Stuffed Shrimp

When it comes to holiday gatherings, nothing sets the mood quite like a delicious appetizer that wows your guests. Enter stuffed shrimp—a dish that is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor.

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Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a casual get-together, stuffed shrimp is the perfect way to elevate your menu. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing stuffed shrimp, from the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to make it your own and pair it with a delectable garlic butter dill sauce. Let’s dive in!

Why Stuffed Shrimp is Perfect for Any Occasion

Stuffed shrimp is more than just an appetizer—it’s a conversation starter. The combination of tender shrimp, flavorful stuffing, and a golden baked finish makes it an irresistible dish. Here are a few reasons why stuffed shrimp deserves a spot on your holiday table:

• Impressive Presentation: The butterfly shape of the shrimp, filled with a colorful stuffing, creates a stunning visual appeal.
• Versatile Ingredients: Whether you prefer crab, spinach, or cheese, you can tweak the stuffing to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Easy Preparation: Despite its fancy appearance, stuffed shrimp is surprisingly simple to prepare with just a few steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of smoky spices, creamy filling, and succulent shrimp is guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this show-stopping appetizer:

For the Shrimp

• 2 lbs 16-20 shrimp (deveined and butterflied)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon pepper

For the Filling

• 8 oz lump or claw crab meat (optional)
• 1 cup cooked spinach (strained and chopped)
• 6 oz chopped artichokes (strained and chopped)
• 1 cup mayonnaise (or substitute with sour cream or cream cheese)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 8 oz cheese (Mozzarella and Pepper Jack work well)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of one lemon

For the Garlic Butter Dill Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your shrimp will cook evenly and develop a golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Devein and butterfly the shrimp by carefully slicing them down the back without cutting all the way through. Lay them flat on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Brush this seasoning mixture onto the shrimp for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients: crab meat (if using), cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, mayonnaise (or sour cream/cream cheese), Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, cheese, minced garlic, dried herbs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined. The filling should be moist but not overly wet.

Step 4: Stuff the Shrimp

Using a spoon or your hands, gently fill each butterflied shrimp with the prepared stuffing mixture. Be generous but make sure the filling stays in place. Arrange the stuffed shrimp on a greased baking sheet or in a shallow baking dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the stuffed shrimp in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. The filling should be golden and slightly bubbly on top.

Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Butter Dill Sauce

While the shrimp are baking, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in fresh dill and remove from heat. Drizzle this sauce over the baked stuffed shrimp just before serving for an added burst of flavor.

Tips for Customizing Your Stuffed Shrimp

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. Here are some ideas for making stuffed shrimp your own:

• Seafood Swap: If you’re not a fan of crab meat, try substituting it with cooked lobster or chopped scallops for a luxurious twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the seafood altogether and load up on extra spinach, artichokes, and cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese like Parmesan, Gruyere, or even feta for unique flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are some serving ideas to complete your meal:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes for a well-rounded plate.
• Dipping Sauces: In addition to the garlic butter dill sauce, consider offering cocktail sauce or a tangy aioli on the side.
• Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the rich flavors of stuffed shrimp perfectly.

Nutrition Information

Each serving of stuffed shrimp contains approximately 267 calories. Keep in mind that this is an estimate and may vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed shrimp is a true showstopper that combines elegance with ease of preparation. Its rich flavors and stunning presentation make it an ideal choice for holidays, dinner parties, or even a romantic date night at home. With endless opportunities for customization, you can tailor this dish to suit any palate or occasion.

So why not give stuffed shrimp a try at your next gathering? Your guests will thank you—and you’ll have found a new favorite recipe to add to your repertoire!

Stuffed Shrimp Recipe

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Stuffed shrimp is the perfect holiday appetizer. It is tasty, beautiful, and easy to make. If you are looking for an appetizer idea that will impress everyone, this dish is a must-try. You can even customize it to make it your own!

• Author: Noura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

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For the Shrimp:

• 2 lbs 16-20 shrimp, deveined and butterflied
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Filling:

• 8 oz lump or claw crab meat (optional)
• 1 cup cooked spinach, strained & chopped
• 6 oz chopped artichokes, strained & chopped
• 1 cup mayo (or sour cream/cream cheese)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 8 oz cheese (mozzarella and pepper jack)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Garlic Butter Dill Sauce:

 

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped

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Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Coat the shrimp with this seasoning blend.
• Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix crab meat (if using), cooked and strained spinach, chopped artichokes, mayo (or sour cream/cream cheese), breadcrumbs, cheese, minced garlic, dried herbs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until well combined.
• Stuff the Shrimp: Fill each butterflied shrimp with the prepared stuffing mixture.
• Bake: Arrange stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until shrimp are cooked through.
• Make Garlic Butter Dill Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and fresh dill, cooking until fragrant.

 

• Serve: Drizzle garlic butter sauce over baked stuffed shrimp before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

• Make it Your Own: You can swap crab meat for extra veggies or adjust cheese varieties to your taste.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, a fresh salad, or over pasta for a complete meal.

 

• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 267 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 175mg