Stuffed Shrimp With Crabmeat
You've probably stumbled upon stuffed shrimp with crabmeat before, but did you know it's a classic Southern dish with a rich history? Its creamy, cheesy filling and crunchy breadcrumb topping make it a showstopper. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe is sure to impress. But how exactly do you capture that perfect balance of flavors and textures? Let's plunge into and explore the secrets behind this celebrated dish.
History
Where did stuffed shrimp with crabmeat originate? The dish's roots trace back to the coastal cuisine of New Orleans.
As a port city, New Orleans had ample access to fresh seafood, which inspired chefs to create innovative dishes like stuffed shrimp. By stuffing shrimp with a savory crabmeat filling, they combined two of the region's prized ingredients into a single, decadent offering.
Over time, the recipe became a celebrated part of New Orleans' culinary heritage and spread throughout the Gulf Coast, solidifying its place as a classic in Southern and coastal cuisines.
Recipe
Stuffed Shrimp with Crabmeat is a delightful dish that combines the delicate flavors of shrimp and the succulent taste of crabmeat. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party, as it's both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
The creamy, cheesy filling inside the shrimp creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, while the crunchy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful contrast. This dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Ingredients:
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz crabmeat, lump or claw
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the crabmeat, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until the filling is fully incorporated.
Carefully slice the shrimp along the back, leaving the tail intact, and stuff each shrimp with the crab mixture. Arrange the stuffed shrimp in a baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
Bake the stuffed shrimp at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
Serve the dish immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy the delightful combination of tender shrimp and flavorful crabmeat in every bite.
Nutritional Guide
While this indulgent dish may be tempting, it's important to contemplate its nutritional profile.
Each serving of stuffed shrimp with crabmeat contains a substantial 26 grams of protein, primarily from the shrimp and crabmeat. However, the calorie breakdown reveals that nearly half the calories come from fat, with 17 grams of fat per serving.
This high-fat content is due to the butter, cream, and cheese used in the stuffing. Consequently, those watching their weight or heart health should consider this dish an occasional treat rather than a regular meal.
Moderation is key to enjoying the flavors while maintaining a balanced diet.
Final Thought
Ultimately, you'll want to weigh the indulgence and enjoyment of this dish against its nutritional profile. While the combination of succulent shrimp, rich crabmeat, and decadent cooking techniques creates an undeniably flavorful experience, it's important to evaluate the dish's impact on your overall health.
The use of butter, cheese, and other calorie-dense ingredients means this dish should be savored in moderation. However, with attention to proper portion sizes and complementary side dishes, you can strike a balance between culinary pleasure and nutritional responsibility.
The key lies in understanding how cooking techniques and flavor combinations contribute to the overall experience, allowing you to make informed choices about when and how to indulge.
