Irresistible Stuffed Shrimp Delight Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Succulent stuffed shrimp delight tantalizes taste buds with its luxurious blend of textures and flavors.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate the elegant combination of delicate proteins and rich, complementary ingredients.

Soft, plump crustaceans become a canvas for creative culinary expression.

Skilled cooks understand how strategic seasoning can elevate simple marine ingredients into extraordinary dishes.

Maritime traditions inspire this remarkable preparation that promises sensory excitement.

Subtle herbs and zesty spices dance alongside pristine oceanic elements.

Carefully crafted techniques merge classic cooking methods with contemporary gastronomic innovation.

Savor each magnificent bite that tells a delicious story of culinary mastery.

Why Stuffed Shrimp Delight Deserves the Spotlight

• Packed with a blend of zesty ingredients like scallions, red bell peppers, and Dijon mustard, this recipe delivers an incredible taste profile that tantalizes every single taste bud.
• The crispy cracker coating creates a delightful crunch, while the tender shrimp and creamy crab stuffing provide a luxurious contrast that makes each bite absolutely irresistible.
• With simple preparation steps and a total cooking time of around 15-20 minutes, this recipe offers restaurant-quality results without requiring professional chef skills, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive appetizers for guests.
• Home cooks can easily adjust the stuffing's texture and seasoning to match personal preferences, ensuring everyone can create their own version of this delectable seafood delight.

Key Ingredients for Stuffed Shrimp Delight

• Shrimp: Sweet seafood that serves as the delicious vessel for the stuffing, best when fresh and large.
• Crab Meat: Soft, delicate protein that adds richness and ocean flavor to the stuffing mixture.

• Club Crackers, Scallion, Red Bell Pepper: Crunchy and fresh elements that provide texture and bright flavors to the filling.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy binder that helps hold the stuffing together and adds richness.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Lemon Pepper, Old Bay Seasoning: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the stuffing.
• Maggie Sauce, Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiments that add depth and zesty undertones to the mixture.

• Eggs: Wet binding agent that helps the cracker crumbs adhere to the shrimp.
• Flour: Dry coating that creates a base layer for the egg and cracker crumbs.
• Cooking Oil: Neutral fat used for achieving a crispy, golden exterior when frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Stuffed Shrimp Delight

Step 1: Butterfly the Shrimp

Carefully slice each shrimp along its back, keeping the tail connected. Wash the shrimp under cool water and gently dry with paper towels, ensuring they are completely moisture-free.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Stuffing

• Club crackers
• Scallions
• Red bell pepper
• Crab meat
• Mayonnaise
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Lemon pepper
• Old Bay Seasoning
• Maggi sauce
• Dijon mustard

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture reaches your desired consistency – smooth or slightly chunky.

Step 3: Fill the Shrimp

Spoon a generous tablespoon of the crab mixture into each butterflied shrimp. Press gently to seal the filling inside, making sure it stays tucked within the shrimp’s curves.

Step 4: Prepare Coating Stations

• First dish: Flour for initial coating
• Second dish: Beaten eggs for dipping
• Third dish: Crushed club crackers for final crispy layer

Step 5: Coat the Shrimp

Dredge each stuffed shrimp in flour, ensuring complete coverage. Dip into egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Roll in crushed cracker crumbs, pressing gently to create a thick, even coating.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat cooking oil in a small pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower three shrimp at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become delightfully crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Top Tips to Perfect Stuffed Shrimp Delight

• Master the Butterfly Cut: Slice shrimp carefully along the back, keeping the tail attached for a professional presentation and easier stuffing.
• Perfect Stuffing Consistency: Pulse ingredients in the food processor just enough to maintain some texture, allowing a mix of smooth and chunky elements for complex flavor.
• Seal Stuffing Technique: Press stuffing gently but firmly inside the shrimp to prevent spillage during frying, ensuring each bite has maximum flavor.
• Crispy Coating Trick: Dredge shrimp in flour first, then egg wash, and finally cracker crumbs for an extra crunchy, golden exterior that locks in moisture.
• Temperature Control: Maintain oil at a steady 350°F and fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and prevent lowering the oil temperature, which can result in greasy shrimp.

How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Shrimp Delight Like a Pro

• Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place a layer of paper towels underneath to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Preserve Freshness: Consume refrigerated stuffed shrimp within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain quality.
• Reheat Successfully: Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent the crispy coating from becoming soggy. Arrange shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for even heating.

