This Easy Stuffed Shrimp Recipe Bakes Up to Sweet, Tender Perfection in Just 15 Minutes

Whether served as an appetizer or main, shrimp is a seafood delight that’s even tastier when you stuff it. Crab-stuffed shrimp is a delicious example as each piece gets filled with a flavorful crab meat mixture before it’s baked. Preparing stuffed shrimp might sound tedious for a pound or two of seafood, but we’ve tapped a chef for tips that make the process hassle-free. Even better, assembling the shrimp ahead of time allows you to bake them when you’re ready. Here’s how to make tasty and tender crab-stuffed shrimp for your next gathering or weeknight meal!

How are stuffed shrimp made?

This dish involves filling the shrimp with a mixture of crab meat, breadcrumbs, seasonings (including Old Bay) and eggs. The shrimp are baked until they’re pink and the filling is golden brown. What you end up with are tender shrimp that are sweet and salty with hints of spice. Stuffed shrimp are best served with lemon wedges and clarified butter (a type of melted butter that has the milk solids removed) for extra richness and zing.

Related: What Is Clarified Butter Used For? It’s Better Than Oil For Roasting or Searing

3 tips for making yummy stuffed shrimp

Although crab-stuffed shrimp require some prep, Edio Barrera, executive chef and co-owner of Marblehead Chowder House, shares easy tips for perfectly cooked seafood.

1. Butterfly the shrimp.

In order to stuff the shrimp, you need to flatten (or “butterfly”) them. This spreads out the surface so you can flip them over and fill the opposite side. The goal is to create stuffed shrimp with a curled shape, which allows the stuffing to stay in place. It’s best to use large-sized shrimp for this as they can hold a nice amount of filling compared to smaller varieties. To see how to buttery and stuff shrimp, watch this video from The Anthony Kitchen YouTube channel.

2. Opt for plain breadcrumbs.

Breadcrumbs blend the ingredients together to create a solid filling mixture. Plain varieties like panko breadcrumbs or crushed ritz crackers work best at melding the ingredients while absorbing their flavors.

3. Keep an eye on the shrimp as they’re cooking.

After assembling the stuffed shrimp and placing them in the oven, you don’t want to lose track of time. Stuffed shrimp take around 15 minutes to bake at 350°F, with the flesh being opaque as a sign that they’re done. Cooking them for too long makes the shrimp tough and rubbery instead of soft and tender.

How to make crab-stuffed shrimp

Below, Chef Barrera shares his favorite Crab-Stuffed Shrimp recipe. While jumbo lump crab meat is best for creating a nice chunky filling, he notes that you can use less expensive options such as lump or claw meat. This dish earns rave reviews in his restaurant, so your dinner crowd is sure to love it too!

Crab-Stuffed Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled, deveined and butterflied with tails on
• 1 lb. crab meat (jumbo lump, lump or claw meat)
• 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs or crushed ritz crackers
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 4 eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup minced scallions
• 2 Tbs. chopped parsley
• Pinch of dry mustard powder
• Generous pinch of salt and pepper
• Clarified butter (for brushing and dipping)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions:

• Yield: approximately 4 servings

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In bowl, whisk together eggs, chopped parsley, dry mustard, scallions, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. Once combined, stir in mayo before gently folding in crab meat. (Note: Be sure to not overmix as it can break up lumps of crab.)
3. Take 1 to 2 Tbs. scoop of crab meat filling and place inside shrimp, filling entirety of opening. Place shrimp on parchment-paper lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each one. Brush each shrimp with clarified butter.
4. Bake shrimp around 15 mins, until flesh is opaque and outside is pink. Cool on tray 2 minutes. Serve shrimp on platter with lemon wedges and extra clarified butter.
5. To make ahead: Assemble stuffed shrimp up to 1 day in advance and store covered in the fridge. Allow seafood to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

What to serve with stuffed shrimp

If you’re looking to enjoy stuffed shrimp as a meal, serve it alongside these five dishes.

1. Rice

A serving of your plain rice or flavorful rice pilaf is a hearty side option for these shrimp.

2. Baked Potato

Another hearty and starchy side is a baked potato, especially if it’s loaded with toppings.

3. Salad

For a refreshing side, toss your favorite salad greens with a pungent vinaigrette.

4. Roasted vegetables

Roasted carrots, asparagus and/or bell peppers add earthy and caramelized flavors the meal.

5. Warm crusty bread

Slices of a warmed baguette or ciabatta bread are perfect for sopping up any juices from the cooked shrimp.

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