Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab Recipe

Best Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab Recipe Ever Made

Luxurious baked stuffed shrimp with crab reimagines ordinary seafood into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Each succulent morsel promises a delightful fusion of oceanic flavors and rich textures.

Delicate shellfish provide a perfect canvas for an indulgent filling that celebrates maritime ingredients.

Tender crustaceans become vessels of incredible gastronomic potential when carefully prepared with skilled technique.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate this elegant dish for its sophisticated presentation and complex taste profile.

Precise seasoning and careful cooking methods elevate these shellfish from simple protein to gourmet sensation.

Crafting this recipe requires attention to detail and a passion for seafood preparation.

Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab That Feels Luxe

  • Burst with Flavor Fusion: This recipe combines succulent shrimp with luxurious crab meat, creating a mouthwatering blend of seafood that delivers explosive taste in every single bite.
  • Effortless Gourmet Experience: Despite looking impressive, the recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, making restaurant-quality seafood accessible for home cooks with minimal culinary expertise.
  • Customize Your Heat: The Chipotle sauce allows flexible spice levels, enabling you to adjust the kick from mild to wild, making it perfect for diverse taste preferences and heat tolerances.
  • Quick Weeknight Showstopper: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish transforms an ordinary dinner into a special occasion, proving gourmet meals can be both quick and spectacular.

Ingredients for Crab-Stuffed Baked Shrimp

Main Protein:
  • Colossal or Jumbo Shrimp: Large-sized shrimp perfect for stuffing, choose fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp with minimal discoloration.
  • Lump Crabmeat: Sweet and delicate seafood that provides rich flavor and tender texture, select fresh or vacuum-sealed for best quality.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Old Bay Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend adding depth and warmth to the dish.
  • Garlic Powder, Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste profile.
  • Chipotle Sauce: Adds smoky and spicy notes to the stuffing.
Binding and Texture Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps bind the crab stuffing together.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps hold the stuffing ingredients.
  • Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps absorb moisture in the stuffing.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create golden-brown crust.
  • Garlic, Cilantro: Fresh herbs and aromatics for additional flavor complexity.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy finish to cut through richness.

How to Prepare and Bake Stuffed Shrimp Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). This sets the stage for some seafood magic.

Step 2: Prep The Ocean Gems

In a roomy mixing bowl, lovingly coat the shrimp with:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Black pepper
  • Sea salt

Massage these flavors into every curve of the shrimp.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Filling

Grab another bowl and whisk together:
  • Egg
  • Mayonnaise
  • Chipotle sauce

Gently fold in the luscious lump crab meat and breadcrumbs until combined.

Step 4: Stuff And Cuddle The Shrimp

Butterfly each shrimp and nestle a generous spoonful of crab mixture inside. Fold the tail over like a cozy blanket.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the stuffed shrimp in a single layer on a baking dish. Slide into the preheated oven and bake 20-25 minutes until shrimp turn pink and filling looks golden.

Step 6: Whip Up Liquid Gold

Melt butter in a small pan with minced garlic. Add extra Chipotle sauce for a spicy whisper.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Pull out the shrimp and drizzle with garlic butter. Squeeze fresh lemon and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a burst of brightness.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Keeping Shrimp Tender and Filling Rich

  • Select Fresh Shrimp: Choose large, deveined shrimp with no signs of discoloration for the best texture and flavor.
  • Butterfly Technique: Use sharp kitchen scissors to carefully butterfly the shrimp, creating a perfect pocket for the crab stuffing without cutting completely through.
  • Control Moisture: Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to prevent excess water from making the stuffing soggy and ensuring crispy edges.
  • Fold Gently: When adding crab mixture, avoid overpacking to maintain a light, delicate filling that won't become dense or tough during baking.
  • Customize Spice Level: Adjust Chipotle sauce quantity to match your preferred heat intensity, making the dish uniquely yours with each preparation.

