If you’re looking to impress your dinner guests with a decadent seafood dish, look no further than baked stuffed shrimp. This dish is not only visually stunning, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and relatively simple to prepare. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, baked stuffed shrimp is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
To make baked stuffed shrimp, you’ll need a few key ingredients like jumbo shrimp, breadcrumbs, butter, garlic, and a variety of other seasonings and herbs. The stuffing is typically made by combining the breadcrumbs with melted butter, minced garlic, and any additional seasonings you’d like to include. This mixture is then placed inside the butterflied shrimp, creating a delicious filling.
Once you’ve prepared the stuffed shrimp, it’s time to bake them in the oven. The cooking time for baked stuffed shrimp can vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the temperature of your oven. A general guideline is to bake the shrimp at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the stuffing is golden brown. It’s important to keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook, as overcooking can result in tough and dry shrimp.
Remember, cooking times may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the shrimp to ensure they’re fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for shrimp to be safe to eat. Once the shrimp are done, serve them hot and enjoy the delicious combination of tender shrimp and flavorful stuffing. Baked stuffed shrimp make a wonderful appetizer or main course, and they’re sure to impress everyone at your next dinner party.
How to Cook Baked Stuffed Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing and cooking baked stuffed shrimp is a delicious way to enjoy this popular seafood dish. The following step-by-step guide will help you create a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- ½ cup of breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, melted butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Using a small spoon, carefully stuff each shrimp with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the mixture firmly into each shrimp to ensure it stays in place.
- Place the stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the shrimp cool for a few minutes before serving.
Now you can enjoy your delicious baked stuffed shrimp as an appetizer or main dish. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. These flavorful and succulent shrimp are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you can begin cooking your baked stuffed shrimp, you’ll need to gather and prepare all of the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Shrimp:
Start by selecting fresh, jumbo-sized shrimp. Make sure they are cleaned and deveined, with the shells and tails removed. It’s important to use jumbo-sized shrimp for this recipe to ensure they are big enough to stuff.
2. Stuffing:
Next, prepare the stuffing mixture. You can use a variety of ingredients to create a flavorful stuffing. Some popular options include breadcrumbs, garlic, chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers and onions), grated Parmesan cheese, and herbs like parsley or dill. Mix the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Butter:
Melt some butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish. This will be used to brush the shrimp before baking, ensuring a crispy and golden exterior.
4. Seasonings:
Gather your favorite seasonings to add extra flavor to the shrimp. Common options include salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
5. Baking dish:
You’ll need a baking dish large enough to fit all of the stuffed shrimp in a single layer. Make sure the dish is greased or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Once you have gathered and prepared all of the necessary ingredients, you’ll be ready to start assembling and baking your delicious baked stuffed shrimp.
Cleaning and Deveining the Shrimp
Before you can cook your baked stuffed shrimp, you need to properly clean and devein the shrimp. Follow these steps to prepare your shrimp:
- Remove the shell: Hold the shrimp with one hand and use your other hand to carefully peel off the shell. Start from the top near the head and peel it off in one smooth motion.
- Devein the shrimp: Once the shrimp is peeled, look at its back to find the black vein running along the top. Take a sharp knife and make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp to expose the vein. Use the tip of the knife to lift and remove the vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to ensure all the veins are removed.
- Butterfly the shrimp: To prepare the shrimp for stuffing, make a shallow cut along the belly of the shrimp, starting from the head and stopping at the tail. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Now that your shrimp are cleaned and deveined, they are ready to be stuffed and cooked.
Making the Stuffing Mixture
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Chop the cooked shrimp into small pieces. Add the chopped shrimp to the breadcrumb mixture and toss until it is evenly coated.
- Take one shrimp and scoop about a tablespoon of the stuffing mixture onto it. Press the mixture down gently with your fingers to secure it.
- Repeat with the remaining shrimp and stuffing mixture until all the shrimp are stuffed.
- Arrange the stuffed shrimp on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the stuffing is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the shrimp cool for a few minutes before serving.
Note: You can also use a piping bag to fill the shrimp with the stuffing mixture for a more polished look.
Stuffing the Shrimp
Before you can cook the baked stuffed shrimp, you need to prepare the stuffing. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir the mixture until well combined and the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the butter and seasonings.
Now that the stuffing is prepared, it’s time to stuff the shrimp:
- Take each shrimp and carefully make a slit along the back, cutting almost all the way through. Be careful not to cut the shrimp in half.
- With the slit side facing up, press about a teaspoon of the prepared stuffing into each shrimp.
- Gently reshape the shrimp, enclosing the stuffing inside.
Continue this process until all the shrimp are stuffed. Once the shrimp are stuffed, they are ready to be cooked.
Note: It’s important not to overstuff the shrimp, as this can cause the shrimp to cook unevenly.
Baking the Stuffed Shrimp
Once you have prepared the stuffed shrimp, it’s time to bake them to perfection. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious outcome:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and the stuffing is hot and bubbly.
- Remove the cooked stuffed shrimp from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly baked stuffed shrimp that are bursting with flavor. Remember to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the shrimp and the type of stuffing you have used.
Serving and Enjoying the Dish
Once the baked stuffed shrimp is cooked to perfection, it is important to serve and enjoy it immediately to fully appreciate its taste and texture.
Here are some tips on serving and enjoying this mouthwatering dish:
Plating
Start by arranging the baked stuffed shrimp on a serving platter. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
The baked stuffed shrimp can be served as an appetizer or a main course, depending on the occasion and your preference. They pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as a garden salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes.
For a complete seafood feast, you can also serve the shrimp alongside other seafood dishes like grilled lobster tail or seared scallops.
Enjoying the Dish
Before taking a bite, take a moment to appreciate the aroma and the presentation of the dish. The golden brown exterior of the shrimp and the savory stuffing should whet your appetite.
When enjoying the baked stuffed shrimp, use a fork to cut through the crispy outer layer and reveal the juicy and flavorful inner shrimp. The stuffing should be moist and well-seasoned, complementing the sweetness of the shrimp.
Bite into the shrimp and savor the combination of flavors and textures. The succulent shrimp, the savory stuffing, and any accompanying side dishes should create a delightful culinary experience.
Remember to take your time and fully enjoy each bite. This dish is best enjoyed with good company and a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing cocktail.
Now that you know how to serve and enjoy your baked stuffed shrimp, you can impress your guests with a delectable seafood dish that is sure to please their taste buds.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook baked stuffed shrimp?
You should cook baked stuffed shrimp for about 12-15 minutes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking stuffed shrimp?
You should preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking stuffed shrimp.
Can I cook stuffed shrimp for longer if I want them to be more crispy?
Cooking stuffed shrimp for longer may result in overcooking the shrimp and making them dry. It is recommended to follow the suggested cooking time for best results.
What should I stuff the shrimp with?
You can stuff shrimp with various fillings, such as crab meat, breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, herbs, and spices. It’s up to your personal preference and taste.
What is the best way to serve baked stuffed shrimp?
Baked stuffed shrimp can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or as part of a seafood platter. They can be served with a dipping sauce, on a bed of rice or pasta, or alongside vegetables.
How long do you cook baked stuffed shrimp?
You should cook baked stuffed shrimp for about 15-20 minutes.