Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, yet quick and easy to prepare? Then look no further! This crab stuffed shrimp recipe is the perfect solution for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It's surprisingly simple to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Get ready to elevate your seafood game!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, gently combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crab meat mushy.
Step 2: Stuff the Shrimp
Carefully cut a shallow slit lengthwise down the back of each shrimp, almost but not quite all the way through. Gently open the shrimp and spoon a generous amount of the crab mixture into each slit.
Step 3: Bake or Broil
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the filling is heated through. Alternatively, broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the crab stuffed shrimp immediately. They are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Crab Stuffed Shrimp:
- Buy quality ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality shrimp and crab meat will make a significant difference in the flavor of your dish.
- Don't overstuff: Overstuffing the shrimp can cause them to burst during cooking. Aim for a generous but manageable amount of filling.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.
- Watch carefully while broiling: Broiling can cook the shrimp very quickly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crab mixture for a spicier kick.
- Add some cheese: Sprinkle some shredded Parmesan cheese over the shrimp before baking for extra flavor and richness.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like chives, dill, or thyme.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-8g
This crab stuffed shrimp recipe offers a quick, easy, and healthy meal option that is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The delicious combination of succulent shrimp and flavorful crab meat is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!