How to Make Perfect Crab-Stuffed Shrimp at Home

Crab-stuffed shrimp is one of the most elegant and delicious appetizers you can serve. The combination of tender shrimp enveloping rich, sweet crabmeat never fails to impress guests. While this dish may seem fancy, it’s actually quite easy to make stuffed shrimp at home. With just a few simple steps, you can have restaurant-worthy crab-stuffed shrimp ready in under 30 minutes.

Benefits of Making Your Own Crab Stuffed Shrimp

There are several advantages to preparing crab-stuffed shrimp yourself rather than ordering it at a restaurant:

• Save money – Cooking at home is always more budget-friendly than dining out. Preparing crab-stuffed shrimp yourself lets you create an appetizer worthy of a fine dining restaurant at a fraction of the cost.

• Control the quality – When making stuffed shrimp yourself you can use the freshest highest quality ingredients. Splurge on jumbo shrimp and real lump crab meat to make it extra special.

• Customize to your taste – Since you’re making it from scratch, you can tweak the seasoning or stuffing flavors to suit your preferences.

• Make ahead convenience – The stuffed shrimp can be assembled up to a day in advance, making it a great fuss-free appetizer for entertaining.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crab-Stuffed Shrimp

Follow these simple steps for flawless crab-stuffed shrimp every time:

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp, shells on
• 8 oz fresh lump crabmeat
• 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Prepare the Stuffing

1. Pick through the crabmeat to remove any shells or cartilage.

2. In a bowl gently mix together the crabmeat mayonnaise, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and egg until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Refrigerate the stuffing until ready to use. This allows the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Shrimp

1. Peel the shrimp, leaving the tails intact. Using scissors or a sharp knife, cut along the back of the shrimp to butterfly them open. Remove the vein.

2. Rinse the shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.

Fill the Shrimp

1. Place a heaping tablespoon of the chilled crab stuffing into each butterflied shrimp. Press the stuffing in gently with your fingers to compact it.

2. Arrange the stuffed shrimp seam-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake the Stuffed Shrimp

1. Bake the shrimp at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until opaque and cooked through. The stuffing should be lightly browned.

2. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

Handy Tips for Perfect Results

• Chill the crabmeat stuffing before using to help it hold its shape when stuffed into the shrimp.

• Use fresh, not frozen, shrimp if possible for the best texture. Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge.

• Work slowly when butterflying the shrimp to keep them intact. Use metal tongs to help hold them steady.

• Pack the stuffing in tightly so it doesn’t leak out during baking. Overstuffing is better than understuffing.

• Brush the shrimp with butter before baking to help prevent them from drying out.

• Check larger shrimp sooner, as they may cook faster than the recommended time.

• Let the cooked shrimp rest 5 minutes before serving so the filling can firm back up.

Easy Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic crabmeat version, try these easy stuffed shrimp variations:

• Cheesy Bacon – Use cooked crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese in the stuffing.

• Spicy Southwest – Mix in cooked chorizo, black beans, corn, and chipotle peppers.

• Italian – Stuff with a blend of sauteed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan.

• Tropical – Dice mango, pineapple, and red bell pepper for a sweet and fruity stuffing.

• Seafood Lover’s – Use a mix of crabmeat and chopped cooked shrimp for the stuffing.

• Smoked Salmon – Substitute whipped cream cheese and smoked salmon for the crabmeat.

The possibilities are endless! The filling can be adjusted to use up leftovers or suit the flavors you love best.

Cooking and Serving Suggestions

• Accompany stuffed shrimp with toasted bread or crackers for dipping in any leftover stuffing.

• For a complete meal, serve alongside pasta tossed with lemon, garlic, and olive oil or with rice pilaf.

• Garnish the platter with lemon slices, parsley, edible flowers, or seafood embellishments like shells or starfish picks.

• Offer cocktail sauce, aioli, or remoulade sauce for dipping.

• Let guests help themselves by arranging stuffed shrimp on a tiered platter or shrimp boat. Provide appetizer forks or small plates.

• Skewer shrimp on decorative picks for easy passed appetizers.

Crab-stuffed shrimp is an elegant, tasty morsel that will have your guests thinking you’re a top chef. Impress at your next dinner party by preparing these stuffed shrimp using the simple instructions in this guide. With fresh, quality ingredients and a few easy techniques, you’ll master restaurant-caliber stuffed shrimp in no time.