An indulgent dish that combines tender shrimp and savory crab cakes, perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
12 jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crab Cake Filling:
1 cup lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 small egg (lightly beaten)
For Topping:
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp breadcrumbs
1 tsp Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Butterfly the shrimp by slicing along the back (but don’t cut all the way through). Open the shrimp slightly and lay them flat on a greased baking sheet.
Drizzle shrimp with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Make the Crab Cake Filling:
In a bowl, mix crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and the beaten egg. Gently fold together until combined, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
3. Stuff the Shrimp:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the crab cake mixture and gently press it into the butterflied opening of each shrimp.
4. Add Topping:
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan (if using). Sprinkle this mixture on top of the stuffed shrimp for added crunch.
5. Bake:
Bake the stuffed shrimp in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the topping is golden brown.
6. Serve:
Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve with tartar sauce, garlic butter, or a simple lemon wedge.
Tips for Success:
Lump Crab Meat: Use high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
Shrimp Size: Jumbo shrimp are best to hold the filling without falling apart.
Make Ahead: Prepare the crab cake mixture and butterfly the shrimp ahead of time to save prep time.
Enjoy the perfect marriage of seafood flavors with these Crab Cake Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp!
