Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stuffed Shrimp is an elegant and mouthwatering dish that combines succulent shrimp with a savory stuffing made from breadcrumbs, garlic, cheese, and herbs. This dish is a perfect appetizer or main course for special occasions, holidays, or even weeknight dinners when you want to treat yourself. The shrimp are baked to perfection, ensuring they remain juicy and tender while the stuffing adds rich flavors and texture. It’s a simple, yet impressive, recipe that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp on a cutting board and carefully cut a slit along the back of each shrimp to create a pocket for the stuffing, being careful not to cut all the way through. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Make the Stuffing: In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, melted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Stuff the Shrimp: Using a spoon, carefully stuff each shrimp with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the stuffing into the shrimp so it’s packed tightly, and place the stuffed shrimp in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Drizzle the stuffed shrimp with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the stuffing is golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the oven and garnish with extra chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, pasta, or a light salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Stuffing: Add more cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda, for an extra cheesy stuffing.
- Spicy Shrimp: For a bit of heat, mix in some red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños into the stuffing.
- Herb Variations: You can use different herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for added flavor.
- Seafood Stuffing: Add finely chopped crab meat or lobster to the stuffing mixture for an even more decadent version of stuffed shrimp.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover stuffed shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to make them ahead of time, stuffed shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months. After stuffing the shrimp, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffed shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use smaller shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use smaller shrimp, but the cooking time will be shorter. Just be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
Can I make stuffed shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and stuffing in advance. Simply stuff the shrimp, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, just bake them as directed.
Can I make this dish without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, panko, or even ground almonds for a gluten-free version.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. You can also check with a thermometer; the internal temperature of cooked shrimp should reach 120°F (49°C).
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before stuffing. This helps ensure the stuffing stays in place and the shrimp cook evenly.
How do I make the stuffing even more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of the stuffing, try adding sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add a bit of a splash of lemon juice to the mixture.
Can I grill the stuffed shrimp instead of baking them?
Yes, you can grill the stuffed shrimp! Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are fully cooked and the stuffing is lightly browned.
How do I make stuffed shrimp crispy on top?
If you prefer a crispy topping, broil the stuffed shrimp for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the stuffing?
Yes, you can use any cheese you like! Try using mascarpone, ricotta, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.
Can I make these shrimp without cheese?
Yes, you can make stuffed shrimp without cheese for a lighter option. Just use more herbs, garlic, and breadcrumbs for flavor.
Conclusion
Stuffed Shrimp is a deliciously elegant dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. The combination of succulent shrimp with savory, cheesy stuffing creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a dinner party, a holiday meal, or just because, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, these stuffed shrimp will have everyone coming back for more!
Print
Stuffed Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
tuffed Shrimp are a delicious and impressive dish, featuring jumbo shrimp stuffed with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, cheese, and herbs. Baked to perfection, these shrimp are a perfect appetizer or main course for a special occasion, or an easy weeknight dinner. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for extra flavor
Ingredients
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12 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil (for baking)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the Shrimp:
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Using a sharp knife, make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp to create a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
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Make the Stuffing:
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In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine until the mixture is moist and crumbly.
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Stuff the Shrimp:
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Using a small spoon, stuff each shrimp with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it is packed in.
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Bake the Shrimp:
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Place the stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the stuffing is golden brown.
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Serve:
- Serve the stuffed shrimp hot with lemon wedges and a side of dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce or garlic butter.
Notes
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You can make the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 day.
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For a more decadent version, add a bit of cream cheese or crab meat to the stuffing mixture.
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Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they should be opaque and slightly firm when done.
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These stuffed shrimp can also be grilled for a smoky flavor if preferred.
- Serve with a fresh salad or rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
