Best Baked Stuffed Shrimp Recipe – A Delicious Seafood!

If seafood is your passion, then you should not miss this one with baked stuffed shrimp recipe! This oldie but goodie from New England includes jumbo shrimp with an awesome, savory filling consisting of crackers, herbs, and spices that are buttered. Incredible for the festive season, parties, or a cozy evening at home with your family is this dish. 

This novel dish is far more of a time-saver, as you can see. But beyond that by putting in the right ingredients, you will enjoy a low-calorie and high-protein appetizer. 

You can propose whether to begin with a stuffed shrimp appetizer, and it will be the best app to thrill your host or to have a baked stuffed shrimp recipe as the principal course of a full and filling meal to enjoy while unwinding.

Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Stuffed Shrimp Recipe:

The key to the best-baked stuffed shrimp recipe is to have the fresh and best-grade ingredients. 

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The Required Ingredients: 

• Jumbo shrimp (12 pieces) – Pick U-15 or U-10 the type or size of shrimp that you think suits best your taste. 
• The Ritz crackers (1 cup, crushed) – This will make a buttery, crispy stuffing (instead of Panko you can opt for the extra crunch). 
• Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, melted) – This provides the stuffing with a more wonderful taste and keeps it moist. 
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – It brings a more rich flavor to the stuffing. 
• Onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped) – Add a delightful hint of sweetness. 
• Celery (1/4 cup, finely chopped) – It gives a perfect balance of crunch and freshness.
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp) – Elevates the taste and keeps the richness in check. 
• Old Bay seasoning (1/2 tsp) – This is an irreplaceable ingredient in seafood dishes.
• Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped) – This is what throws that perfect color and freshness at it. 
• Mayonnaise (2 tbsp) – It is used to combine the stuffing and make it creamy (you could, if you like, use Greek yogurt for a healthier version). 
• Dijon mustard (1 tbsp) – This ingredient is what perfects the stuffing with its depth of the flavor. 
• Salt & black pepper (to taste) – The seasonings are perfect for more robust taste.

Optional Ingredients: 

• Lump crab meat (1/4 cup) – It is a great way to add luxury to the flavor of the dish.
• Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp, grated) – A blazing of umami and depth of flavor with this delicious ingredient. 
• Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp) – It has a slight kick of spice.

How to Make Baked Stuffed Shrimp?

Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to making the best-baked shrimp, from choosing the right shrimp to preparing the perfect stuffing and baking it to golden perfection.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for both the shrimp and the stuffing.

For the Shrimp:

• 12 jumbo shrimp (U-10 or U-15 size) – Butterflied for easy stuffing.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – Keeps the shrimp moist.
• Salt & black pepper (to taste) – Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.

For the Stuffing:

• 1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed) – Adds a buttery crunch. (Substitute: Panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
• ¼ cup lump crab meat (optional) – For extra seafood flavor.
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted) – Provides richness.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Essential for flavor.
• ¼ cup shallots or onion (finely chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth.
• ¼ cup celery (finely chopped) – Provides texture.
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise – Helps bind the stuffing. (Substitute: Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – Adds a tangy kick.
• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning – Classic seafood spice mix.
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) – For brightness and freshness.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – Balances the richness of the stuffing.
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated, optional) – For extra umami flavor.
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Add a touch of heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Butterfly the Shrimp:

• Using a sharp knife, carefully cut along the back of each shrimp, but don’t slice all the way through.
• Open them slightly to create a butterfly shape, which makes them easier to stuff.

Remove the Vein:

• Use a knife or toothpick to pull out the dark vein along the back and discard it.

Season the Shrimp:

• Lightly drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.

Arrange in a Baking Dish:

• Lay the butterflied shrimp in a greased baking dish, with tails pointing up.

Step 3: Make the Stuffing

Sauté the Aromatics:

• In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter.
• Add shallots (or onions), celery, and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Mix the Stuffing Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  ✅ Crushed Ritz crackers
  ✅ Sautéed garlic, shallots, and celery
  ✅ Lump crab meat (if using)
  ✅ Mayonnaise and Dijon mustard
  ✅ Old Bay seasoning and parsley
  ✅ Lemon juice and Parmesan cheese (if using)
  ✅ Melted butter (remaining 2 tbsp)
• Mix everything until well combined.

Adjust the Texture:

• If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more melted butter or a splash of chicken broth.
• If it’s too wet, add a few more crushed crackers.

Step 4: Stuff & Bake the Shrimp

Stuff the Shrimp:

• Use a spoon or your hands to mound 1-2 tablespoons of stuffing onto each shrimp.
• Gently press the stuffing to help it stick.
  

Drizzle with Butter:

• Melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and drizzle it over the stuffed shrimp for extra flavor.

Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the stuffing is golden brown.

Broil for a Crispy Top (Optional):

• For an extra crispy, golden crust, broil on high for the last 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Your delicious baked shrimp is now ready! Serve immediately with lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and your favorite dipping sauces like garlic butter, tartar sauce, or lemon aioli.

What to Serve with Baked Stuffed Shrimp?

Pairing the right sides and sauces with baked shrimp enhances its flavor and creates a complete, well-balanced meal. 

Best Side Dishes for Baked Shrimp: 

Garlic Butter Asparagus: 

Asparagus steamed in garlic butter to make it crunchy and soft served it next to the shrimp. It is light, but yet delicious, and it acts perfectly as a side dish that will be a delicate contrast to the plumpness of the filling. 

• Start by trimming the asparagus and then sautéing them in the butter and garlic over medium heat. 
• Just until tender, which is around 3-5 minutes, roast the asparagus with a dash of lemon juice and Parmesan cheese (optional). 

