Festive Bites: The Ultimate Christmas Stuffed Shrimp Recipe

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and, of course, food. As the season rolls around, we start planning festive meals that will bring everyone together, fill their hearts with joy, and their bellies with delicious bites. When it comes to holiday appetizers, nothing says “celebration” quite like stuffed shrimp. These Christmas stuffed shrimp are not only packed with flavor but are also visually stunning, making them a perfect addition to any holiday spread. Imagine succulent shrimp, perfectly butterflied and filled with a savory, crab-infused stuffing that is both light and indulgent. With the gentle heat from Old Bay seasoning, the zesty kick of Dijon mustard, and the aromatic freshness of parsley, each bite will leave your guests wanting more.

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This dish is easy to prepare yet elegant enough to impress, making it an ideal appetizer or even a main course for your holiday meal. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or preparing a more intimate gathering, these stuffed shrimp will steal the show. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to create this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp (jumbo or colossal)
• 8 ounces lump crab meat (checked for shells)
• 10 Ritz crackers, finely crushed (just under 1/2 cup crumbs)
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (split)
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (extra for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Preparation and Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Butterfly and Devein the Shrimp

The first step in creating these beautiful stuffed shrimp is preparing the shrimp itself. Begin by peeling the shrimp, leaving the tail on. This not only makes the shrimp easier to handle but also adds a visual appeal when serving. Discard the shells, but be careful not to break off the delicate tail. Next, butterfly the shrimp by inserting a sharp paring knife about two-thirds of the way down its back, just below the head. Carefully slice along the length of the shrimp, following its natural curve, and open it up gently so that it lays flat. This process, known as butterflying, gives the shrimp a wider surface area to hold the stuffing.

While butterflying the shrimp, take a moment to remove the vein, which runs along the back. The vein is easily removed with the help of a fork or the tip of your knife. It’s essential to discard the vein because it can have an unpleasant texture and flavor, especially in delicate dishes like stuffed shrimp. Once the shrimp are cleaned and butterflied, you are ready to start preparing the filling.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Now that the shrimp are prepped, it’s time to set the stage for baking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so that it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to pop the shrimp in. This ensures even cooking and gives the stuffed shrimp the perfect golden-brown finish.

Step 3: Make the Filling

The crab filling is the heart and soul of this recipe, so it’s important to make sure it’s as flavorful as possible. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, melted butter, Ritz cracker crumbs, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, and 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix gently to combine. The key here is to handle the crab meat delicately, as it’s prone to breaking apart. The Ritz cracker crumbs add a buttery, slightly crunchy texture to the filling, while the crab meat provides a subtle sweetness that balances out the other flavors.

The Old Bay seasoning is a classic choice for seafood dishes, bringing a perfect balance of salt, spices, and a bit of heat. If you’ve never used Old Bay before, it’s a blend of celery salt, mustard, paprika, and other spices that complement shrimp and crab beautifully. The Dijon mustard adds a slight tanginess that cuts through the richness of the crab and butter, while the Worcestershire sauce provides a depth of umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the filling. Don’t forget the chopped parsley, which not only adds a vibrant color to the filling but also a fresh, herbal flavor that brightens up the dish.

Once all the ingredients are combined, you should have a moist yet firm mixture that will hold its shape when stuffed into the shrimp.

Step 4: Stuff the Shrimp

Now that your filling is ready, it’s time to stuff the shrimp. First, season each butterflied shrimp with a pinch of kosher salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) to enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor. Next, take approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of the crab mixture and gently press it into the center of each shrimp. The stuffing should mound slightly above the shrimp’s surface. Be sure to press it down gently to make sure the stuffing adheres properly. The goal is to create a nice little mound of filling that will form a crisp, golden layer when baked.

When stuffing, don’t overstuff the shrimp as the filling will expand slightly during cooking. You want to have just enough to cover the shrimp without overflowing. If you have leftover stuffing, it can be baked in small ramekins and served as a side dish—delicious and resourceful!

Step 5: Bake the Shrimp

Once all the shrimp are stuffed, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the shrimp are evenly spaced so they cook properly. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the shrimp for 13-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp, so keep an eye on them. The shrimp are done when the filling has turned a light golden brown and the shrimp are cooked through. You can check the internal temperature of the shrimp by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part of the shrimp; it should read 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked. The filling will be crispy on top and the shrimp tender, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a minute or two. Serve them immediately, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and extra parsley. The fresh lemon will provide a burst of citrus that complements the richness of the shrimp and crab filling beautifully. You can also serve these stuffed shrimp with a side of garlic butter or cocktail sauce for dipping.

These stuffed shrimp can be served as an appetizer or as the main course, depending on the size of the shrimp and how many you prepare. If you plan to serve them as part of a larger meal, they pair wonderfully with a light side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a creamy mashed potato dish. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations:

• Crab Meat: If fresh lump crab meat is not available, you can use imitation crab or even shrimp in place of the crab for a different take on the dish. However, using real crab will give the stuffing the best flavor and texture.
• Cracker Crumbs: While Ritz crackers work wonderfully, you can use other types of crackers like saltines or even panko breadcrumbs for a slightly different texture. Panko breadcrumbs will give the filling a more airy, crunchy texture, while saltines will add a bit more saltiness.
• Seasoning: If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning, you can substitute it with a combination of paprika, garlic powder, celery salt, and cayenne pepper. This will give you a similar flavor profile.
• Butter: For a lighter version, you can substitute the melted butter with olive oil or a non-dairy butter substitute. However, butter adds a richness that helps to balance the flavors of the shrimp and crab.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling to give it a kick.

Serving Suggestions:

These stuffed shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving ideas to make your meal even more special:

• Garlic Butter: Serve the shrimp with a side of garlic butter dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Melt some butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon for a simple yet indulgent accompaniment.
• Lemon Herb Risotto: A creamy lemon herb risotto pairs beautifully with these stuffed shrimp, adding a comforting and luxurious touch to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots make a great side dish for this recipe. The caramelized edges of the roasted vegetables contrast nicely with the richness of the shrimp.
• Crispy Potato Wedges: For a more hearty side, serve your shrimp with crispy potato wedges. The combination of the savory shrimp and the crispy potatoes is always a hit.

Conclusion:

These Christmas stuffed shrimp are a wonderful addition to any holiday meal, offering a blend of flavors and textures that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The combination of sweet crab, savory shrimp, and buttery seasoning is nothing short of delightful. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as a main course, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to the faces of your guests. So, this holiday season, elevate your dining experience with this festive and delicious recipe that will surely become a new family favorite. Enjoy the warmth, joy, and flavors of the season with every bite!