Crab Stuffed Shrimp

### 🦀 **Crab Stuffed Shrimp** 🍤

Elevate your seafood dining experience with these delightful **Crab Stuffed Shrimp**! This recipe features succulent shrimp stuffed with a flavorful crab mixture, baked to perfection, and garnished for a touch of elegance. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is sure to impress family and friends.

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### **Ingredients:**

– **12 large shrimp** (butterflied) 🍤
– Choose fresh or frozen shrimp, ensuring they are cleaned and deveined.

– **1 cup crabmeat** 🦀
– Use lump or backfin crabmeat for the best texture and flavor. Fresh or canned crabmeat works well.

– **1/4 cup mayonnaise** 🥫
– This adds creaminess and helps bind the stuffing together.

– **1/4 cup breadcrumbs** 🍞
– Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture.

– **1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning** 🌿
– A classic seasoning blend that enhances seafood dishes with a mix of herbs and spices.

– **1 tablespoon lemon juice** 🍋
– Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavor of the crab filling.

– **2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese** (grated) 🧀
– Adds a savory, cheesy element to the stuffing.

– **Parsley** (for garnish) 🌿
– Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the finished dish.

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### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This will ensure that the shrimp cook evenly and the stuffing gets nicely browned.

#### 2. **Prepare the Stuffing:**
– In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the **crabmeat**, **mayonnaise**, **breadcrumbs**, **Old Bay seasoning**, **lemon juice**, and **Parmesan cheese**.
– Mix gently to combine, being careful not to break up the crabmeat too much. You want to maintain some texture in the stuffing.

#### 3. **Stuff the Shrimp:**
– Carefully butterfly the **large shrimp** by slicing down the back, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create a pocket for the stuffing.
– Using a spoon or your fingers, generously stuff each shrimp with the crab mixture. Press gently to ensure the stuffing stays in place.

#### 4. **Prepare for Baking:**
– Place the stuffed shrimp on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer.

#### 5. **Bake the Shrimp:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for about **20 minutes**, or until the shrimp are cooked through and opaque, and the stuffing is golden and bubbly.

#### 6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Once baked, remove the shrimp from the oven and let them cool slightly.
– Garnish with fresh **parsley** for a pop of color and added freshness.
– Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish alongside your favorite dipping sauce.

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### **Prep & Nutritional Info:**

– **Prep Time:** 20 minutes
– **Total Time:** 40 minutes
– **Servings:** 4 (3 stuffed shrimp per serving)
– **Calories:** Approximately 250 kcal per serving (calories may vary based on specific ingredients).

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### **Tips for Success:**

– **Quality Ingredients:** Use the freshest shrimp and high-quality crabmeat for the best flavor.
– **Customization:** Feel free to add chopped green onions or bell peppers to the stuffing for extra flavor and texture.
– **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it. Stuff the shrimp just before baking for optimal freshness.
– **Serving Suggestions:** Pair with a light salad or serve over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal.

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### **Final Thoughts:**

These **Crab Stuffed Shrimp** are a delicious and elegant way to enjoy seafood. The combination of tender shrimp and savory crab stuffing creates a flavor that is sure to impress. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful weeknight dinner, this dish is as satisfying as it is beautiful. Enjoy! 🦀🍤✨