Try this amazing Baked Stuffed Shrimp Recipe. It’s a seafood treat that’s easy to make. You’ll love the butterflied shrimp filled with a tasty breadcrumb mix.
This dish is great for special meals or just a fancy dinner. It tastes like you’re in a fancy restaurant, but you made it at home.
The shrimp are baked until they’re golden and the stuffing is delicious. It’s perfect for dinner parties or when you just want something special. This recipe is sure to make everyone happy.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Seafood Dish
Baked stuffed shrimp is a timeless dish that brings great flavors home. It’s perfect for special times, like family dinners or fancy parties. Plus, you can make it ahead, so you can relax and enjoy your guests more.
Restaurant-Quality Results at Home
This recipe lets you make delicious, restaurant-style dishes at home. The secret is in the seasoned stuffing and how you bake it. This way, your shrimp will always be juicy and tender.
Perfect for Special Occasions
This homemade stuffed shrimp is great for any big event. It looks impressive and tastes amazing. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday meals.
Make-Ahead Convenience
This dish is easy to prepare ahead of time. You can get everything ready, then just bake it when it’s time. This makes your event stress-free and fun.
Essential Ingredients for Baked Stuffed Shrimp Recipe
To make the best Baked Stuffed Shrimp, you need a few important things. You’ll need jumbo shrimp and a tasty stuffing mix. Each part is crucial for a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Shrimp Ingredients
- Jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails intact
- Butter, for sautéing the shrimp
- Garlic, minced or crushed
- Lemon juice, for a bright, tangy flavor
- Salt and pepper, to season the shrimp
Stuffing Ingredients
- Breadcrumbs, preferably panko for a crispy texture
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Seafood Seasonings
For extra flavor, add seafood seasonings. You can use:
- Old Bay seasoning
- Paprika
- Dried oregano
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick)
The secret to great Baked Stuffed Shrimp is the right mix of ingredients. With the right shrimp, stuffing, and seasonings, your dish will be a hit.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make delicious baked stuffed shrimp, you need the right tools. You’ll need baking essentials and tools for seafood. Let’s look at what you need to make your dish taste like it’s from a restaurant.
Baking Essentials
- Baking sheets or rimmed baking pans
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Mixing bowls in various sizes
- Hand mixer or stand mixer for whipping and blending
- Measuring cups and spoons
Preparation Tools
- Sharp kitchen knives for butterflying and mincing
- Cutting board
- Zester or grater for citrus zest
- Small bowl or ramekins for holding ingredients
- Spoons and spatulas for scooping and spreading the stuffing
Serving Supplies
When your shrimp are done, you’ll need the right tools to serve them. Here’s what you should have:
- Serving platter or shallow baking dish
- Garnishing tools like small spoons or tongs
- Lemon wedges for a classic seafood accompaniment
With these kitchen tools, baking equipment, and seafood preparation items, you’re ready to make perfect baked stuffed shrimp at home.
Selecting and Preparing the Perfect Shrimp
For baked stuffed shrimp, choose jumbo shrimp. They are big and sweet, making them perfect for stuffing.
Fresh seafood is key. Pick shrimp that are firm and have a bright color. They should smell clean and salty.
Cleaning and Deveining the Shrimp
Cleaning and deveining shrimp is important. Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water to get rid of dirt.
- Make a shallow cut along the shrimp’s back. This helps you find the vein.
- Use a knife or your fingers to pull out the vein. Be gentle so you don’t hurt the shrimp.
- Rinse the shrimp again to get rid of any leftover veins.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This makes sure they are ready for the recipe.
By picking the freshest jumbo shrimp and cleaning them right, your dish will be full of flavor and texture.
| Shrimp Size | Servings per Pound |
|---|---|
| Jumbo (16/20 per pound) | 3-4 servings |
| Extra-large (21/25 per pound) | 4-5 servings |
| Large (26/30 per pound) | 5-6 servings |
Creating the Perfect Seafood Stuffing Mix
Making the perfect seafood stuffing for baked stuffed shrimp is fun. It’s all about finding the right mix of breadcrumbs, seasonings, and extras. Let’s look at how to make a stuffing that brings out the best in this seafood dish.
Bread Crumb Base
The base of a tasty seafood stuffing is the bread crumbs. Choose fresh, high-quality crumbs that soak up flavors well. Mix panko and classic crumbs for a light, airy texture. This mix lets the seafood flavors stand out.
Seasoning Balance
Seasoning is where you can make the stuffing your own. Begin with herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a bit of cayenne. Taste and adjust until it’s just right. You want it to enhance the seafood without taking over.
