Decadent Baked Stuffed Shrimp

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Oh my gosh, let me tell you about baked stuffed shrimp ! if you’ve never tasted this dish, you’re seriously missing out.

Picture this: sweet, briny shrimp stuffed with a flavorful crab and breadcrumb mixture, baked to perfection. it’s the kind of meal that makes your taste buds dance and keeps you coming back for seconds.

Seriously, who can resist that crunchy topping and savory filling?

A Bit of Background

Now, baked stuffed shrimp isn’t just any ol' dish. this classic treasure is straight from the coastal areas of the u.

S., particularly a favorite in new orleans . it captures the heart of southern cooking by offering a burst of flavors in every bite.

Honestly, it’s medium in difficulty, so even if you’re a newbie in the kitchen, you can hold your own with this one! it only takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from prep to plate, and you’ll get about 4 servings perfect for a small gathering or a fancy dinner at home.

Why You'll Love It

One of the top health perks? protein packed shrimp combined with savory herbs mean you’re serving up a dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious.

And if you’re planning a cozy date night or festive holiday dinner, this dish fits right in. what makes this recipe truly special is the combination of flavors salty, sweet, and savory all in one bite.

Seriously, your guests will think you’re a seafood genius!

And don't worry if that sounds like a lot of work it’s actually pretty straightforward. you’ll be ready to impress in no time! plus, each bite feels like a little piece of coastal history, connecting you to those bustling new orleans kitchens and soft ocean breezes.

Now, let’s get into what you need to make this seafood masterpiece!

I can hear that delicious crunch already. The anticipation is real! Let’s gather our ingredients and get to stuffing those shrimp!

Ingredients & Equipment for Delicious Baked Stuffed Shrimp

Alright, let's dive into the tasty world of baked stuffed shrimp ! if you're excited to whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need to gather your ingredients and equipment first.

Trust me, it's not as daunting as it sounds. just think of it like throwing a mini party in your kitchen!

Main Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined ( 450g )

For the Filling:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably homemade or panko) ( 100g )
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted ( 30g )
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30ml )
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley , finely chopped ( 15g )
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese , grated ( 25g )
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Topping:

• 2 tablespoons additional butter , melted ( 30g )
• Lemon wedges, for serving

When choosing shrimp, go for fresh or frozen shrimp with a slight briny smell that's how you know you're getting quality seafood.

Seasoning Notes

For that perfect flavor boost, don’t skip the old bay seasoning ! it's a classic combo that just screams "seafood.

" if you wanna switch things up, throw in a pinch of cayenne for a little kick. need a sub? paprika works well too! and hey, fresh garlic is a must skip the powdered stuff if you can.

Equipment Needed

Now, let’s talk about what tools you’ll need to rock this recipe. You won’t need anything fancy:

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife
• Parchment paper (optional but makes cleanup easier)

If you don’t have a baking sheet, a sturdy pan will do the job. And really, any mixing bowl you have handy will work! Just keep it simple.

Get Cooking!

With all the ingredients ready and the equipment set, you’re one step closer to an incredible seafood dinner. the moment those baked stuffed shrimp come out of the oven golden and bubbling, you’ll be so glad you put in the effort.

The aroma will make your mouth water, and the first bite? oh my gosh, pure bliss!

So, gather your gear, unleash that inner chef, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen. You’ll impress everyone with this crab stuffing recipe and create a dish that’ll make you feel like a culinary superstar! Happy cooking!

Cooking Method for Decadent Baked Stuffed Shrimp

When it comes to making baked stuffed shrimp , a little prep goes a long way. seriously, folks, kitchen organization is key! before diving into cooking, let’s talk about mise en place .

This fancy term just means having everything ready to go. grab those big shrimp, chop your parsley, and set out your ingredients like little soldiers.

You’ll thank yourself later!

Prepping Like a Pro

Okay, so time saving organization tips ? i suggest measuring out your ingredients before you even think about turning on the oven.

It’ll make the whole process smoother. safety reminder: keep your shrimp cold until you're ready to stuff those little beauties.

Nobody likes food poisoning at a dinner party, am i right?

