Hey there! I’m super excited to share my tried-and-true method for making amazing baked stuffed shrimp. After years of experimenting in my kitchen (and yes, some epic fails!), I’ve finally nailed down the perfect cooking time at 400°F. Let me break it down for you!
The Quick Answer
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes at 400°F
That’s it! Pretty simple, right? But wait – there’s more to getting perfectly juicy shrimp than just the timing. Let me share all my tips and tricks!
Why This Cooking Time Works
I’ve found that 12-15 minutes is the sweet spot because:
- Shrimp cooks really fast (like, seriously fast!)
- It’s enough time for the stuffing to get golden brown
- The shrimp stays juicy without getting rubbery
- The filling heats through completely
My Foolproof Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Your Shrimp
- Pick large shrimp (16-20 count or 21-25 count per pound)
- Peel them but leave the tails on (looks fancy!)
- Remove that yucky dark vein
- Pat them dry with paper towels
- Butterfly them if you want extra room for stuffing
2. Make Your Stuffing
Here’s my go-to stuffing recipe
- Butter-sautéed shallots and garlic
- Crushed Ritz crackers (trust me on this!)
- Fresh herbs (parsley is my fave)
- A splash of sherry wine
- Seasoning to taste
3. Stuff and Bake
- Place shrimp on a lined baking sheet
- Add about 1 tablespoon of stuffing per shrimp
- Pop in the preheated 400°F oven
- Set timer for 12 minutes
- Check – they should be pink and opaque
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
Temperature Variations
While 400°F is my go-to, you can adjust:
- 375°F: Cook for 18-20 minutes
- 425°F: Watch carefully, cook for 10-12 minutes
Prevent Drying Out
- Cover with foil for first 5-7 minutes
- Brush with melted butter before baking
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet
Make-Ahead Options
Yes, you can prep these ahead! Here’s how:
- Prepare everything up to stuffing
- Cover and refrigerate
- Bake right before serving
Common Questions I Get Asked
Q Can I use frozen shrimp?A Yup! Just thaw completely and pat dry first
Q: How do I know they’re done?
A: Look for:
- Pink, opaque color
- Stuffing is golden brown
- Internal temp of 145°F
Q What can I serve with these?My favorite sides include
- Rice pilaf
- Steamed veggies
- Simple green salad
- Smashed potatoes
Budget-Friendly Tip
Making this at home costs about $10.12 for four servings – that’s just $2.53 per serving! Way cheaper than restaurant prices.
My Secret Weapon
Here’s a little trick I learned: add a tablespoon of cottage cheese to your stuffing mixture. It keeps everything super moist and adds amazing flavor. Sounds weird, but trust me!
Final Thoughts
Remember, every oven’s a bit different, so keep an eye on your shrimp the first time you make them. Once you nail the timing for your oven, you’ll have perfect stuffed shrimp every single time!
Note: These cooking times are based on jumbo or extra jumbo shrimp. If you’re using smaller ones, reduce the cooking time by a couple minutes.
What is Stuffed Shrimp?
Stuffed shrimp takes the concept of traditional shrimp to a whole new level by infusing them with a flavorful stuffing mixture. Each succulent shrimp is carefully prepared, peeled, and deveined, then delicately filled with an amazing blend of ingredients that add depth and richness to every bite.
How to Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp
Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure as we guide you through the process of creating these mouthwatering Baked Stuffed Shrimp. Follow the simple steps below to craft a dish that’s sure to impress.