Hey y'all! If you're craving a dish that's bursting with flavor, elegance, and that wow-factor, this Baked Stuffed Shrimp recipe is calling your name. Tender, succulent shrimp stuffed with a buttery, herbed breadcrumb mixture is simply irresistible and makes for a stunning appetizer or main course at dinner parties, holidays, or anytime you want to treat yourself. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Quick & impressive—ready in under 40 minutes for stress-free entertaining.
- Rich and savory—each bite blends juicy shrimp with a crisp, buttery breadcrumb stuffing.
- Perfect for special occasions but simple enough for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable filling options to suit every taste, from classic to creative.
- Oven-baked for an easy, mess-free seafood treat with less oil.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
- ¾ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Butterfly each shrimp by making a shallow slit along the back (where it was deveined) and gently spread the meat open, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer, cut side up, on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing
- In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. The mixture should be moist and fragrant.
Step 3: Stuff the Shrimp
- Using a spoon, mound about 1 tablespoon of the stuffing onto the butterflied part of each shrimp, pressing gently to secure.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the stuffing is golden brown.
- Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh, large shrimp for the best flavor and presentation.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for optimal texture.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stuffing mixture.
Variations
- Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap each stuffed shrimp with a half-slice of bacon before baking for extra flavor.
- Crab-Stuffed: Add ¼ cup lump crab meat to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to suit dietary needs.
Required Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife (for butterflying shrimp)
- Spoon
Storage Instructions
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Freezing is not recommended as shrimp texture can become rubbery.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a crisp green salad and buttery garlic bread.
- Pair with lemony rice pilaf or roasted asparagus.
- A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water complements the flavors beautifully.
Pro Tips
- Pat shrimp dry thoroughly before stuffing to ensure even browning.
- Don’t overbake—shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if left too long in the oven.
- For an extra burst of freshness, zest some lemon over the stuffed shrimp after baking.
FAQ
Can I prepare Baked Stuffed Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the shrimp and stuffing earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Can I use smaller shrimp for this recipe?
You can, but the stuffing-to-shrimp ratio will be higher, and baking time should be reduced by 2–3 minutes.
Is it necessary to leave the tail on?
Leaving the tail on makes for a more attractive presentation and offers an easy handle for picking up, but feel free to remove them if you prefer.
Ingredients
- 16 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
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2Butterfly the shrimp by slicing along the back, being careful not to cut all the way through. Arrange shrimp in the prepared baking dish.
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3In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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4Spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly onto each shrimp, pressing gently to adhere.
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5Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and the topping is golden. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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