Description
Succulent crab cake stuffed shrimp elevates seafood dining with luxurious coastal flavors. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering a gourmet experience that satisfies seafood enthusiasts and impresses dinner guests with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 12 large jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
- 6 ounces (170 grams) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup (40 grams) breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
- 1 small egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Garnish:
- Lemon wedges
- Additional parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking surface by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and create a non-stick environment using parchment paper or a light grease application on a baking dish.
- Transform the shrimp by carefully slicing along the back, creating a butterfly effect, then gently flatten to ensure an even surface. Arrange the prepared shrimp with their tails pointing upward in the prepared baking dish.
- Craft the luxurious crab cake filling by combining delicate crab meat with breadcrumbs, creamy mayonnaise, tangy Dijon mustard, aromatic Old Bay seasoning, a binding egg, fresh parsley, bright lemon juice, and minced garlic. Blend the ingredients with a gentle touch to preserve the crab meat’s delicate texture.
- Artfully construct the stuffing by molding 1-2 tablespoons of the crab mixture into small, compact mounds. Carefully position each mound atop the butterflied shrimp, applying gentle pressure to secure the filling.
- Enhance the dish by drizzling melted butter over the stuffed shrimp, then transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, monitoring until the shrimp transform to a vibrant pink and become opaque, while the crab filling develops a golden, appetizing crust.
- Elevate the presentation by adorning with fresh lemon wedges and additional parsley. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by a complementary dipping sauce or nestled on a bed of rice or crisp salad.
Notes
- Delicately handle crab meat to maintain its tender texture and avoid breaking the delicate chunks during mixing.
- Ensure shrimp are thoroughly deveined and cleaned before butterflying to enhance food safety and presentation.
- Choose fresh lump crab meat for the most authentic and rich flavor profile in the stuffing.
- Adjust baking time based on shrimp size to prevent overcooking, which can make seafood tough and rubbery.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 120mg