Crab Stuffed Shrimp combines two beloved seafood treasures into one spectacular appetizer that never fails to impress. The first time I served these at a dinner party, my guests literally gasped when I brought out the platter! There’s something magical about tender jumbo shrimp embracing a delicate crab filling, all topped with a buttery crumb mixture that turns golden and crispy under the broiler. If you’re looking for an elegant seafood dish that delivers major wow-factor without hours in the kitchen, this crab-filled delicacy is your answer.
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Crab Stuffed Shrimp
- Total Time: 38
- Yield: 12 stuffed shrimp
Description
These Crab Stuffed Shrimp are elegant, buttery, and bursting with flavor. Jumbo shrimp are loaded with a rich crabmeat stuffing, then baked to perfection for an impressive appetizer or decadent main dish.
Ingredients
12 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (but tails left on)
1/2 lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons melted butter (for drizzling)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
2. Butterfly each shrimp by slicing along the back without cutting all the way through. Set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayo, Dijon, lemon juice, Old Bay, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined.
4. Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of crab mixture onto the back of each butterflied shrimp and press lightly to adhere.
5. Arrange stuffed shrimp on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with melted butter.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and stuffing is golden.
7. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a crisp top.
8. Serve warm with lemon wedges or dipping sauce.
Notes
• Use jumbo shrimp so there’s enough space for stuffing.
• Great as a holiday appetizer or served over rice as a main.
• Can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 18
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Seafood
Why You’ll Love This Crab Stuffed Shrimp
Restaurant-Quality Results at Home
Trust me when I say these stuffed shrimp will rival anything you’d order at a high-end seafood restaurant. The sweet, succulent shrimp paired with lump crabmeat creates a luxurious mouthfeel that feels special occasion-worthy. Yet the preparation is surprisingly straightforward! I love watching friends’ faces light up with that “you made these?” expression. The contrast between the tender shrimp and the slightly crispy, herb-infused topping creates a textural experience that keeps everyone reaching for seconds.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or preparing a romantic date night meal, these Crab Stuffed Shrimp fit the bill perfectly. I’ve served them as elegant appetizers at holiday gatherings and as the star protein for summer dinner parties on the deck. They cook quickly enough for a special weeknight dinner but feel indulgent enough for celebrations. The presentation alone—those beautiful curved shrimp cradling golden crab filling—elevates any table setting and makes guests feel truly pampered.
Essential Tips & Tricks
Selecting the Best Ingredients
The secret to exceptional Crab Stuffed Shrimp starts at the seafood counter. Look for jumbo or colossal shrimp (16-20 count per pound) with shells that are firm and translucent, never slimy. For the crab, lump crabmeat offers the perfect balance of flavor and texture, though jumbo lump works beautifully if you’re splurging. Fresh is ideal, but quality pasteurized crabmeat from the refrigerated section works wonderfully too. Just avoid canned varieties, which lack the sweet, delicate flavor that makes this dish special. Fresh ingredients truly make all the difference.
Perfecting the Butterfly Technique
Properly butterflying your shrimp creates the perfect cradle for your crab filling. With a sharp knife, cut along the outer curve (the back) of each peeled shrimp, slicing about three-quarters of the way through—never completely in half. When you open the shrimp, it should lie flat with the two sides still connected, resembling a butterfly. I learned through trial and error to leave the tails on—they provide a convenient handle for dipping and add visual appeal to the finished dish. Pat the shrimp dry before filling to ensure the stuffing adheres properly.
Serving Ideas & Creative Variations
Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal
These Crab Stuffed Shrimp deserve accompanying sides that complement without overwhelming. I love serving them atop a bed of lemon butter pasta or with roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil and sea salt. For a lighter approach, pair with a crisp fennel and citrus salad that cuts through the richness. Rice pilaf or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices works beautifully too. For wine pairings, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay enhances the seafood flavors without overpowering the delicate crab.
Creative Twists on the Classic
While the traditional recipe is divine, don’t be afraid to experiment! Add a Cajun kick by incorporating blackened seasoning into your breadcrumb mixture. For an Asian-inspired variation, mix some ginger, scallions, and a touch of sesame oil into the crab filling. Mediterranean lovers might enjoy adding feta cheese, diced roasted red peppers, and oregano. During summer months, I sometimes add corn kernels and diced bell pepper to the stuffing for a seasonal twist. The versatility of this dish means you can adapt it to complement almost any cuisine.
Storage & Troubleshooting Guide
Make-Ahead and Storage Solutions
These Crab Stuffed Shrimp can be prepped several hours ahead, making entertaining stress-free. Prepare the stuffed shrimp, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. For leftovers (though there rarely are any!), store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to avoid toughening the shrimp. I don’t recommend freezing the prepared dish, as both shrimp and crab can become watery and lose their delicate texture when thawed.
Solving Common Preparation Challenges
If your crab stuffing seems too wet and doesn’t hold together, add additional panko breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time until you reach the right consistency. Conversely, if the mixture is too dry, a small amount of mayonnaise or melted butter helps bind ingredients. To prevent overcooking (the most common pitfall), watch carefully during the final broiling stage—the topping should be golden brown, but the shrimp underneath should remain tender and juicy. If your broiler runs hot, position the rack in the middle of the oven instead of the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use imitation crab for Crab Stuffed Shrimp?
While imitation crab will work in a pinch, it lacks the sweet, delicate flavor of real crab. If budget is a concern, use a smaller amount of real crab mixed with finely diced bell pepper to extend the filling.
What’s the best way to tell when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked shrimp turn opaque pink with a slight C-shape. If they curl into a tight O-shape, they’re overcooked. Look for the flesh to be just firm and no longer translucent.
Can I prepare Crab Stuffed Shrimp on the grill?
Absolutely! Place the stuffed shrimp on foil or in a grill-safe dish and cook over medium heat with the lid closed for 8-10 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and filling is hot.
What can I substitute if someone has a shellfish allergy?
For a shellfish-free version, try stuffing large portobello mushroom caps with the same filling (minus the crab), or use the stuffing in halved bell peppers for a colorful alternative.
How do I prevent my Crab Stuffed Shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Don’t overcook! Shrimp cook extremely quickly. Bake just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, usually 10-12 minutes at 375°F, then broil briefly to brown the topping.
Final Thoughts
Crab Stuffed Shrimp delivers that perfect balance of impressive presentation and approachable preparation that makes home cooking so rewarding. Every time I serve this dish, I’m reminded how the simplest ingredients—when treated with care—can create truly memorable moments around the table. The sweet tenderness of the shrimp paired with the rich crab filling creates a flavor harmony that’s simply irresistible. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine! For more seafood inspiration, visit our Pinterest board dedicated to ocean treasures.