Miriam’s Smoked Crab-Stuffed Shrimp – A Flavor Explosion You’ll Love
Hi, I’m Miriam! I love creating bold, flavorful dishes that bring people together, and today I’m sharing one of my absolute favorites: Smoked Crab-Stuffed Shrimp. This dish is rich, savory, and full of that perfect smoky kick. Whether you're hosting a dinner or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
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12 large shrimp (size 13/15), peeled and deveined, tails on
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1 tbsp avocado oil
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp no-salt seasoning blend (like Old Bay or similar)
For the crab stuffing:
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8 oz jumbo lump crab meat
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp yellow mustard
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1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
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1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (or saltines if preferred)
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Same dry seasonings as above: paprika, garlic powder, and no-salt blend
For the garlic butter sauce:
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3/4 stick of butter (about 6 tbsp)
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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Pinch of salt
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Chopped parsley (optional)
order:
- 7.5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven: https://amzn.to/4dcUqms
- Lodge Pre-seasoned Cast Iron Skillet: https://amzn.to/3TyyMSA
- Bamboo Seasonings Box with Mini Spoon: https://amzn.to/4dfHzA6
Instructions
1. Prepare the shrimp:
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Butterfly each shrimp by slicing along the back with a paring knife, being careful not to cut all the way through.
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Toss the shrimp with avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and no-salt seasoning. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Make the crab stuffing:
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In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, crushed red pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and dry seasonings.
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Gently fold in the crab meat and crushed crackers. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (no egg, so it’s safe to sample).
3. Stuff the shrimp:
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Place a spoonful of crab mixture into each butterflied shrimp and gently fold them closed.
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Arrange stuffed shrimp in a cast iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish.
4. Bake:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake the shrimp for 15 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked and the stuffing is golden.
5. Optional – Smoke it up!
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For a smoky finish, transfer the shrimp to a smoker. Add applewood chips and smoke at 250°F (120°C) for 25–30 minutes.
6. Make the garlic butter sauce:
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Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
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Stir in salt, lemon juice, and parsley. Remove from heat.
Time to Enjoy!
Drizzle the garlic butter over the hot, smoky shrimp and serve immediately. The juicy shrimp, rich crab stuffing, and smoky aroma come together in one of the most unforgettable bites you'll ever have. This is hands-down one of my top 10 favorite dishes—and I hope it becomes one of yours, too!
Love,
Miriam 🧡🦐🔥