Looking to elevate your seafood game? Stuffed shrimp is not only visually stunning but also delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare. This holiday season, impress your guests with an appetizer that combines flavors and textures in every bite! With the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can customize this dish to match your taste and enjoy it at any festive gathering.

What is Stuffed Shrimp?

Stuffed shrimp is a delectable seafood dish featuring large shrimp that are butterflied and filled with a savory stuffing. This stuffing typically includes a blend of breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, and can be enhanced with crab meat or cheese. After preparation, the stuffed shrimp are traditionally baked until cooked through and then broiled to achieve a beautifully golden topping, resulting in an impressive dish that dazzles the appetite.

Why Everyone Loves This Recipe for Stuffed Shrimp

• Irresistible Flavor: The unique blend of spices and fillings creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!
• Perfect for Crowds: These bite-sized delights are ideal for gatherings, making them a hassle-free addition to parties or potlucks.
• Versatile: Feel free to get creative! You can customize the fillings and spices to make it a unique dish every time. Each variation can offer a personal twist on the traditional recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Full Recipe Below)

• Peeled & Deveined Jumbo Shrimp: I recommend using 16-20 count shrimp for the best results.
• Lump Crab Meat: Choose lump crab meat for its sweetness and texture; claw meat is an alternative.
• Baby Spinach: Lightly cooked and drained to remove excess water.
• Artichokes: Quartered, any brand works well.
• Mayo: This serves as the creamy base for the filling.
• Breadcrumbs: I prefer Italian breadcrumbs for added flavor and binding.
• Lemon: A touch of acidity balances the flavors.
• Dill and Butter: For the delicious finishing sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a delightful tang to the filling.
• Worcestershire Sauce: For a hint of savory depth.
• Spices: Keep it simple with paprika, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
• Cheese: A combination of mozzarella and pepper jack adds creaminess and a little kick.

Let’s Make Stuffed Shrimp Together!

Ready to dive into a culinary adventure? Let’s get started on making these succulent stuffed shrimp!

Instructions for Making Stuffed Shrimp

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) to get started.
2. Season the shrimp: In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, and a sprinkle of pepper. Coat the butterflied shrimp in this mixture to let the flavors soak in.
3. Create the filling: In another bowl, combine your crab meat, cooked and strained spinach, chopped artichokes, mayo, breadcrumbs, your choice of cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
4. Stuff the shrimp: Generously fill each butterflied shrimp with the prepared stuffing, packing it lightly.
5. Bake: Place the stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked and the stuffing is delightfully golden.
6. Serve: Once out of the oven, drizzle with the dill butter sauce, serve immediately, and enjoy!

Substitutions & Recipe Variations

• Keto Option: Skip the breadcrumbs entirely for a low-carb alternative!
• No Mayo: If you’re not a fan, replace it with sour cream or cream cheese as your binder.
• Cajun Style: For a spicy twist, add Cajun seasoning to the mixture for a flavorful kick!

FAQ for Stuffed Shrimp

1. Can I prep this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the shrimp a day before; just bake them on the day of serving!
2. What size shrimp do you recommend? Larger shrimp, specifically 16-20 count shrimp, work best for this recipe, but 21-25 count is also suitable if you’re on a budget.
3. I’m allergic to shrimp! Can I use this filling for other recipes? Absolutely! This filling can be used with other seafood options like scallops or fish fillets.
4. Can I freeze stuffed shrimp? Yes, you can assemble and freeze the stuffed shrimp; just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
5. Are there any alternative toppings for the shrimp? Yes! You can top with a zesty lemon-butter sauce or even a fresh herb salsa for added flavor.