Now that everything’s ready, let’s jump into the fun part: the step-by-step process of making our scrumptious stuffed shrimp.

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Fire it up to 375° F ( 190° C) .

2. Prepare Your Shrimp
   On a baking sheet, lay those beautiful, peeled shrimp out. Make sure they look cozy!

3. Mix up the filling
   in a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, parmesan cheese, old bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.

   Stir it all together until it’s one happy family.

4. Stuff Those Shrimp
   With a spoon, gently fill each shrimp with your fabulous stuffing. Don’t overdo it; you want it to fit snug but ‘not too fat,’ you know?

5. Drizzle Some Love
   Let’s not forget to drizzle a bit more melted butter over the stuffed shrimp. Butter makes everything better!

6. Bake Away
   Pop those shrimp in the oven for about 20- 25 minutes . You’ll know they’re done when they’re opaque and have curled into that iconic “C” shape.

7. Garnish and Serve
   Serve warm, topped with lemon wedges for that extra zing!

Pro Tips to Rock Your Baked Stuffed Shrimp

Feeling adventurous? here are some expert techniques : use fresh shrimp - it makes a world of difference! and don’t rush the stuffing take your time for that perfect bite.

Common mistake? overstuffing. you want your shrimp to shine, so don’t smother them!

Now, if you're short on time, consider making the stuffing a day ahead and popping it in the fridge. You're totally welcome for that advice later when you’re a shrimp stuffing superstar.

In conclusion, whether you're whipping this up as part of a family dinner or a snazzy date night, baked stuffed shrimp is a surefire hit.

You’ll be the seafood hero of the night. so, grab your apron and let’s get cooking! trust me, this shrimp appetizer recipe will have your friends begging for seconds or even asking for your crab stuffing recipe ! happy cooking, y'all!

Recipe Notes for Baked Stuffed Shrimp

So, you’ve whipped up some baked stuffed shrimp that’ll make any seafood lover drool. but before you dive into the deliciousness, let’s talk a bit about serving suggestions and storage tips to make your meal truly shine.

Serving Suggestions That Wow

Plating is everything, right? i mean, who doesn’t love a dish that looks as good as it tastes? try arranging your stuffed shrimp on a fresh bed of greens, like arugula or spinach.

Throw in a few lemon wedges for that pop of color. honestly, it’s like a cover shoot for a food magazine but on your kitchen table!

And while you’re at it, pair these beauties with a light salad. a tangy lemon vinaigrette is perfect here. it cuts through the richness of the stuffed shrimp and really brings everything together.

Don’t forget to grab a chilled glass of pinot grigio it’ll make your seafood dinner feel fancy without a whole lotta fuss.

Storage Tips for Freshness

Now, let’s say you’ve got some leftovers (if you’re lucky). here’s the lowdown: refrigerate those shrimp in an airtight container.

They’ll be good for about 2-3 days. just make sure the shrimp are cooled down before you pop them in the fridge; nobody likes warm shrimp sitting around!

If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the baked stuffed shrimp. just wrap each piece in plastic wrap and toss them in a freezer bag.

They’ll be good for up to 2 months . when you’re ready to dig in, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat them in the oven at 350° f for about 10- 15 minutes or until heated through.

Variations That Rock

Feel free to get creative! if you’re looking for a dietary twist, consider swapping out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free. or for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast does wonders and gives that cheesy flavor without the cheese.

You can also add seasonal veggies like spinach or zucchini to the stuffing for some added crunch and nutrition.

Nutrition Basics: Keeping It Real

Each serving packs in about 310 calories , loaded with 24g of protein . they’re not just tasty, but they also contain healthy fats thanks to the olive oil and shrimp.

Plus, you get a kick of vitamins from all those fresh herbs. you’re eating well while indulging in a crab stuffing recipe that feels absolutely decadent!

Let’s Wrap It Up!

So there you have it! whether you’re slaying it at a dinner party or just treating yourself on a wednesday night, baked stuffed shrimp is the way to go.

With these notes on serving, storing, and even experimenting, you're all set for a smashing seafood dinner. happy cooking and don’t forget to savor every bite!