Introduction to the Recipe

Stuffed Shrimp is a luxurious yet surprisingly easy dish that elevates shrimp to a whole new level with a rich, flavorful filling and a buttery, garlicky sauce. This recipe combines succulent shrimp seasoned with smoky spices, generously stuffed with a savory mixture of crab meat, spinach, artichokes, cheeses, and a medley of herbs. The result is a perfect balance of textures and tastes—from the tender shrimp shell to the creamy, cheesy stuffing inside.

Ideal for special occasions or a gourmet weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a beautiful presentation and impressive flavors without requiring hours in the kitchen. The stuffing’s combination of lump crab meat (optional but highly recommended), fresh spinach, and tangy artichokes adds freshness and depth, while the garlic butter dill sauce drizzled on top brings a luscious finish.

If you want to dive deeper into shellfish preparation or learn about the best seafood handling practices, check out this ultimate guide to cooking shrimp or this seafood safety and handling tips.

Stuffed Shrimp blends coastal flavors with classic Italian and Southern touches, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for holiday dinners, date nights, or anytime you want to impress your guests with minimal fuss.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Easy Stuffed Shrimp Recipe

Author: Sarah White

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Description

Delicious stuffed shrimp with crab, spinach, artichokes, and garlic butter dill sauce—perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the shrimp:

2 lbs 16-20 count shrimp, deveined and butterflied

2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon black pepper

For the filling:

8 oz lump or claw crab meat (optional)
1 cup cooked spinach, strained and chopped
6 oz chopped artichokes, strained and chopped

1 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream/cream cheese alternative)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
8 oz cheese (mozzarella and pepper jack blend recommended)
1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as oregano or thyme)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Zest of one lemon

For the Garlic Butter Dill Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a large bowl, toss the deveined and butterflied shrimp with smoked paprika, olive oil, Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Set aside.
In another bowl, combine crab meat, cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, cheese, minced garlic, dried herbs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until well incorporated.
Spoon the filling generously into the butterflied side of each shrimp, pressing gently to secure.

Arrange stuffed shrimp on the prepared baking sheet.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in fresh dill.
Brush or drizzle the garlic butter dill sauce over the stuffed shrimp.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through and the filling is golden on top.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra dill or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Butterfly the shrimp carefully to keep them intact and create a perfect pocket for stuffing.

If you skip crab meat, increase cheese slightly for richness.

Ensure spinach and artichokes are well drained to avoid soggy filling.

Garlic butter dill sauce adds moisture and fresh herb flavor—don’t skip it!

Advanced Techniques

Perfectly Butterflying Shrimp

Butterflying shrimp means slicing them down the back without cutting all the way through. Use a sharp paring knife and take your time to keep the shrimp intact. This technique creates a pocket perfect for stuffing and ensures even cooking.

Using Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp

Fresh shrimp provide the best texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw them fully in cold water and pat dry thoroughly. Excess moisture can interfere with seasoning adhesion and cooking results.

Enhancing the Filling Texture

For a creamier filling, add a bit more mayonnaise or cream cheese. For extra crunch, toss in finely chopped celery or water chestnuts. Adjust breadcrumbs to maintain the right stuffing consistency—moist but not runny.

Making Ahead and Freezing

Stuff shrimp and arrange on a baking sheet, then freeze uncovered until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time. Prepare garlic butter sauce fresh before serving.

Adding a Crunchy Topping

For a golden crust, sprinkle extra Italian breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan on top of the stuffed shrimp before baking. This adds a pleasant contrast to the creamy filling.

See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Cooked Stuffed Shrimp

Place cooled leftover stuffed shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Freezing Uncooked Stuffed Shrimp

Freeze stuffed shrimp before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or bake directly from frozen.

Reheating Without Drying

Warm leftovers in a low oven (300°F/150°C) covered with foil to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving which can toughen shrimp and dry out the filling.

Keeping the Garlic Butter Sauce Fresh

Prepare garlic butter dill sauce fresh each time, as reheating can cause butter to separate. Alternatively, store sauce in the fridge and gently reheat just before serving.

Avoiding Soggy Filling

Ensure all filling ingredients (spinach, artichokes) are well drained. Excess moisture will make the stuffing soggy and prevent proper browning.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Crab-Free Option

Omit crab meat for a budget-friendly or shellfish-free version. Increase cheese or add finely chopped cooked chicken for protein.

Dairy-Free Version

Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo. Use olive oil or dairy-free butter for the garlic sauce.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Replace Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Check all condiments for gluten ingredients.

Low-Fat Option

Use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the filling and reduce cheese slightly. Bake instead of pan-frying for healthier results.

Add Extra Veggies

Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms into the filling to boost nutrients and flavor without overpowering the shrimp.

FAQs About the Recipe

Can I use frozen shrimp for stuffed shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw fully in cold water and pat dry. Proper drying is key to getting good seasoning adhesion and cooking evenly.

What’s the best way to butterfly shrimp?

Use a sharp paring knife to slice lengthwise down the back of the shrimp without cutting all the way through, creating a “pocket” for the stuffing.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make the filling a day in advance and store in the fridge. Assemble stuffed shrimp just before cooking for the freshest taste.

How do I prevent the filling from falling out?

Press the filling firmly into the butterflied shrimp and arrange them seam-side down on the baking sheet to hold stuffing in place during cooking.

Is the crab meat optional?

Yes, crab meat adds richness and flavor but is not required. You can substitute with extra cheese or other protein as preferred.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Why Stuffed Shrimp Should Be on Your Menu

Stuffed Shrimp is a standout dish that combines elegant flavors and textures into a simple, approachable recipe. The luscious filling packed with crab, spinach, and artichokes complements the smoky seasoned shrimp perfectly. The garlic butter dill sauce adds freshness and richness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a special meal, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe offers both sophistication and comfort. It’s also flexible enough to fit various dietary preferences and easy enough for cooks of all skill levels to master.

With beautiful presentation and bold flavors, Stuffed Shrimp turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable seafood experience that you’ll want to make again and again.