Storing and Warming Up Stuffed Shrimp Perfectly

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover baked stuffed shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Preserve Freshness: Keep refrigerated for up to 2-3 days. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the stuffing crisp.
  • Reheat Safely: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery shrimp texture and maintain the delicate crab stuffing's integrity.

What to Serve with Crab-Stuffed Shrimp

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the rich seafood flavors, cutting through the creamy crab stuffing with their bright, zesty notes.
  • Match with Citrusy Craft Beer: A light wheat beer or Belgian-style ale brings out the shrimp's delicate taste, with citrus undertones that enhance the lemon and chipotle elements.
  • Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stuffed shrimp, adding a peppery contrast and refreshing texture.
  • Serve with Buttery Garlic Bread: Crusty French bread brushed with garlic butter provides the ideal accompaniment, helping to soak up the delicious juices and complete the meal.

Stuffed Shrimp Variations for Your Next Dinner

  • Spicy Mediterranean Seafood: Replace crab with feta cheese, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Greek-inspired version that brings coastal flavors to your plate.
  • Coconut Caribbean Fusion: Swap breadcrumbs with shredded coconut, incorporate diced mango into the stuffing, and add a splash of rum for a tropical Caribbean-style seafood experience with sweet and zesty notes.
  • Southwestern Protein Boost: Mix in cooked chorizo with the crab, use pepper jack cheese instead of regular breadcrumbs, and add roasted green chiles to create a bold, protein-packed southwestern variation that packs heat and flavor.
  • Asian-Inspired Umami Blend: Replace Old Bay seasoning with sesame oil, mix in chopped water chestnuts and green onions, then finish with a drizzle of soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds for an umami-rich seafood dish with complex Asian undertones.
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Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab Recipe

Baked Stuffed Shrimp with Crab Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent baked shrimp nestled with rich crab filling create Mediterranean coastal magic. Herb-infused breadcrumbs and delicate seafood blend perfectly, promising a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor with each elegant bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) colossal or jumbo shrimp, 13-15 count per pound: peeled, deveined, and butterflied
  • 1 pound (454 grams) lump crabmeat (jumbo lump, claw, or lump crabmeat can be used)

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian, panko, or buttery cracker crumbs)
  • 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
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons Chipotle sauce (or chipotles in adobo, blended)
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped cilantro, for garnish
  • Squeeze of lemon juice, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Meticulously butterfly each shrimp, creating a delicate pocket for the luxurious crab stuffing, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
  2. Whisk together egg, mayonnaise, and Chipotle sauce in a mixing vessel, creating a smooth, creamy foundation for the forthcoming crab mixture.
  3. Gently incorporate lump crab meat and breadcrumbs into the creamy base, folding carefully to maintain the delicate texture of the seafood.
  4. Season the butterflied shrimp with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and sea salt, massaging the spices to ensure comprehensive coverage.
  5. Delicately nestle a generous tablespoon of crab stuffing into each shrimp’s butterfly pocket, artfully folding the tail to encase the filling securely.
  6. Position the stuffed shrimp in a single, elegant layer within an oven-safe skillet, allowing ample space for even heat circulation.
  7. Slide the skillet into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, roasting for 20-25 minutes until the shrimp transform to a perfect coral hue and the stuffing achieves a golden, crisp exterior.
  8. Meanwhile, craft a luxurious garlic butter by gently melting butter with minced garlic, optionally enhancing with an additional splash of Chipotle sauce for depth.
  9. Extract the baked shrimp and lavish them with the aromatic garlic butter, finishing with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a zesty lemon juice drizzle.

Notes

  • Maximize flavor by letting shrimp marinate briefly in seasoning blend before stuffing, enhancing overall taste profile.
  • Double-check crab meat quality, removing any shell fragments to ensure smooth, luxurious texture in each delectable bite.
  • Keep garlic butter warm but not bubbling to prevent burning, maintaining delicate sauce consistency for optimal drizzling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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