Shrimp appetizers with crab stuffing, made with a trinity of green pepper, onion and celery. Mustard, Worcestershire and cayenne perfectly compliment the seafood without overpowering.
If you’re a shy, introvert-type person, you might not want to choose this appetizer to serve at a gathering. Because you will be the hit of the party! Everyone will be talking about you, asking you to regale the crowd and share this recipe out loud. Now, if you’re a center-of-attention-loving extrovert? Well… This Is Your Recipe! Crab “stuffing” made with a trinity of green pepper, onion and celery is the perfect fresh and rich topping for this show stopper. Mustard, Worcestershire sauce and cayenne perfectly compliment the seafood without overpowering it. With the stuffing just spooned on top, everything becomes nice and flaky on the plate and in your mouth.
The secret here is to buy good quality fish. And it is no secret that when displayed hot from the oven for your guests, these will be the first to go because everyone will be scrambling to make sure they get one. Or three.
Crab can be expensive, but with this small amount, enjoy a rich sampling without spending too much.
Serve with fresh cut lemon wedges and cocktail sauce. I make a quick, fresh and easy cocktail sauce that rivals any restaurant with just ketchup, prepared horseradish and diced jalapenos. Use quantities to your own taste.
Shrimp Appetizers with Crab Stuffing
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo shrimp
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- ½ medium green pepper, finely chopped
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- ¾ cup bread crumbs
- 1 Tablespoon mustard
- 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Paprika
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges
Optional Homemade Cocktail Sauce:
- Ketchup, to taste
- Prepared horseradish, to taste
- Jalapeno pepper, minced and to taste
Instructions
- Spray a 9 x 13 or other large baking pan with cooking spray.
- Peel, devein and carefully butterfly 12 shrimp. Open shrimp and arrange on baking sheet or pan.
- Melt ¼ cup butter in sauce pan and sauté 1 onion, ½ green pepper and ½ cup celery until tender.
- In medium bowl, combine 1 pound crab meat, ¾ cup bread crumbs, 1 Tablespoon mustard, 4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1 egg. Stir in the sautéed vegetables.
- Top each shrimp with a good Tablespoon of crabmeat mixture. Sprinkle with paprika, optional crushed red pepper flakes and drizzle melted butter over shrimp.
- Bake at 350F for 20 minutes. Then turn oven on Broil and cook for additional 6 minutes.
- Sprinkle parsley on shrimp and serve hot with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce, if you like.
Recipe given to me by an family friend long ago. P.S. By the way, I am not poking fun at introverts. I happen to be married to one and love all the wonderful aspects of introspective personalities.
These look amazing! Putting the ingredients on my grocery list for next week! Would go great with fried rice on the side.
Fantastic recipe! I will make this again and again. Such a great way to have an appetizer without the fuss of chip and dip!!
Delicious. A big hit tonight at a dinner party
Yummy!
Big Chef, thanks for taking the time to comment and I hope you and your guests will enjoy this recipe.
What a wonderful recipe! My husband and I do a lot of entertaining and although our specialty is appetizers and finger foods, we are always on the lookout for more tasty treats to serve our guests. Thanks so much!
Well, since I am such an introvert, maybe I’ll pass on this! Haha! Can’t wait to try this. Possibly next weekend for a party!! Your writing gets me hooked as much as your recipes!! Thanks!
Thanks Kim! And I’m sure you will handle all the attention you get just fine!
Shrimp and crab! Cannot wait to make this one!