Succulent Baked Stuffed Shrimp: A Seafood Lover’s Dream
Baked stuffed shrimp is a classic seafood dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a satisfying weeknight meal. It’s elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe delivers succulent, juicy shrimp filled with a savory, buttery stuffing that will tantalize your taste buds. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring your baked stuffed shrimp turns out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Impressive yet easy:** This dish looks and tastes gourmet, but the preparation is surprisingly straightforward.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the stuffing to your preferences by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables.
* **Perfect for entertaining:** Baked stuffed shrimp is an elegant and crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.
* **Delicious flavors and textures:** The combination of tender shrimp, savory stuffing, and buttery sauce creates a symphony of flavors and textures.
* **Relatively quick:** From prep to plate, this recipe takes under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **Jumbo Shrimp:** 1 pound (about 16-20), peeled and deveined, with tails left on (for presentation)
* **Bread Crumbs:** 1 cup, panko bread crumbs (provides a light and crispy texture. Regular bread crumbs can also be used)
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup, unsalted, melted (adds richness and flavor to the stuffing)
* **Celery:** 1/4 cup, finely diced (adds a subtle crunch and fresh flavor)
* **Onion:** 1/4 cup, finely diced (provides a savory base for the stuffing)
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced (adds a pungent and aromatic flavor)
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup, chopped (adds freshness and color)
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed (brightens the flavors and tenderizes the shrimp)
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 teaspoon (adds a savory depth of flavor)
* **Old Bay Seasoning:** 1/2 teaspoon (adds a classic seafood flavor)
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon (for sprinkling on top)
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon (for drizzling)
**Optional Additions:**
* **Crab Meat:** 1/4 cup, cooked and flaked (enhances the seafood flavor)
* **Red Bell Pepper:** 1/4 cup, finely diced (adds sweetness and color)
* **Hot Sauce:** A dash, to taste (for a little heat)
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup, grated (adds a nutty and savory flavor to the stuffing)
Equipment You’ll Need
* Baking dish (9×13 inch)
* Mixing bowls
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect baked stuffed shrimp:
**1. Prepare the Shrimp:**
* Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the stuffing adhere better.
* If your shrimp are not already butterflied, use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp, almost all the way through. Spread the shrimp open slightly to create a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
**2. Make the Stuffing:**
* In a medium mixing bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, melted butter, diced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
* If using crab meat, red bell pepper, hot sauce, or Parmesan cheese, add them to the bowl as well.
* Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be moist and slightly crumbly. If it seems too dry, add a little more melted butter.
**3. Stuff the Shrimp:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This prevents the shrimp from sticking to the dish.
* Take a spoonful of the stuffing mixture and gently pack it into the butterflied shrimp. Make sure to fill the pocket completely and slightly mound the stuffing on top.
* Arrange the stuffed shrimp in the prepared baking dish, placing them close together but not overcrowding them. They can be touching slightly.
**4. Bake the Shrimp:**
* Sprinkle the stuffed shrimp with paprika for color and added flavor.
* Drizzle a little olive oil over the shrimp. This helps them stay moist and adds a nice sheen.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the stuffing is golden brown and slightly crispy.
* The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your shrimp and the accuracy of your oven. Check the shrimp after 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Remove the baked stuffed shrimp from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges, if desired.
* Serve immediately while hot and delicious.
Tips for Perfect Baked Stuffed Shrimp
* **Use fresh, high-quality shrimp:** The quality of the shrimp will significantly impact the flavor and texture of the dish. Look for plump, firm shrimp with a fresh, clean smell.
* **Don’t overcook the shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your liking:** Taste the stuffing mixture before stuffing the shrimp and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more Old Bay, salt, pepper, or hot sauce to suit your preferences.
* **Use panko bread crumbs for a crispy texture:** Panko bread crumbs are larger and flakier than regular bread crumbs, which results in a lighter and crispier stuffing.
* **Melt the butter completely:** Melted butter helps bind the stuffing ingredients together and adds richness and flavor.
* **Don’t overcrowd the baking dish:** Overcrowding the baking dish can cause the shrimp to steam instead of bake, which will result in a less crispy stuffing. If necessary, bake the shrimp in batches.
* **Let the shrimp rest before serving:** Letting the shrimp rest for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Seafood Stuffing:** Add other seafood like scallops, clams, or mussels to the stuffing for a more complex seafood flavor.
* **Vegetable Stuffing:** Incorporate chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach into the stuffing for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Herb and Spice Variations:** Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes to customize the flavor profile.
* **Cheese Variations:** Try different types of cheese in the stuffing, such as Gruyere, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in place of butter to make this dish dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions
Baked stuffed shrimp can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Appetizer:** Serve a few stuffed shrimp per person as an elegant appetizer at a party or gathering.
* **Main Course:** Serve 3-4 stuffed shrimp per person as a main course, accompanied by a side dish like rice, pasta, or vegetables.
* **Sauces:** Serve with a dipping sauce like cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a lemon-butter sauce.
* **Side Dishes:** Pair with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the stuffed shrimp ahead of time and bake them just before serving. Here’s how:
* Prepare the stuffing and stuff the shrimp according to the instructions.
* Arrange the stuffed shrimp in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the shrimp for 20-25 minutes, or until they are pink and opaque and the stuffing is golden brown and slightly crispy.
* Adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time is recommended when baking from cold.
Storage Instructions
* Store leftover baked stuffed shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
* The stuffing may become slightly softer upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving – 3 shrimp)
* Calories: 350
* Fat: 25g
* Saturated Fat: 15g
* Cholesterol: 250mg
* Sodium: 500mg
* Carbohydrates: 15g
* Fiber: 2g
* Sugar: 3g
* Protein: 20g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Enjoy Your Delicious Baked Stuffed Shrimp!
This baked stuffed shrimp recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its succulent shrimp, savory stuffing, and buttery sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade baked stuffed shrimp!