Crab Stuffed Shrimp – Immaculate Bites

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This crab-stuffed shrimp recipe takes two of my favorite seafood ingredients and marries them into an absolutely mouthwatering duo. Something about stuffed shrimp feels so fancy, even though it’s super easy to make. This recipe will surely delight any seafood lover; I mean, we’re talking compliments for days. 

So the next time you want to bring a show-stealing appetizer to the party, this is the one because (in addition to being scrumptious) it’s just so pretty! But crab-stuffed shrimp can even make for a main course if you serve it with a few hearty sides. 

Shrimps with crab-stuffing goodness ready to enjoy

Why Shrimp Stuffed With Crab Works

A lot of folks are intrigued by crab stuffing, and rightly so. Crabmeat mixed with eggs, mayo, cream cheese, sauteed veggies, and breadcrumbs delivers a delightful combination of textures. It’s creamy and savory and has the perfect mix of seasonings with just the right kick of spice.

This versatile crab salad goes amazingly with lots of dishes, including salmon or mushrooms. But let me tell you, it takes good old shrimp to knock it right out of the park! 💥

Ingredients You’ll Want on Hand

  1. Crab – High in protein and low in calories and fat, it’s a seafood lover’s dream. Spike it with Creole seasoning for spicy goodness. While I prefer lump crab, imitation crab will work if that’s what you have.
  2. Binder – Eggs and mayonnaise give stuffing the right amount of fat.
  3. Flavor – Onion, garlic, green onion, celery, red bell pepper, and parsley sauteed in butter are drool-worthy seasonings.
  4. Bulk – Buttery cracker crumbs, parmesan cheese, and cream cheese add substance and umami.
  5. Jumbo Shrimp – Tender shrimp large enough to stuff are the star of this show.
  6. Lemon Wedges – The bright, citrusy flavor begs to be paired with seafood. If a recipe feels like it’s missing something, a squeeze of lemon juice will often make it right.

How to Make Crab-Stuffed Shrimp

Saute veggies, mix stuffing, and prep seafood

Prep Ingredients

  • Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃).
  • Prep – Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper and spray with a nonstick cooking spray.
  • Season Crab – Place crabmeat in a large bowl and season with Creole seasoning. Or use just salt and pepper to season it. 
  • Binders – Lightly beat the eggs, add the mayonnaise, and gently mix. Then, cover and refrigerate the mixture while preparing the other ingredients. 
  • Filling – Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, minced garlic, green onions, celery, red pepper, parsley, and more Creole seasoning. Sauté for 3-5 minutes and then transfer to a bowl. Let it cool. (Photos 1-2)
  • Crush Crackers – While the sauteed ingredients cool, crush crackers until they have a fine crumb texture.
  • Mix – Once the sauteed veggies have cooled, gently fold the cream cheese, crushed crackers, sauteed veggies, parmesan, and seasoned crabmeat mixture until thoroughly mixed. (Photo 3)
  • Taste Test – Test the mixture and adjust salt and pepper as needed. 
Stuff shrimps and bake

Assemble and Bake Stuffed Shrimp

  • Prep Shrimp – Place shrimp on a cutting board and cut a slit in the underside about ¾ deep, stopping at the tail so they can lie tail up. (Photo 4)
  • Season the shrimp lightly with Creole seasoning and salt if you desire. (Photo 5)
  • Stuff – Using a spoon, stuff each shrimp with 1-2 tablespoons of crabmeat. Carefully place the shrimp in your prepared baking dish, stuffed side up, and then spray them with cooking spray. (Photos 6-7)
  • Bake the shrimp until golden brown (about 20 minutes). (Photo 8)
  • Serve – Take them out of the oven and serve while still hot.
Insanely delicious crab-stuffed shrimp on a white platter ready to serve

Recipe Twists

  1. Stuff mushrooms, zucchini, or shells with a crab filling for a main dish or appetizer. 
  2. Add a little more cheese, mozzarella, pecorino Romano, Asiago, etc.
  3. Gluten-free buttery crackers will make this recipe ideal for your friends with gluten intolerance.
  4. Old Bay seasoning is a classic seafood spice. Feel free to replace the Creole seasoning with it.

Tips and Tricks

  1. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Bake until the stuffing sets, and enjoy.
  2. Line the baking pan with parchment paper or foil for easy clean-up.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

You can make the crab stuffing a day before you cook the shrimp. If you store the stuffing any longer, the cream cheese will start to ooze liquid – not a pretty sight. 

Store leftover stuffed shrimp in the fridge as soon as possible after dinner. They’ll keep in an airtight container for up to three days. I don’t recommend freezing them because of the mayo and cream cheese.

A plate full of shrimp stuffed with crab and lemon slices for the perfect appetizer

Perfect Sides for Shrimp Stuffed With Crab

Make a complete dinner with spicy green beans, rosemary-roasted potatoes, and sauteed Brussels sprouts.

Have fun dipping them in remoulade sauce, tartar sauce, or cocktail sauce. Make all three to give your guests plenty of options. 

More Delicious Seafood Recipes to Try

  1. Seafood Paella
  2. Shrimp Po’Boy
  3. Seafood Gumbo
  4. Maryland Crab Cakes
  5. Lobster Bisque

By Imma

Watch How to Make It

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This blog post was originally published in December 2021 and has been updated with additional tips, gorgeous photos, and a video

Crab Stuffed Shrimp

This recipe takes two of my favorite seafood ingredients and marries them into an absolutely mouth-watering duo. There’s just something about stuffed shrimp that feels so fancy even though it’s super easy to make. This recipe will surely delight any seafood lover, and I mean delight – we’re talking compliments for days.

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃).

  • Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper and spray with a nonstick cooking spray.

  • Place crabmeat in a large bowl and season with Creole seasoning. Or use just salt and pepper to season it. 

  • Lightly beat the eggs, add the mayonnaise, and gently mix. Then, cover and refrigerate the mixture while preparing the other ingredients. 

  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, minced garlic, green onions, celery, red pepper, parsley, and more Creole seasoning. Sauté for 3-5 minutes and then transfer to a bowl. Let it cool.

  • While the sauteed ingredients cool, crush crackers until they have a fine crumb texture.

  • Once the sauteed veggies have cooled, gently fold the cream cheese, crushed crackers, sauteed veggies, parmesan, and seasoned crabmeat mixture until thoroughly mixed.

  • Test the mixture and adjust salt and pepper as needed. 

  • Place shrimp on a cutting board and cut a slit in the underside about ¾ deep, stopping at the tail so they can lie tail up.

  • Season the shrimp lightly with Creole seasoning and salt if you desire. 

  • Using a spoon, stuff each shrimp with 1-2 tablespoons of crabmeat. Carefully place the shrimp in your prepared baking dish, stuffed side up, and then spray them with cooking spray.

  • Bake the shrimp until golden brown (about 20 minutes).

  • Remove from the oven and serve right away.

Tips & Notes:

  • Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Bake until the stuffing sets, and enjoy
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper or foil for easy clean-up
  • One pound of jumbo shrimp can have 20-30 shrimp
  • Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 4shrimp| Calories: 215kcal (11%)| Carbohydrates: 10g (3%)| Protein: 17g (34%)| Fat: 12g (18%)| Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)| Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g| Monounsaturated Fat: 3g| Trans Fat: 0.2g| Cholesterol: 133mg (44%)| Sodium: 903mg (39%)| Potassium: 218mg (6%)| Fiber: 1g (4%)| Sugar: 2g (2%)| Vitamin A: 802IU (16%)| Vitamin C: 17mg (21%)| Calcium: 128mg (13%)| Iron: 1mg (6%)



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