Savory Crab-Stuffed Royal Red Shrimp
Elevate your dining experience with these exquisite Savory Crab-Stuffed Royal Red Shrimp, an irresistible appetizer that adds a touch of elegance to any gathering. These beautifully presented shrimp are filled with a delectable mixture of lump crabmeat, spices, and a hint of lemon, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Ideal for impressing guests at parties, or as a luxurious complement to a romantic Filet Mignon surf-and-turf dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. With a beautiful presentation and rich taste, they’re not just food; they’re an experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Soft breadcrumbs
Equivalent to 1 hamburger bun (none needed)
Light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (none needed)
Lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Mrs. Dash seasoning mix
1/2 teaspoon (none needed)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground preferred)
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none needed)
Lump crabmeat
1/2 lb (best available, picked over for shells)
Medium to large shrimp
1 lb (Royal Reds are preferred, peeled and deveined)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated, optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a greased cookie sheet.
2
Carefully peel the shrimp, leaving the tails intact. Slice each shrimp down the middle and devein them as you go.
3
Arrange the shrimp on the cookie sheet in a circular pattern, tails pointing up and fanned out for an elegant presentation.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, soft breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, oregano, Mrs. Dash seasoning mix, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a cohesive mixture.
5
Gently fold in the lump crabmeat, taking care not to break up the crab too much.
6
Take a spoonful of the crab mixture and place it carefully on top of each shrimp on the cookie sheet.
7
If desired, sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese over the crab-stuffed shrimp for an extra touch of flavor.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the tops are golden.
9
Using a spatula, carefully transfer the shrimp to a serving tray and serve immediately to enjoy at their best.
10
For a party, you can prepare trays of stuffed shrimp ahead of time, cover them with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them when ready to serve, and you'll have delicious appetizers in just 15 minutes!
11
For variety, try using the crab mixture to stuff mushrooms, which will only take 10-15 minutes in the oven at the same temperature.
12
If fresh seafood is hard to come by in your area, consider ordering your ingredients from a reputable seafood supplier like Joe Patti's Seafood in Florida, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Crab-Stuffed Royal Red Shrimp?
It is an elegant appetizer featuring Royal Red shrimp filled with a savory mixture of lump crabmeat, breadcrumbs, and spices, then baked to perfection.
What type of shrimp is recommended for this recipe?
Royal Red shrimp are preferred for their sweet, lobster-like flavor and delicate texture, though any medium to large shrimp can be used.
How do I prepare the shrimp for stuffing?
Peel the shrimp while leaving the tails intact, then slice each shrimp down the middle to devein and create a flat surface for the stuffing.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the stuffed shrimp.
How long do the shrimp need to bake?
The shrimp should bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the stuffing tops turn golden.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the trays of stuffed shrimp ahead of time, cover them with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
What ingredients are in the crab stuffing mixture?
The stuffing consists of lump crabmeat, eggs, soft breadcrumbs, light mayonnaise, lemon juice, oregano, Mrs. Dash seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
How should I arrange the shrimp on the cookie sheet?
Arrange them in a circular pattern with the tails pointing up and fanned out for an elegant presentation.
What is the best type of crabmeat to use?
Lump crabmeat is highly recommended. Ensure it is picked over to remove any small pieces of shell before mixing.
Is the Parmesan cheese mandatory?
No, the fresh Parmesan cheese is optional and can be sprinkled over the shrimp for an extra touch of flavor if desired.
How do I ensure the crabmeat stays in large pieces?
Gently fold the lump crabmeat into the wet mixture at the end, taking care not to break up the lumps too much.
What can I use as a substitute for soft breadcrumbs?
The recipe suggests using the equivalent of one soft hamburger bun to create the breadcrumbs.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a very mild kick from 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but it is generally savory rather than spicy.
Can I use the crab stuffing for other recipes?
Yes, the crab mixture is versatile and works wonderfully for stuffing mushrooms, which bake for 10-15 minutes at the same temperature.
Where can I source high-quality Royal Red shrimp?
If fresh seafood is unavailable locally, reputable suppliers like Joe Patti's Seafood in Florida are recommended for ordering.
Should I grease the cookie sheet?
Yes, preparing a greased cookie sheet prevents the shrimp from sticking during the baking process.
How do I serve this dish?
Transfer the hot shrimp to a serving tray using a spatula and serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
What type of mayonnaise should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for light mayonnaise to bind the stuffing mixture.
Does this recipe work as a main course?
While it is a popular appetizer, it serves as a luxurious 'surf' component for a surf-and-turf dinner alongside Filet Mignon.
How many shrimp does 1 lb usually include?
Using medium to large shrimp, 1 lb typically yields enough for a substantial appetizer tray for a small gathering.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred as it provides a brighter hint of citrus to complement the seafood.
What seasoning mix is recommended?
The recipe uses Mrs. Dash seasoning mix, which is a salt-free blend of herbs and spices.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp will turn opaque and the stuffing will be firm and golden on top after 15 minutes of baking.
Should the eggs be beaten?
Yes, the two eggs should be lightly beaten before being combined with the other stuffing ingredients.
Why leave the tails on the shrimp?
Leaving the tails on provides a handle for guests eating finger food and adds to the elegant visual presentation.
Can I use dried oregano?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It is a rich, savory seafood dish with citrus notes and a subtle herbaceous finish from the oregano and seasoning mix.
Is this a good dish for romantic dinners?
Yes, its beautiful presentation and luxurious ingredients make it a perfect choice for romantic occasions.
How do I prevent the stuffing from falling off?
By slicing the shrimp down the middle, you create a natural groove that helps hold the spoonful of crab mixture in place.
What texture should the breadcrumbs be?
The recipe uses soft breadcrumbs, which absorb the moisture from the eggs and mayo to create a tender stuffing.