Holiday Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab

Holiday Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab

Introduction:

With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a luxurious and festive dish that’s sure to impress your guests. This Holiday Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab is a delightful blend of succulent shrimp and rich, flavorful crab stuffing, topped off with a zesty chipotle sauce. It’s a show-stopping appetizer or entrée that’s surprisingly easy to make yet tastes like a dish from a high-end restaurant. Let’s dive into the details!

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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

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready once you’ve assembled your shrimp.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
   • In a large bowl, toss the butterflied shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and sea salt. Ensure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning mix, which will infuse them with flavor as they bake.
3. Make the Crab Stuffing:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, and chipotle sauce until well combined. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the delicate pieces too much. Then, fold in the breadcrumbs to give the stuffing a light, airy texture.
4. Stuff the Shrimp:
   • Take a tablespoon of the crab mixture and place it on each butterflied shrimp. Fold the tail over the top of the stuffing, creating a neat little package. This step may take some patience, but the result is worth it!
5. Bake the Shrimp:
   • Arrange the stuffed shrimp in a single layer in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the stuffing is golden brown. The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly awaiting the final product.
6. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
   • While the shrimp are baking, melt the butter with minced garlic in a saucepan over low heat. For an extra kick, you can stir in more chipotle sauce. This garlic butter will add a rich, savory finish to the dish.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   • Once the shrimp are done, drizzle them with the garlic butter. Garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add brightness and balance to the richness of the dish.

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Nutritional Information:

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

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Conclusion:

This Holiday Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab is a dish that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home. The combination of tender shrimp, creamy crab stuffing, and the spicy kick of chipotle is simply irresistible. Serve it as a centerpiece for your holiday table or as a special treat for your loved ones. Either way, it’s bound to be a hit!

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