Great Sides to Match with Stuffed Shrimp Delight

• Sip Sparkling White Wine: Match the rich, crispy shrimp with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the buttery texture and enhancing the seafood's delicate flavors.
• Serve with Zesty Slaw: Pair the stuffed shrimp with a tangy coleslaw featuring apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the crispy, indulgent appetizer.
• Create a Citrus Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick lemon-garlic aioli or orange-infused remoulade to complement the shrimp's complex seasoning and add a bright, acidic note to each bite.
• Complement with Crisp Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with fresh lemon vinaigrette to balance the deep-fried richness and add a peppery, fresh element to the meal.

Ways to Make Stuffed Shrimp Delight Your Own

• Coastal Crunch: Replace club crackers with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy exterior, adding a Japanese-inspired texture to the classic stuffed shrimp.
• Spicy Bayou Bite: Mix diced jalapeños and cayenne pepper into the crab stuffing for a Louisiana-style kick that brings intense heat and flavor to the dish.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap out mayonnaise with tzatziki sauce and add chopped fresh herbs like dill and parsley to create a Greek-inspired seafood appetizer with bright, zesty notes.
• Smoky Southwest Style: Incorporate chorizo crumbles and chipotle powder into the stuffing mixture, then serve with a roasted corn salsa for a bold, southwestern-inspired version of the original recipe.

Stuffed Shrimp Delight FAQs You Should Know

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

The shrimp are done when they turn golden brown and crispy, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. They should have a nice golden color and feel firm when touched.

• Can I prepare the stuffed shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shrimp and keep them refrigerated for up to 2 hours before frying. Just make sure to coat them with cracker crumbs right before cooking to maintain the crispy texture.

• What if I don't have Old Bay Seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper to create a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, use a seafood seasoning blend from your local grocery store.

• Is there a healthier cooking method for these stuffed shrimp?

You can bake the stuffed shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, which reduces the oil content while still maintaining a crispy exterior.

Stuffed Shrimp Delight Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mediterranean Stuffed Shrimp Delight brings coastal charm to dinner tables with elegant simplicity. Creamy herbed cheese and tender prawns combine in this irresistible dish that promises rich flavors you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Seafood Ingredients:

• 1 pound jumbo shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 8 ounces claw crab meat (or imitation crab meat)

Filling and Coating Ingredients:

• 3 sleeves club crackers (or substitute with Ritz or Saltine crackers)
• 1 scallion, chopped
• ¼ red bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ to ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon granulated onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic powder
• Salt-free lemon pepper seasoning to taste
• Old Bay Seasoning to taste (or Creole or Cajun seasoning)
• Dash of Maggie sauce
• Cooking oil for frying
• Tartar sauce, fresh lemon wedges, and fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Butterfly the shrimp by carefully slicing along the back, maintaining the tail’s connection. Thoroughly cleanse and delicately remove excess moisture using paper towels.
2. Create the stuffing mixture by pulsing club crackers, scallions, red bell peppers, crab meat, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, Maggie sauce, and Dijon mustard in a food processor. Blend until achieving a desired consistency – either smooth or slightly textured.
3. Generously fill each shrimp with the prepared crab mixture, ensuring even distribution. Gently press the edges to seal the stuffing within the shrimp’s cavity.
4. Prepare the coating station by crushing remaining club crackers into rough crumbs and placing them in a shallow dish. Whisk eggs in a separate container and spread flour in another dish for dredging purposes.
5. Meticulously coat each stuffed shrimp by first dredging in flour, then dipping into beaten eggs, and finally rolling in the crushed cracker crumbs to create a complete, crispy exterior.
6. Heat cooking oil in a deep pot to precisely 350°F (175°C). Carefully submerge shrimp in small batches, frying for 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp texture. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Notes

• Prep Time Saver: Butterfly shrimp ahead of time and refrigerate, keeping them covered to prevent drying out.
• Flavor Boost: Let stuffing mixture sit for 15 minutes before filling shrimp to allow ingredients to meld together and enhance taste.
• Crispy Coating Trick: Press crushed crackers firmly onto shrimp to ensure a thick, even golden crust that won’t fall off during frying.
• Oil Temperature Warning: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F for perfectly crispy exterior without burning.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare stuffed shrimp up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate before final coating and frying for convenient entertaining.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately with tangy remoulade or lemon aioli to complement the rich, seafood flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg