Irresistible Stuffed Shrimp

Why Make This Irresistible Stuffed Shrimp That Will Wow Your Guests

Are you looking for a dish that’s not just simple to prepare but also impressive enough to dazzle your guests? Irresistible Stuffed Shrimp might just be what you need! This delightful appetizer showcases plump, juicy shrimp stuffed with a delicious blend of crab, spinach, artichokes, and creamy goodness. Not only will these stuffed shrimp fill your kitchen with enticing aromas, but they will also look stunning on any dinner table. Perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy night in, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

How to Make Irresistible Stuffed Shrimp That Will Wow Your Guests

Creating this dish is easier than you might think! With the right ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll have a delectable entrée that leaves everyone begging for the recipe. The combination of savory spices, fresh ingredients, and melty cheese will tantalize your taste buds, making each bite an extraordinary experience.

Ingredients:

• 16-20 pieces Large Shrimp (Deveined and butterflied)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• ½ tsp Italian Seasoning
• ½ tsp Pepper
• 8 oz Crab Meat (Lump or claw)
• 1 cup Cooked Spinach (Strained and chopped)
• 6 oz Chopped Artichokes (Strained and chopped)
• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• ½ cup Italian Breadcrumbs
• 8 oz Cheese (Such as mozzarella or pepper jack)
• 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
• 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1 tsp Fresh Dill (Chopped)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Italian breadcrumbs, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill. Mix everything together until well-blended.
3. In a small bowl, season the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated with the spices.
4. Lay the shrimp onto a baking tray, opening each shrimp slightly to make room for stuffing. Spoon a generous amount of the crab mixture into each shrimp.
5. Dot the stuffed shrimp with small pieces of butter on top.
6. Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and the stuffing is heated through. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to get a nice golden crust.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Irresistible Stuffed Shrimp (approximately 4-5 shrimp) contains roughly:

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 160mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 25g

(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

How to Serve Irresistible Stuffed Shrimp That Will Wow Your Guests

These stuffed shrimp are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. Pair them with a fresh lemon wedge to squeeze over for added flavor. Serve them as a grand appetizer, or alongside a light salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider arranging them on a large platter, making them the centerpiece of your table. For added flair, sprinkle some extra chopped dill on top as a garnish!

How to Store Irresistible Stuffed Shrimp That Will Wow Your Guests

If you have leftovers (which is rare), store the stuffed shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for about 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as this can make the shrimp rubbery.

Expert Tips for Perfect Irresistible Stuffed Shrimp That Will Wow Your Guests

• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked. Keep an eye on them while baking.
• Customize the Stuffing: Experiment with different cheeses or added ingredients like bell peppers or diced jalapeños for a kick.
• Butterfly with Care: When butterflying shrimp, ensure not to cut all the way through; a gentle split creates the perfect pocket for stuffing.

Delicious Variations

• Spicy Southwest: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
• Mediterranean Delight: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sundried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Herbed Parmesan: Swap the crab for cooked shrimp and mix in herbed breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before proceeding with the recipe.
• Can I make the stuffing ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to stuff the shrimp.
• What is the best type of cheese for stuffing? While mozzarella and pepper jack work wonderfully, feel free to use any cheese that melts well and complements the flavors, like gouda or cheddar.

Conclusion

Indulging in these Irresistible Stuffed Shrimp is not just about a delicious meal; it’s about making memories with loved ones around a beautifully set table. The combination of succulent shrimp with a rich, flavorful stuffing makes for an exceptional dish everyone will adore. So why not give this recipe a try? You might just find it becoming a favorite at your gatherings. Happy cooking!

Irresistible Stuffed Shrimp

Delightful appetizer of succulent shrimp stuffed with a rich blend of crab, spinach, artichokes, and cheese, guaranteed to impress your guests.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Seafood

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the shrimp

• 16-20 pieces Large Shrimp (Deveined and butterflied)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• ½ tsp Italian Seasoning
• ½ tsp Pepper

For the stuffing

• 8 oz Crab Meat (Lump or claw)
• 1 cup Cooked Spinach (Strained and chopped)
• 6 oz Chopped Artichokes (Strained and chopped)
• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• ½ cup Italian Breadcrumbs
• 8 oz Cheese (Such as mozzarella or pepper jack)
• 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
• 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 piece Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1 tsp Fresh Dill (Chopped)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Italian breadcrumbs, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill. Mix everything together until well-blended.
3. In a small bowl, season the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated with the spices.
4. Lay the shrimp onto a baking tray, opening each shrimp slightly to make room for stuffing. Spoon a generous amount of the crab mixture into each shrimp.
5. Dot the stuffed shrimp with small pieces of butter on top.

Cooking

1. Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and the stuffing is heated through. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to get a nice golden crust.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a fresh lemon wedge for added flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.