Ingredients
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 lb. lump crab meat
- 1 cup cracker crumbs, such as Simple Mills or Ritz
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced, plus lemon wedges for serving
- 1/2 stick melted unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that when the shrimp hit the baking dish, they cook quickly and evenly.
- Butterfly the shrimp. Use a sharp knife to slice down the back of the shrimp without cutting all the way through. This opens them up for the stuffing and makes them look extra fancy. Season the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Don’t overdo it on the salt—you can always adjust later.
- Make the stuffing. In a bowl, combine crab meat, cracker crumbs, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, and melted butter. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed. The consistency should be moist but not too wet—if it’s too dry, add a bit more melted butter.
- Arrange the shrimp in the baking dish. Lay the shrimp in the dish, cut sides down, tails facing up. If they’re a little wobbly and won’t stand on their own, no big deal. Just pile the stuffing over and around them.
- Stuff the shrimp. Spoon the stuffing generously over the shrimp. You want a good amount of stuffing so every bite is packed with flavor.
- Bake. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the top is golden. If you like a more browned topping, switch the oven to broil for the last minute of cooking.
- Serve. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top before serving. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Notes
Serving and presentation ideas
For a dinner party or special occasion, this dish looks stunning served in a rustic baking dish with a few lemon wedges on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of paprika for color. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the shrimp and crab. A light rice pilaf or buttery mashed potatoes would complement the dish perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner