Baked stuffed shrimp is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe uses jumbo shrimp, stuffed with a savory blend of breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, then baked until the shrimp are plump, juicy, and perfectly golden.
The combination of tender seafood and crispy stuffing creates a balance of textures and flavors that’s always a hit.
Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never disappoints. The aroma of garlic, fresh parsley, and a touch of lemon zest filling the kitchen is irresistible, and it’s a lighter option than fried shrimp.
This baked stuffed shrimp recipe brings restaurant-quality seafood right to your table, without the fuss. Plus, it’s versatile enough to work for any occasion, from casual dinners to holiday gatherings.
Why I Love This Recipe?
- Crowd-pleaser for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday party, this dish always gets rave reviews!
- It feels fancy but is surprisingly easy: I remember making this for the first time, thinking it was going to be complicated, but it came together so quickly!
- The perfect balance of flavors: The combination of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs creates that ideal balance of brightness and richness.
- A great lighter seafood option: If you’re trying to cut down on fried foods, this baked shrimp is a fantastic alternative.
More Shrimp Recipes you would love!
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Breaded Shrimp Recipe (Culinary Crunch)
- Shrimp Toast Recipe
- Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- Shrimp and Cod Recipe
- Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Homemade Baked Stuffed Shrimp
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Dish
- Large Bowl
- Flat work surface
- Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Spoon
- Cooking spray
- Oven Mitts
- Serving Platter
Ingredients
- 2 packages buttery round crackers
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 5 saltine
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 4 sea scallops
- 1/2 cup chopped imitation crabmeat
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup white cooking wine
- 1 jumbo shrimp
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your oven reaches the optimal temperature for baking the stuffed shrimp to perfection.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Coat a baking dish generously with cooking spray. This step prevents the stuffed shrimp from sticking to the dish during baking and makes cleanup easier afterwards.
- Mix the Stuffing Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine round crackers, finely chopped parsley, crushed saltines, a hint of celery salt, and minced garlic. This mixture forms the flavorful base of the stuffing. Add diced scallops, lump crabmeat, melted butter, and a splash of cooking wine. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Lay each shrimp flat on a clean work surface. Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal incision along the back of each shrimp, being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently open up the shrimp like a book, spreading out the halves to create a cavity for the stuffing. Repeat this process for all the shrimp.
- Stuff the Shrimp: Take a heaping tablespoon of the prepared stuffing mixture and carefully fill each shrimp cavity. Press down lightly to ensure the stuffing stays in place and the shrimp are evenly filled.
- Stuff the Shrimp: Take a heaping tablespoon of the prepared stuffing mixture and carefully fill each shrimp cavity. Press down lightly to ensure the stuffing stays in place and the shrimp are evenly filled.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Once stuffed, place the shrimp back-side up in the prepared baking dish. This not only showcases the presentation of the dish but also allows the shrimp to cook evenly.
- Add Water to the Baking Dish: Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps create steam in the oven, keeping the shrimp moist during baking and preventing them from drying out.
- Bake the Stuffed Shrimp: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake the stuffed shrimp for 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they are cooked through and the stuffing begins to turn golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the stuffed shrimp from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or served alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease baking dish.
- Blend crackers, parsley, saltines, celery salt, garlic.
- Stir in scallops, crabmeat, butter, cooking wine for stuffing.
- Prepare shrimp, stuff with mixture.
- Place shrimp in baking dish.
- Pour water for steam, and bake 15-18 min.
-
Let it cool briefly before serving.
Nutrition
Time For the Secret Tips!
- Arrange stuffed shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish for even cooking.
- Check shrimp for doneness by ensuring they’re opaque and firm to the touch.
- Baste stuffed shrimp with melted butter halfway through baking for added flavor and moisture.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over stuffed shrimp during the last few minutes of baking for a golden crust.
- Serve stuffed shrimp with dipping sauce such as cocktail sauce or garlic aioli for enhanced flavor.