Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab

Are you ready to elevate your seafood game? Look no further than this delectable recipe for Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dish combines succulent shrimp with rich lump crabmeat, seasoned to perfection and baked to golden perfection. With a tantalizing blend of spices and a burst of flavor in every bite, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds colossal or jumbo shrimp, 13-15 count per pound: peeled, deveined, and butterflied
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (or a medium heat Cajun seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound lump crabmeat (jumbo lump, claw, or lump crabmeat can be used)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian, panko, or buttery cracker crumbs)
• 3 tablespoons Chipotle sauce (or chipotles in adobo, blended)
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Squeeze of lemon juice, for garnish
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when the shrimp are prepared.
2. Season the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the butterflied shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and sea salt until evenly coated. This step ensures each bite is bursting with flavor.
3. Prepare the stuffing: In a separate medium bowl, mix together the egg, mayonnaise, and Chipotle sauce until well combined. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, followed by the breadcrumbs, creating a rich and savory stuffing.
4. Stuff the shrimp: Place a tablespoon of the crab mixture on each butterflied shrimp, then carefully fold the tail over the top, securing the delicious filling inside.
5. Arrange and bake: Arrange the stuffed shrimp in a single layer in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through and the stuffing is beautifully golden brown.
6. Prepare the garlic butter: While the shrimp are baking, melt the butter with minced garlic in a saucepan over low heat, infusing it with irresistible flavor. For an extra kick, add more Chipotle sauce to suit your taste preferences.
7. Final touches: Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, drizzle them with the fragrant garlic butter, and garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and finely chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Calories: 320 per serving
• Servings: 4

With its irresistible combination of succulent shrimp, tender crabmeat, and a symphony of spices, this Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab recipe is guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a gourmet seafood indulgence, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Give it a try and savor the flavors of the sea in every bite!