Heavenly Succulent Crab Cake Stuffed Shrimp Recipe for Seafood Fans

Seafood enthusiasts adore this crab cake stuffed shrimp that blends oceanic flavors into an irresistible appetizer.

Golden-brown edges hint at the delectable mixture waiting inside each succulent shellfish.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how this recipe creates a stunning dish with minimal effort.

The combination of tender shrimp and rich crab meat delivers an elegant coastal experience on your plate.

Maryland-style seasonings add a perfect zesty touch to complement the delicate seafood.

Each bite promises a harmony of textures and robust maritime flavors that will impress dinner guests.

Prepare to elevate your culinary skills with this restaurant-quality seafood sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Inside the Ingredients of Crab Cake Stuffed Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh, wild-caught preferred with firm texture and sweet ocean flavor, avoid any fishy smell.
• Crab Meat: Jumbo lump or backfin recommended for rich, delicate taste, ensure fresh and properly stored.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates structure and absorbs moisture, panko works best for extra crispiness.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides richness to the filling.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creamy texture and helps hold crab mixture, choose full-fat version.

• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend adding signature maritime kick.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy undertone and depth of flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh herb bringing brightness and visual appeal.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and adds subtle citrus note.

• Butter: Creates golden finish and extra richness when drizzled on top.

Prep Gear for Crab Cake Stuffed Shrimp

• Baking Dish: Ceramic or glass dish for baking shrimp in the oven.
• Parchment Paper: Optional lining for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for butterflying and preparing shrimp.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing and butterflying shrimp.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: For combining crab cake filling ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Spatula or Spoon: To gently mix crab filling without breaking meat.
• Pastry Brush or Spoon: For drizzling melted butter over stuffed shrimp.

Let’s Stuff the Crab Cake Shrimp

• Prep the Ocean Delights

Slice shrimp along their backs, spreading them gently on a baking dish with tails pointing skyward. This creates a perfect cradle for our delicious filling.

• Create Flavor Magic

Blend succulent crab meat with aromatic seasonings, crumbly breadcrumbs, creamy binding agents, and zesty herbs. Mix carefully to preserve the crab’s tender texture.

• Craft Seafood Pillows

Lovingly spoon the crab mixture onto each shrimp, forming soft mounds that nestle perfectly in the butterflied curves. Press lightly to secure the treasure.

• Transform in the Oven

Drizzle melted golden butter over the assembled beauties. Slide the dish into a hot oven, allowing the shrimp to turn pink and the topping to develop a gorgeous golden crust.

• Present the Feast

Arrange the glistening shrimp on a platter, brightened with fresh herb sprinkles and sunny lemon wedges. Serve immediately to capture peak flavor and excitement.

Notes & Enhancements for Crab Cake Stuffed Shrimp

• Crab Cake Stuffed Shrimp Tips & Variations
• Seafood Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture. Jumbo shrimp work best for easy stuffing and impressive presentation.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust Old Bay seasoning or add red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra heat. Mild versions can be created by reducing spice quantities for sensitive palates.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip breadcrumbs entirely and use ground pork rinds or finely chopped herbs as a binding agent. This modification creates a keto-friendly version perfect for low-carbohydrate diets.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the crab cake mixture and stuff shrimp up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

Presenting Crab Cake Stuffed Shrimp

• Seaside Picnic Platter: Create a stunning beach-inspired presentation by arranging the stuffed shrimp on a large wooden board with fresh lemon wedges, vibrant herb sprigs, and colorful dipping sauces.
• Elegant Appetizer Spread: Serve these crab cake stuffed shrimp as a sophisticated starter during dinner parties, placing them artfully on individual small plates with a dollop of remoulade or zesty aioli.
• Rice Bowl Delight: Transform this dish into a complete meal by nestling the stuffed shrimp over herbed jasmine rice, drizzling with extra butter sauce, and garnishing with chopped green onions for added freshness.
• Summer Salad Topper: Slice the baked stuffed shrimp and arrange them over a crisp mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette, creating a light and refreshing main course perfect for warm evenings.

Chill & Store the Stuffed Shrimp

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover crab cake stuffed shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the refrigerator for maximum 2-3 days to maintain optimal flavor and food safety.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm up refrigerated shrimp gently in the oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture, ensuring the seafood remains tender and delicious.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual stuffed shrimp tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen shrimp can be stored up to 1 month, best thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep crab cake filling and raw shrimp separate if preparing ahead of time. Store crab mixture and cleaned shrimp in separate sealed containers in the coldest part of the refrigerator, using within 1-2 days for peak freshness and taste.

Succulent Crab Cake Stuffed Shrimp Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent crab cake stuffed shrimp blend Maryland’s coastal flavors with elegant seafood presentation. Crisp panko coating and rich crab filling promise a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with Mediterranean-inspired zest.

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Ingredients

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• 12 large jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
• 6 oz (170 g) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1 small egg, beaten
• ⅓ cup (40 g) breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Lemon wedges
• Additional parsley

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.
2. Shrimp Transformation: Butterfly the shrimp by slicing along the back, flattening gently to create an even surface. Position shrimp with tails pointing upward in the prepared baking dish.
3. Crab Cake Filling: Merge crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, egg, parsley, lemon juice, and garlic in a mixing bowl. Fold ingredients delicately to maintain the crab meat’s integrity, creating a harmonious filling.
4. Stuffing Assembly: Form the crab mixture into compact mounds, then carefully place each portion atop the butterflied shrimp. Press lightly to secure the filling, ensuring even distribution across the seafood canvas.
5. Baking Process: Cascade melted butter over the stuffed shrimp, then slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Roast for 15-18 minutes, watching for the shrimp to turn pink and translucent, while the crab filling develops a golden, crispy exterior.
6. Final Flourish: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve piping hot, accompanied by a complementary sauce or nestled alongside rice or a crisp salad.

Notes

• Preserve Crab Delicacy: Handle crab meat with extreme gentleness to maintain its delicate, flaky texture and prevent breaking during mixing.
• Select Premium Seafood: Choose fresh, high-quality lump crab meat and large shrimp for the most succulent and flavorful results, ensuring top-tier taste and presentation.
• Prevent Moisture Overload: Pat shrimp and crab meat completely dry before mixing to avoid soggy filling and ensure a crisp, golden crust during baking.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Easily adapt the recipe by using gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version or replacing mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-fat alternative.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg