it ideal for gatherings. However, you can easily adjust the portion size for a smaller meal.

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• 2 pounds colossal or jumbo shrimp (13-15 count per pound), peeled, deveined, and butterflied
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (or a medium-heat Cajun seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Crab Stuffing:

• 1 pound lump crabmeat (jumbo lump, claw, or lump crabmeat)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style, panko, or buttery cracker crumbs)
• 3 tablespoons chipotle sauce (or chipotles in adobo, blended)

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped (or substitute parsley or green onions)
• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice for garnish

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes:

• Crab: If you don’t have fresh lump crab, canned crab can work as a budget-friendly alternative. Drain it well before using.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko creates a lighter texture, while buttery cracker crumbs add richness. Choose based on preference.
• Seasoning: Old Bay seasoning provides a classic seafood flavor, but Cajun seasoning gives a bolder kick. Adjust based on taste.
• Garnish: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or green onions work well as substitutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Peel and Devein: If your shrimp are not pre-cleaned, remove the shells, leaving the tails on. This helps keep the shrimp structured and makes them easy to pick up when serving.
2. Butterfly the Shrimp: Using a small paring knife, make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp, careful not to slice all the way through. Gently spread the shrimp open to create a pocket for the stuffing.
3. Season the Shrimp: Place the butterflied shrimp in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 2: Make the Crab Stuffing

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, and chipotle sauce until smooth.
2. Fold in the Crab: Gently mix in the lump crabmeat, being careful not to break it apart too much.
3. Incorporate the Breadcrumbs: Fold in the breadcrumbs just until combined. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape when scooped.

Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Shrimp

1. Fill the Shrimp: Take about a tablespoon of crab stuffing and place it in the opened section of each butterflied shrimp.
2. Secure the Tail: Gently press the shrimp tail over the stuffing to help hold it in place.
3. Arrange for Baking: Place the stuffed shrimp in a single layer in a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish.

Step 4: Bake the Shrimp

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake Until Golden: Place the shrimp in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the crab stuffing is golden brown.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the shrimp are baking, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Drizzle with Garlic Butter: Once the shrimp are done baking, drizzle them with the melted garlic butter.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro (or parsley/green onions) over the top and add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
3. Serve Immediately: Enjoy them hot, either as an appetizer or a main course.

Beginner Tips and Notes

How to Tell if Shrimp Are Cooked Perfectly

• Color: Raw shrimp start translucent gray but turn opaque white with a pinkish hue when fully cooked.
• Shape: Shrimp naturally curl when cooked. A slight “C” shape is ideal, while an overly tight curl (“O” shape) may indicate overcooking.
• Texture: Properly cooked shrimp should be firm but still tender. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Shrimp Cooking Too Quickly: If your shrimp are smaller than jumbo size, reduce baking time to avoid overcooking.
• Stuffing Too Dry: Add a little extra mayonnaise or a teaspoon of olive oil if the mixture seems too dry.
• Stuffing Not Holding Together: If your mixture is too loose, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs.

Kitchen Efficiency Tips

• Buy Pre-Peeled Shrimp: This saves time on prep. Just be sure to butterfly them yourself.
• Use a Food Processor: If using whole chipotles in adobo, blend them into a smooth sauce for easier incorporation.
• Prepare Ahead: The crab stuffing can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing Ideas:

• Appetizer: Serve with a side of garlic aioli or a spicy remoulade for dipping.
• Main Dish: Pair with pasta tossed in olive oil and parmesan, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.
• Tacos: Place stuffed shrimp in warm tortillas with slaw and avocado for a unique seafood taco.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make shrimp rubbery.
• Freezing: While fresh is best, you can freeze stuffed shrimp before baking. Place them on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Conclusion

Cooking seafood at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. This Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab recipe proves that even beginner cooks can create restaurant-quality dishes with ease. The simple yet flavorful combination of seasoned shrimp, creamy crab stuffing, and garlic butter makes this a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Try this recipe, experiment with the seasonings, and find what works best for your taste. If you make it, share your experience and any personal touches you added. Happy cooking!