Crispy Stuffed Shrimp Recipe

Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp Recipe: Seafood Magic in Minutes

Seafood lovers rejoice as this mouthwatering stuffed shrimp delight recipe brings coastal flavors right to your dinner table.

Packed with zesty seasonings and a rich, creamy filling, these succulent shrimp promise an unforgettable culinary experience.

The delicate blend of herbs and spices perfectly complements the tender seafood, creating a dish that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Each bite offers a harmony of textures and flavors that dance across your taste buds.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this crowd-pleasing seafood sensation.

Dive into this delectable creation and watch as it becomes the star of your next dining adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Stuffed Shrimp

For Shrimp Base:
  • Large Shrimp: Fresh, deveined jumbo shrimp with tail on creates perfect vessel for delectable stuffing.
  • Club Crackers: Provides crispy texture and binding element for stuffing mixture.
For Stuffing Mixture:
  • Crab Meat: Sweet, delicate protein that elevates overall flavor profile.
  • Scallion: Adds fresh, mild onion bite and vibrant green color.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Brings crisp texture and subtle sweetness.
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy binder that helps hold ingredients together.
  • Onion Powder: Delivers concentrated savory depth.
  • Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle aromatic undertone.
  • Lemon Pepper: Introduces bright, zesty seasoning.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend with rich maritime flavor.
  • Maggie Sauce: Umami-rich liquid enhancer.
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy, sharp accent.
For Coating and Frying:
  • Eggs: Creates adhesive layer for cracker coating.
  • Flour: Helps cracker crumbs stick and provides initial crispy layer.
  • Cooking Oil: Enables golden, crispy exterior through deep frying.

Tools That Help Build Shrimp-Stuffed Goodness

  • Food Processor: Essential for blending stuffing ingredients smoothly and quickly.
  • Shallow Dishes: Three needed for flour, egg wash, and cracker crumb coating stages.
  • Pot: Small pot for deep frying the stuffed shrimp at precise temperature.
  • Paper Towels: Used for drying shrimp and draining excess oil after frying.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for butterflying shrimp carefully.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps measure seasonings accurately.
  • Cooking Thermometer: Ensures oil reaches correct 350°F temperature for perfect frying.

Steps to Make Stuffed Shrimp Without Fuss

  • Shrimp Preparation

Slice open each shrimp along its back, keeping the tail connected. Softly dry the seafood with paper towels to ensure a crisp coating later.

  • Flavor Fusion

Toss club crackers, scallions, red bell peppers, crab meat, and seasonings into a food processor. Blend until the mixture reaches a texture that excites your taste buds – smooth or slightly chunky.

  • Filling Magic

Generously stuff each shrimp with the zesty crab mixture. Press gently to seal the delicious filling inside the shrimp’s embrace.

  • Crispy Coating Station

Create a three-part station with crushed crackers, beaten eggs, and flour. This will transform your shrimp into a crunchy masterpiece.

  • Golden Transformation

Dip each stuffed shrimp into flour, then egg, and finally roll in cracker crumbs. The goal is a perfectly even, mouth-watering coating.

  • Sizzling Finale

Heat oil until it shimmers with promise. Carefully lower three shrimp at a time, frying until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let excess oil drip away on paper towels before serving.

Tips That Brighten the Flavor of Stuffed Shrimp

  • Seafood Prep Perfection: Always choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, translucent shrimp with a mild ocean scent.
  • Cracker Coating Creativity: Experiment with different crackers like Ritz or panko breadcrumbs for a unique crunch. Each type adds its own special twist to the crispy exterior.
  • Stuffing Flavor Boosters: Try adding cream cheese, chopped herbs like dill or parsley, or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the crab mixture. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating a memorable filling.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the stuffed shrimp up to a day in advance and keep refrigerated. Store uncooked shrimp between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Fry just before serving for maximum crispiness.
  • Dipping Sauce Delights: Whip up quick accompaniments like spicy remoulade, zesty cocktail sauce, or tangy lemon aioli. Homemade sauces can transform this dish from good to absolutely incredible.

How to Plate Stuffed Shrimp Beautifully

  • Coastal Cocktail Party Platter: Arrange these golden stuffed shrimp on a beautiful wooden board with small ramekins of zesty cocktail sauce and fresh lemon wedges for an elegant appetizer that'll wow guests at your next gathering.
  • Seafood Brunch Centerpiece: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, and a light mixed green salad to transform this dish into a stunning weekend brunch centerpiece that brings coastal flavors to the morning.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Create a vibrant Mediterranean-style spread by placing these crispy shrimp next to hummus, tzatziki, olives, and warm pita bread for a dynamic and colorful dining experience that celebrates Mediterranean food culture.
  • Sunset Beach Picnic Highlight: Pack these stuffed shrimp in a cooler with some chilled white wine and fresh herbs for a beachside picnic that captures the essence of summer and ocean-inspired cuisine.

Save and Reheat Stuffed Shrimp Smartly

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store stuffed shrimp in airtight containers, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Freezing Fresh Goodness: Wrap individual stuffed shrimp in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. These delightful bites can stay frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delectable taste.
  • Reheating Revival Technique: Warm refrigerated or thawed shrimp in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the crispy cracker coating perfectly crunchy.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare stuffing and clean shrimp a day ahead, storing separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and crisp texture.
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Crispy Stuffed Shrimp Recipe

Crispy Stuffed Shrimp Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent Stuffed Shrimp Delight brings Mediterranean coastal elegance to dinner tables. Herbed cream cheese and crisp breadcrumbs create perfect harmony with perfectly seasoned seafood you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (454 g) jumbo shrimp, cleaned and deveined
  • 8 oz (226 g) claw crab meat (or imitation crab meat)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 sleeves club crackers (or substitute with Ritz or Saltine crackers)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ to cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 scallion, chopped
  • ¼ red bell pepper, chopped
  • ¼ tsp granulated onion powder
  • ¼ tsp granulated garlic powder
  • Salt-free lemon pepper seasoning to taste
  • Old Bay Seasoning to taste (or Creole or Cajun seasoning)
  • Dash of Maggie sauce
  • Cooking oil for frying
  • Tartar sauce, fresh lemon wedges, and fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Butterfly shrimp by slicing along the back while preserving the tail, then pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure optimal coating adhesion.
  2. Flavor Building: Pulse club crackers, scallions, red bell peppers, crab meat, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, Maggie sauce, and Dijon mustard in a food processor until achieving a cohesive yet slightly textured mixture.
  3. Stuffing and Coating: Carefully fill each shrimp with the crab mixture, pressing edges to seal. Create a three-stage coating process: dredge in flour, dip in whisked eggs, and roll in crushed club cracker crumbs to develop a crisp, golden exterior.
  4. Frying Technique: Heat cooking oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot. Gently lower stuffed shrimp in small batches, frying for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a rich, golden-brown delicacy. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil, ensuring a light and crispy finish.

Notes

  • Shrimp Prep Tip: Pat shrimp completely dry to ensure crispy coating and prevent sogginess during frying.
  • Stuffing Consistency: Pulse mixture briefly for chunky texture or longer for smoother filling, depending on personal preference.
  • Coating Technique: Press cracker crumbs firmly onto shrimp to create a well-adhered, extra-crispy exterior.
  • Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 350°F for perfect golden-brown color and even cooking without burning.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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