Lemon Herb Rice: 

A straightforward source of lemon juice and other herbs is a perfect combination with all the seafood that is on the menu. They can suck up the juices while the sour citrus gives attention to them.

• Cook rice basmati or jasmine rice in either chicken or vegetable broth. 
• Add lemon zest, fresh parsley, and a touch of olive oil to increase the flavor. 
• The baked shrimp may be served along with it while still hot. 

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: 

To have a pleasingly comforting side, prominent mashed garlic potatoes will make the dish more creamy and delicious. The softness of the potatoes is a counterpoint to the shrimp that crunch out when bitten. Process; 

• Boil the potatoes russet or Yukon Gold until they are fork-tender. 
• Mix the mashed potatoes with butter, heavy cream, roasted garlic, and salt which will give it a perfect taste. 
• A fancy touch that can be added is the garnish of chopped chives or parsley. 

Crisp Garden Salad: 

A fresh, crispy, and balanced garden salad is a perfect addition to any stuffed shrimp dinner. To prepare: 

• Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions with a light vinaigrette. 
• A mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and honey is an ideal flavor combo of citrusy and sweet like the perfect Acid & Bass Techno song. 
• Furthermore, a topping that includes shaved Parmesan or toasted almonds shall be the answer for you if you require some additional texture. 

Roasted Brussels Sprouts:

Roasted Brussels sprouts are among the best vegetables to pair caramelized flavors with marine delights. Directions: 

• Mix halves of Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. 
• Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, but be careful that the brown/golden crispy layer is not overheated. 
• Finally, pour in the balsamic glaze to give it a sweet taste. 

Best Sauces for Dipping Stuffed Shrimp: 

Garlic Butter Sauce: 

A timeless choice that is both rich and has a garlic natural flavor, the garlic butter sauce takes credit for this taste. Process: 

• Melt butter in a saucepan, then sauté minced garlic until it becomes fragrant.
• Additionally, mix lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and fresh parsley in the sauce. 
• To prepare the sauce as a dip accompanying the shrimp dish, one can also serve it warm or drizzle it on the shrimp. 

Tartar Sauce: 

Tartar sauce is a classic must-have that brings in a creamy and tangy contrast suitable for seafood lovers. The task: 

• Mayo, pickles diced and capers, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard are the combined ingredients to blend. 
• You may as well add some fresh dill or parsley for more taste. 
• Before you serve the sauce, refrigerate it so that it becomes the most delicious. 

Lemon Aioli: 

An elegant touch of lemon aioli adds a smooth yet tangy ingredient to the baked stuffed shrimp, thus creating a balance between the creamy and tangy tastes. Instructions: 

• The mixture is made of mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a little bit of salt.
• At the end, you also need to whisk the mixture until it is smooth. 
• Then let it rest for 10 minutes to let the flavors mingle. Serve It with some chopped chives.

Expert Tips for the Best Baked Stuffed Shrimp:

It’s just that when the stuffing gets into them easily, they end up close to perfect. It’s all about the technique, and the selection of ingredients. From the selection of the best shrimp to the preparation of the gluten-free alternative. Here you will find ideas from professionals that will help your shrimp to be tasty, soft, and perfectly baked every time you make them. 

Take the Right Shrimp: 

If you are using large prawns it is much easier to stuff them. Take a look at jumbo shrimp, which is labeled U-10 or U-15 when buying them. You are buying ones with 10-15 shrimp per pound. The ones of this size are big enough to be stuffed and at the same time not lose the juiciness while cooked down. 

If you have an option between fresh and frozen shrimp, the best flavor is the fresh one. However, if it is a need to use frozen shrimp make sure they are fully unthawed before cooking. The easiest way is to put them in the refrigerator overnight. 

In case there is not enough time, just place them in the cold water for 10-15 minutes. Once you take them out, dry them with a paper towel to remove the extra water. This will ensure that your shrimp will properly cook without end up being soggy. 

Prepare Beforehand to Save Time: 

This is a great recipe for meal prep especially if you are thinking of having guests over. The stuffing can be premade and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Thus, the flavors will meld nicely when time goes by. 

Alternatively, you could go for the easier method and assemble the shrimp hours before you bake them and then put them in the fridge. All you will need to do then is to bake them when you want. That way, no additional task is required. This technique also fits well if you are making this dish for a party or holiday dinner. 

Gluten-Free & Keto-Friendly Options: 

If you are avoiding gluten or want to stick to a keto diet, you can still have baked stuffed prawns. Instead of using biscuits or breadcrumbs, crushed pork rinds or almond flour, can be used. 

They will add a little crunch to the filling without increasing the carbohydrate level. When you omit the butter and ghee is used instead, this becomes a dairy-free option. Ghee has a lactose-free rich flavor, while olive oil has an airy quality to it.

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• Classic Lasagna Recipe
• Creamy Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the shrimp and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best way to reheat baked stuffed shrimp?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Can I freeze-baked stuffed shrimp?

Yes! Freeze the unbaked shrimp on a tray, then transfer them to a sealed bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 18-20 minutes.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

No, raw shrimp work best. Pre-cooked shrimp will become overcooked and rubbery.

Final Thoughts

This baked stuffed shrimp recipe is a “crowd-pleasing” item, so cooking it for such days or on the occasion when you feel the urge to prepare restaurant-class food at your home is true and not by mistake. 

The taste of shrimp enhanced with soft and herby stuffing leaves an ineradicable memory of the seafood meal. Why don’t you give this recipe a try and introduce the taste of luxurious food to your kitchen?