Crab Smothered Shrimp Recipe
This Crab Smothered Shrimp recipe is a delightful combination of fresh seafood and flavorful seasonings, guaranteed to wow your guests. With tender shrimp and succulent crabmeat enveloped in a rich, buttery sauce, this dish is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to make a statement at the dinner table. The best part? It comes together in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (large, peeled, and deveined) | 24 |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Celery (chopped) | 1 |
| Green pepper (chopped) | 1/2 |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh crabmeat (picked for shells) | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tsp |
| Thyme | 1/4 tsp |
| Tabasco sauce | 1 dash |
| Egg (beaten) | 1 |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (for garlic butter sauce) | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 595.6 |
| Fat | 44 g |
| Saturated Fat | 26.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 300.1 mg |
| Sodium | 1535.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 17.7 g |
| Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Sugar | 2.9 g |
| Protein | 32.9 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Shrimp
Begin by splitting the raw shrimp lengthwise. This step allows the shrimp to open flat, creating a perfect base for the crab mixture. However, be careful not to cut all the way through the shrimp. Once the shrimp are prepared, arrange them flat in a 9″ x 13″ baking dish and set them aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables
In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion, celery, and green pepper. Sauté these vegetables until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley for an extra layer of freshness. -
Prepare the Crab Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sautéed vegetable mixture with the fresh crabmeat. Be gentle during this step to avoid breaking up the crabmeat too much. Next, add the seasonings—salt, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and a dash of Tabasco sauce. Mix in the breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and heavy cream. Again, toss everything together gently but thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated. -
Stuff the Shrimp
Now it’s time to add the delicious crab mixture to the shrimp. Take a spoonful of the crab mixture and mound it on top of each shrimp. Make sure to cover the shrimp generously, as this filling is what makes the dish so decadent and flavorful. -
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour this buttery garlic mixture evenly over the stuffed shrimp and crab. -
Bake the Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle the top of the shrimp and crab mixture with paprika to give it a lovely golden color when baked. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The shrimp should be cooked through, and the crab topping should have a beautiful, slightly crisped top. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once the shrimp are done baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. The rich, buttery crab smothered shrimp can be served with a side of fresh green salad, garlic bread, or even a light pasta to complement the savory flavors of the dish.
Tips for Success:
- Choosing the Seafood: Fresh shrimp and crabmeat will elevate this dish, but if fresh isn’t available, high-quality frozen shrimp and pasteurized crabmeat can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thoroughly thaw them before use.
- Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more Tabasco sauce for extra heat, or mix in some lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with light white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Chardonnay. A side of roasted vegetables or a lemony rice pilaf would complement the rich flavors as well.
This Crab Smothered Shrimp recipe is sure to become a favorite at any gathering, offering an elegant yet straightforward dish that combines the best of the ocean’s bounty. With minimal prep and a flavor-packed result, it’s perfect for impressing your dinner guests or treating yourself to a special meal!
