Deluxe Shrimp and Crab Seafood Loaf
Indulge in a heartwarming and savory Deluxe Shrimp and Crab Seafood Loaf, a delightful dish that combines tender shrimp and lump crabmeat with a medley of flavors and textures. Perfectly balanced with a hint of citrus and complemented by fresh ginger, this impressive loaf is not only a fantastic centerpiece for gatherings but also easy to prepare. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, this dish will surely impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe. Serve it warm, freshly baked, and cut into squares for a delectable seafood experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
firm white bread
8 slices (toasted)
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
medium shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
heavy cream
1/4 cup (none)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
gin
1 tablespoon (none)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
eggs
2 (none)
scallions
1 cup (thinly sliced)
canned water chestnuts
1/2 cup (drained and coarsely chopped)
cilantro
1/3 cup (chopped)
lump crabmeat
1/2 lb (picked over)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a shallow 2-quart baking dish with butter.
2
Toast the bread slices until golden brown, then process them into crumbs. Measure out 1½ cups of the crumbs and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3
In a small skillet, melt the butter and use it to moisten the remaining breadcrumbs, which will be used for topping. Set aside.
4
Coarsely chop half of the shrimp and set aside for later use.
5
In a food processor, combine the remaining half of the shrimp along with the heavy cream, lemon juice, gin, soy sauce, ginger, and black pepper. Puree the mixture until smooth.
6
Add the eggs to the food processor and blend until well combined.
7
Pour the shrimp mixture into the bowl with the breadcrumbs and mix well.
8
Stir in the chopped scallions, water chestnuts, and cilantro until evenly incorporated.
9
Gently fold in the coarsely chopped shrimp and crabmeat, being careful not to break up the crab too much. Use your hands for the best blending.
10
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the buttered crumbs evenly over the surface.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the loaf is firm and the topping is golden brown.
12
Once baked, allow the loaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Deluxe Shrimp and Crab Seafood Loaf?
The main ingredients include medium shrimp, lump crabmeat, firm white bread, and heavy cream, flavored with ginger, lemon juice, and gin.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How much shrimp is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined.
How is the shrimp prepared for the loaf?
Half of the shrimp is coarsely chopped, and the other half is pureed in a food processor with cream and seasonings.
What type of crabmeat should I use?
You should use 1/2 pound of lump crabmeat, ensuring it is picked over for any shell fragments.
What is the recommended bread for the breadcrumbs?
The recipe recommends using 8 slices of firm white bread, toasted and processed into crumbs.
How many breadcrumbs go into the actual loaf mixture?
1.5 cups of the processed breadcrumbs are mixed into the loaf.
What is used to top the seafood loaf?
The remaining breadcrumbs are moistened with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkled over the top.
What size baking dish is needed?
A shallow 2-quart baking dish is required.
How long does the loaf need to bake?
The loaf should bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
What seasonings provide the flavor profile?
The loaf is seasoned with fresh ginger, lemon juice, soy sauce, gin, and black pepper.
Are there any vegetables in the loaf?
Yes, the loaf includes thinly sliced scallions, chopped water chestnuts, and fresh cilantro.
How should the eggs be incorporated?
The 2 eggs should be blended into the pureed shrimp mixture in the food processor.
How do I ensure the crabmeat doesn't break apart?
Gently fold the crabmeat and chopped shrimp into the mixture by hand.
How do I know when the loaf is done?
The loaf is ready when it is firm and the breadcrumb topping has turned golden brown.
Should the loaf rest after baking?
Yes, let the loaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
How should the finished dish be served?
The seafood loaf should be cut into squares and served warm.
Is there alcohol in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of gin to enhance the flavor.
How much ginger is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh ginger.
What provides the crunch inside the loaf?
Drained and coarsely chopped water chestnuts provide a unique texture and crunch.
What is the purpose of pureeing half the shrimp?
Pureeing half the shrimp with the eggs and cream creates a binder that holds the loaf together.
How much heavy cream is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
How many scallions are used?
One full cup of thinly sliced scallions is included in the mixture.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
What type of soy sauce is best?
Standard soy sauce is used to add a savory umami depth to the loaf.
How should the baking dish be prepared?
The baking dish should be greased with butter to prevent sticking.
Is this dish suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as an impressive centerpiece for gatherings and easy to serve in squares.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper is recommended.
How much cilantro is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
Is the texture of the loaf firm or soft?
The loaf becomes firm during the 40-45 minute baking process.