Stuffed Shrimp Scampi: Elevate Your Dinner with This Irresistible Garlic Butter Delight

Prepare to be amazed by a dish that transforms a classic into an extraordinary culinary experience. Our Stuffed Shrimp Scampi recipe takes succulent shrimp, infuses it with a rich, savory filling, and bathes it in the beloved garlic butter sauce you adore. This isn’t just shrimp; it’s an indulgence, a meal that promises to impress with every bite. If you’re a fan of the buttery, garlicky flavors of traditional scampi, you’ll fall head over heels for this elevated version, especially when it features a delectable Garlic Butter Stuffed Shrimp. Get ready to embark on a flavor journey that’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

What You’ll Need

Gather these fresh ingredients to create an unforgettable Stuffed Shrimp Scampi experience:

1.5 lbs large shrimp (16/20 count), peeled, deveined, and butterflied
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

 

Preparation Instructions

Get ready to assemble this magnificent dish! Follow these steps to create a succulent Stuffed Shrimp Scampi that will delight your senses. The key is in preparing the stuffing and the butter sauce just right before baking, ensuring every bite of this Garlic Butter Stuffed Shrimp is bursting with flavor.

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the butterflied shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the stuffing adhere and ensures a better texture.
2. Make the Stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, half of the chopped parsley, half of the chopped chives, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
3. Stuff the Shrimp: Gently open each butterflied shrimp flat. Spoon a small amount of the stuffing mixture into the crease of each shrimp. Don’t overfill, as it can make rolling difficult.
4. Arrange and Sauce: Place the stuffed shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish. In a separate small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic, remaining parsley and chives, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and a dash of salt and pepper. Drizzle this fragrant garlic butter mixture evenly over the stuffed shrimp.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the stuffing is golden brown and slightly crisp. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp cooks quickly.
6. Serve: Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch more red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or even a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing for an extra fiery flavor.
Cheesy Goodness: Mix a tablespoon of cream cheese or shredded mozzarella into the stuffing for an even richer, gooier texture.
Herb Variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, basil, or oregano in your stuffing for a different aromatic profile.
Serve with Pasta: Toss the baked stuffed shrimp with linguine or spaghetti and extra garlic butter sauce for a complete meal.
Mediterranean Style: Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese to the stuffing for a tangy twist.

Reviews

Chef’s Kiss! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This Stuffed Shrimp Scampi recipe is an absolute game-changer! So much flavor, and it looks incredibly impressive. My dinner guests were raving about it. Will definitely be making this again soon!” – Jessica L.

Easy & Delicious ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was intimidated by the idea of stuffing shrimp, but these instructions made it so easy. The Garlic Butter Stuffed Shrimp came out perfectly, juicy and full of amazing garlic and herb flavor. A new favorite in our household!” – Mark T.

Perfect for Parties ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Made these for a small gathering, and they disappeared fast! Everyone loved the crunchy topping and the tender shrimp. The lemon really brightens it up. Highly recommend!” – Sarah P.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry before butterflying and stuffing.

Q: Can I prepare the stuffed shrimp ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the stuffing and even stuff the shrimp a few hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Drizzle with the garlic butter just before baking.

Q: What should I serve with Stuffed Shrimp Scampi?
A: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta (like linguine), rice pilaf, crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or a fresh green salad.

Q: How do I butterfly shrimp?
A: With the shrimp peeled and deveined, place it on its side and make a shallow cut along the back curve, from the head end almost to the tail, without cutting all the way through. Open it up like a book.

Q: Can I grill or pan-fry these instead of baking?
A: While baking ensures even cooking of the stuffing and shrimp, you could try pan-frying or grilling, but you’d need to adjust cooking times significantly and ensure the stuffing doesn’t fall out. Baking is recommended for the best results with stuffed shrimp.

Conclusion

There you have it – a magnificent recipe for Stuffed Shrimp Scampi that elevates simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. The combination of plump, succulent shrimp and a savory, aromatic stuffing, all bathed in a zesty garlic butter sauce, makes for a truly luxurious dining experience. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this Garlic Butter Stuffed Shrimp is sure to impress. We hope you enjoy bringing this delicious dish to your table and savoring every delightful bite.

Recipe Note

For an extra touch of flavor and to prevent drying, you can reserve a tablespoon of the garlic butter sauce to brush over the shrimp halfway through baking.