Description
This delicious Stuffed Shrimp recipe features large butterflied shrimp filled with a savory mixture of crab meat, spinach, artichokes, creamy mayo, cheese, and flavorful seasonings. Seasoned shrimp are baked to perfection and topped with a rich butter sauce, making an elegant and satisfying seafood dish perfect for dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 2 lbs 16-20 shrimp (deveined and butterflied)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Stuffing Filling
- 8 oz lump or claw crab meat (optional)
- 1 cup cooked spinach (strained & chopped)
- 6 oz chopped artichokes (strained & chopped)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (can substitute sour cream or cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 8 oz cheese (mozzarella and pepper jack blend recommended)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Butter Sauce and Garnish
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the stuffed shrimp.
- Season Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Toss the deveined, butterflied shrimp gently in this seasoning mixture to coat evenly.
- Prepare Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, combine lump or claw crab meat (if using), cooked and chopped spinach, chopped artichokes, mayonnaise, Italian breadcrumbs, cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, dried herbs, and garlic salt. Stir well to form a creamy, flavorful stuffing mixture.
- Stuff Shrimp: Carefully spoon the prepared filling onto each butterflied shrimp, spreading it evenly over the shrimp surface without overfilling.
- Bake Shrimp: Arrange the stuffed shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet or dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque, cooked through, and the filling is hot and slightly golden on top.
- Prepare Butter Sauce: While shrimp bakes, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan, add minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm butter sauce over the baked stuffed shrimp just before serving to add richness and brightness.
Notes
- You can omit crab meat if desired for a simpler filling.
- Substitute mayo with sour cream or cream cheese for a different creamy texture.
- Ensure shrimp are thoroughly deveined and butterflied for easy stuffing.
- Check shrimp doneness carefully to avoid overcooking which makes them rubbery.
- Use fresh herbs where possible to enhance flavor vibrancy.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad.