Optional Add-ins
- Finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of freshness
- Grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, nutty undertone
- Diced sautéed onions or shallots for aromatic depth
- A touch of lemon zest to brighten the flavors
These extras can make your stuffing even better. They add more flavor and texture. Try different mixes to create your own special seafood stuffing.
With the right mix of breadcrumbs, seasonings, and extras, you’re ready to make a seafood stuffing that will wow your guests. It will also satisfy your desire for a delicious baked stuffed shrimp dish.
Step-by-Step Butterflying Technique
Butterflying shrimp is easy and important for perfect baked stuffed shrimp. You slice the shrimp along the back. This opens it up while keeping the two halves together. This makes stuffing easy. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with fresh, large shrimp. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tail intact.
- Using a sharp knife, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp, starting from the tail and stopping about halfway up the body.
- Gently open up the shrimp, being careful not to completely separate the two halves. The goal is to create a butterfly-like shape while keeping the shrimp connected.
- Use your fingers to gently spread the shrimp open, creating a pocket for the flavorful seafood stuffing.
- Repeat the process for each shrimp, ensuring a consistent butterfly shape across all the pieces.
The trick is to keep the shrimp strong while making a pocket for stuffing. With a bit of practice, you’ll make great butterfly shrimp at home. This makes the classic seafood dish easy to make.
Stuffing and Assembling the Shrimp
Stuffing and arranging the shrimp right is key for a great stuffed shrimp assembly and seafood presentation. Follow these steps for a dish that looks like it came from a restaurant.
Proper Filling Amount
Use 2-3 tablespoons of stuffing per shrimp for the best taste. This amount fills the shrimp well without too much. Too much filling can spill out while baking.
Arrangement Tips
- Put the stuffed shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Keep them evenly spaced.
- Make sure the stuffed side is up. This helps the filling get golden brown.
- If you’re making a lot, use more than one baking sheet. Switch their spots in the oven halfway through for even cooking.
By following these easy steps for stuffed shrimp assembly and seafood presentation, you’ll make a dish that will wow your guests.
Baking Temperature and Timing Guide
To make perfect baked stuffed shrimp, you need to control the oven well. Follow our baking tips to get a dish that tastes like it’s from a restaurant.
First, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right. It cooks the shrimp well and makes the stuffing golden.
- Put the stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking. They should be white and the stuffing golden.
- Look for signs like the shrimp curling and tails turning pink. This means they’re done.
It’s important not to overcook the shrimp. This makes them tough. By following these steps and watching your oven, you’ll get delicious baked stuffed shrimp every time.
Sauce Pairings and Garnishes
Adding the right sauce and garnishes can make baked stuffed shrimp even better. You can try a lemon butter sauce or some tasty herb garnishes. These options can make your meal unforgettable.
Lemon Butter Sauce
A lemon butter sauce is a great choice for baked stuffed shrimp. It’s simple yet fancy. To make it, melt butter and add lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. This sauce is creamy and tangy, perfect for seafood.
Herb Garnish Options
- Chopped fresh parsley: Bright, herbaceous, and a perfect match for the shrimp.
- Minced chives: Add a delicate onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Torn fresh basil leaves: Fragrant and summery, basil pairs beautifully with seafood.
- Chopped dill: Lends a fresh, slightly peppery note to the dish.
Herbs make the shrimp look and taste better. Try different herbs to find your favorite.
| Sauce | Flavor Profile | Recommended Herbs |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon Butter Sauce | Tangy, creamy, and rich | Parsley, chives, dill |
Pairing shrimp with lemon butter sauce and herbs makes the dish special. You can try many combinations. Don’t be shy to experiment and add your own twist.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
Choosing the right wine for baked stuffed shrimp can make it even better. The shrimp’s sweet taste goes well with certain white wines. These wines add to the dish’s richness and complexity.
Here are some great white wines to try:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Its crisp acidity and citrus notes balance the shrimp’s richness.
- Chardonnay: Oaked Chardonnay’s creamy texture and oak flavors match the buttery shrimp.
- Pinot Grigio: Its light, clean taste lets the shrimp’s sweetness shine, with its acidity refreshing the palate.
Think about your shrimp dish’s flavors and seasonings when picking a wine. A dry, unoaked white is good for simple dishes. But a richer, oaked Chardonnay suits creamy stuffings.
Finding the right wine can make your baked stuffed shrimp even better. Try different white wines to find the best match for your dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Keeping your Baked Stuffed Shrimp leftovers fresh is important. Put any leftover shrimp in a sealed container in the fridge right away. They can stay good for up to 3 days.
To warm up the shrimp, use the oven. Place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Or, you can heat them in a skillet over medium heat, turning them often, until they’re hot.
Don’t use the microwave to reheat seafood. It can make the shrimp tough and rubbery. Always make sure the shrimp is hot inside, at least 165°F, to stay safe.
