Baked Stuffed Shrimp: 5 Easy Recipes You'll Love

Introduction to Baked Stuffed Shrimp

Baked stuffed shrimp is a delightful dish that elevates the humble shrimp to a new level of culinary sophistication. Combining the succulent flavors of the sea with a variety of hearty stuffing options, this dish can be adapted to many tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests at your next dinner party, baked stuffed shrimp is versatile and always appreciated. Here are five simple yet delicious recipes that promise to bring joy to your table.

Recipe 1: Classic Crab Stuffed Shrimp

Ingredients

• 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tail on
• 1 cup of crabmeat, picked through for shells
• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs
• ¹⁄₄ cup finely chopped onions
• ¹⁄₄ cup finely chopped celery
• ¹⁄₄ cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for greasing

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly the shrimp by making a deep cut along the back and flattening them out slightly.
3. In a bowl, mix the crabmeat, breadcrumbs, onions, celery, mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Scoop a generous portion of the crab mixture onto the center of each shrimp.
5. Place the shrimp, stuffing side up, in a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until the stuffing is golden brown and the shrimp is cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley.

💡 Note: Ensure the shrimp is fresh; this enhances the flavor significantly.

Recipe 2: Spinach and Feta Stuffed Shrimp

Ingredients

• 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¹⁄₄ cup cream cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Butterfly the shrimp as described above.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil, sauté garlic, then add spinach until wilted. Cool slightly.
4. Mix spinach with feta, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fill each shrimp with the spinach-cheese mixture.
6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until cheese is slightly browned.

Recipe 3: Lobster Stuffed Shrimp

Ingredients

• 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¹⁄₄ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• Butter for brushing

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly the shrimp.
3. Combine lobster, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon zest, tarragon, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Spoon the lobster mixture into each shrimp.
5. Brush with melted butter.
6. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until golden and shrimp are cooked.

Recipe 4: Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Shrimp

Ingredients

• 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 strips of bacon, halved
• ¹⁄₂ cup cream cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped scallions
• ¹⁄₄ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix cream cheese, scallions, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the shrimp with this mixture.
4. Wrap each shrimp with half a strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
5. Place on a baking rack over a sheet to catch drips.
6. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and shrimp are cooked.

Recipe 5: Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Shrimp

Ingredients

• 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¹⁄₂ cup cooked quinoa
• ¹⁄₄ cup finely diced bell peppers
• ¹⁄₄ cup finely diced zucchini
• 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated mozzarella
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté bell peppers and zucchini in olive oil until tender.
3. Mix with quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each shrimp with this mixture.
5. Arrange on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until the filling is hot and the shrimp are cooked.

By following these recipes, you can transform an ordinary dinner into a culinary delight. Each dish brings its unique flavor profile, ensuring there’s something for everyone, from seafood purists to those looking for a new twist on a classic favorite. Whether it’s the rich taste of lobster or the vibrant colors of vegetables with quinoa, these recipes ensure your baked stuffed shrimp is memorable.

To summarize, baked stuffed shrimp offers flexibility in preparation with options like classic crab, spinach and feta, luxurious lobster, bacon-wrapped indulgence, and a healthier quinoa and vegetable stuffing. Each recipe adds a new dimension to this dish, making it suitable for various dietary preferences and special occasions.