Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab
A delightful dish of succulent shrimp stuffed with rich lump crab meat, perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
Ingredients
Shrimp Preparation
- 2 pounds colossal or jumbo shrimp (13-15 count per pound) Peeled and deveined, keep tails on for presentation.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil Adds richness.
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (or medium heat Cajun seasoning) Enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Warm, savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt Elevates flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper Adds heat and depth.
Crab Filling
- 1 pound lump crabmeat Use jumbo lump, claw, or lump crabmeat.
- ½ cup mayonnaise Binds the filling.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian, panko, or cracker crumbs) For a crunchy texture.
- 3 tablespoons Chipotle sauce (or chipotles in adobo, blended) Adds smokiness.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted For richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
Garnish
- 1 squeeze lemon juice Brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon cilantro, finely chopped Optional, adds fresh flavor.
Instructions
Preparing the Shrimp
- Prep the colossal shrimp by peeling and deveining them. For visual appeal, leave the tails on.
- Butterfly the shrimp by slicing gently down their back to allow for stuffing.
Seasoning the Shrimp
- Drizzle olive oil over the butterflied shrimp.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and sea salt over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
Preparing the Crab Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the egg, mayonnaise, and chipotle sauce. Mix well.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat.
- Add breadcrumbs and fold carefully to keep the crab meat intact.
Stuffing the Shrimp
- Use a tablespoon to scoop crab filling into each butterflied shrimp. Fold the tail over the stuffing.
- Place the stuffed shrimp in a cast iron pan or oven-safe skillet.
Baking the Shrimp
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and the filling is golden brown.
Preparing and Serving
- While baking, melt butter with minced garlic in a saucepan. Optionally add extra chipotle sauce.
- Drizzle the stuffed shrimp with garlic butter before serving and garnish with cilantro and lemon juice.
Notes
For a healthier option, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can also use different herbs or add more spices based on your preference.