Name: Crab Stuffed Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, and butterflied); 1 lb lump crabmeat (you can use jumbo lump, claw, or lump); 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann's, Best Foods, or Duke’s); 1 large egg; 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning; 1/2 tsp lemon juice (fresh squeezed); 1 tsp Italian parsley (finely chopped); 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped); 4 wedges lemon; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tbsp melted butter (for drizzling)

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Crab stuffed shrimp is one of those recipes that feels extra special but is surprisingly simple to make. Each bite is packed with tender shrimp and flavorful crab filling that’s creamy, zesty, and just the right amount of savory. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to treat yourself to a seafood favorite, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your oven.

Why You’ll Love Crab Stuffed Shrimp

Perfect balance of creamy crab and juicy shrimp
Easy to prep with just a few simple ingredients
Great for dinner parties, holidays, or a special dinner at home
Bakes quickly for fast cleanup and minimal mess
Tastes like fine dining but requires no fancy techniques

Ingredients for Crab Stuffed Shrimp

Main Ingredients

Large shrimp
Lump crabmeat
Mayonnaise
Egg
Old Bay seasoning
Lemon juice
Fresh Italian parsley

Optional Garnishes

Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Crushed red pepper flakes
Drizzle of melted butter

Equipment

Oven
Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper (optional for easy cleanup)

Utensils

Measuring spoons
Mixing spoon or spatula
Knife
Cutting board
Small spoon (for stuffing shrimp)

Variations

Add breadcrumbs: Mix in a tablespoon of panko or crushed crackers for extra texture in the stuffing.
Use different seafood: Add a bit of chopped cooked scallops or small bits of lobster for a seafood medley twist.
Spice it up: Include a dash of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce in the mix for more heat.
Make it cheesy: Add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or cream cheese for a richer, thicker filling.
Air fryer option: Air fry the stuffed shrimp at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and cooked through.

How to Make Crab Stuffed Shrimp

Step 1: Mix the Filling

First, grab a medium mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and finely chopped parsley. Stir everything together until smooth and well blended. This will be the creamy base for your crab filling.

Mixing crab stuffing ingredients in a bowl

Step 2: Fold in the Crabmeat

Next, gently add the crabmeat into the bowl. Use a spoon or spatula to fold it in carefully. Be gentle so the crab chunks stay nice and big. Don’t overmix—just combine until evenly coated.

Step 3: Stuff the Shrimp

Now, lay your butterflied shrimp flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a small spoon, scoop a bit of the crab mixture and press it into the center of each shrimp. Curl the tail over the stuffing if you like—it makes for a fancy presentation.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the tray of stuffed shrimp on the middle rack and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the filling is lightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks

Choose large shrimp (16–20 count per pound) so they can hold more stuffing.
Pat the shrimp dry before stuffing to help the filling stick better.
If your filling feels too loose, add a little panko or cracker crumbs.
For added flavor, brush shrimp with melted butter before baking.

How to Serve Crab Stuffed Shrimp

Crab stuffed shrimp can be served as a starter or main dish. Pair it with a side salad, roasted veggies, or garlic butter pasta. A drizzle of lemon butter or aioli on top can add even more flavor. They also work great as a finger food for parties—just stick a toothpick in each one.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prepare the stuffed shrimp a few hours ahead of time. Cover and keep them in the fridge until ready to bake. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving—they’ll get rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use canned crabmeat?
Yes, just make sure to drain it well and pick out any shell bits before using.

Do I need to cook the shrimp before stuffing?
Nope! The shrimp will cook while baking with the stuffing.

Can I freeze them?
It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can freeze the assembled (unbaked) shrimp for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

How do I butterfly shrimp?
Use a small knife to cut along the back of the shrimp, being careful not to slice all the way through. Remove the vein and gently press the shrimp open.

Conclusion

In summary, crab stuffed shrimp is a quick, impressive dish that brings seafood flair to any meal. With simple ingredients and easy prep, it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Don’t wait for a special occasion—make this tonight and enjoy the flavor of the sea right at home.

If you love seafood as much as crab stuffed shrimp, you’ll definitely want to try our other comforting and flavorful dishes. For a rich and creamy pasta night, this Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo is a must-try, blending tender proteins with a velvety sauce. Craving something a bit more luxurious? Treat yourself to this indulgent Lobster Linguine Recipe, perfect for special occasions or a romantic dinner at home. And when you’re in the mood for something warm and cozy, our hearty Chicken and Potato Soup makes a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Crab stuffed shrimp brings together two seafood favorites in one delicious bite, and it’s helpful to know a little more about what makes them so special. Large shrimp, often used in this recipe, are a popular type of prawn prized for their size and flavor. The star of the filling—crabmeat—can come from different species like blue crabs or snow crabs, all classified under the broader family of crab. For seasoning, Old Bay adds a classic touch with its unique blend of herbs and spices, which has a rich history in Chesapeake Bay cuisine and continues to be a favorite in seafood recipes across the U.S.