If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, you know that their Stuffed Shrimp is a dish that elevates seafood to new heights. This beloved dish has captured the hearts of seafood lovers everywhere, and now you can recreate it at home with this copycat recipe!
Just imagining that crunchy, golden exterior giving way to tender, succulent jumbo shrimp makes our mouths water. What truly sets this dish apart is the harmonious blend of textures and flavors—the savory yet slightly sweet stuffing paired with the juicy shrimp creates a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you’re a home cook, a foodie, or simply a fan of Pappadeaux, you’ll be delighted by how closely you can mimic this fan-favorite dish in your own kitchen. Get ready to bring a taste of Pappadeaux’s culinary magic into your home!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE PAPPADEAUX STUFFED SHRIMP
This stuffed shrimp recipe is sure to impress and is surprisingly simple to whip up at home. Here’s what makes them absolutely irresistible:
- Crab and Shrimp – The creamy crab filling complements the sweetness of the shrimp perfectly. Combining these two seafood varieties adds a rich and indulgent touch.
- Crunchy Coating – A crispy layer of crushed crackers provides that satisfying crunch in every bite, creating a delightful contrast with the smooth and savory filling.
- Big Bold Flavors – A medley of onion, garlic, lemon, and Cajun-style seasonings infuses the stuffing with vibrant layers of flavor, delivering the lively spices characteristic of New Orleans cuisine.
- Fun to Make and Eat – The process of butterflying the shrimp, stuffing them, and frying them creates an interactive cooking experience. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy the fun of peel-and-eat shrimp?
- Endless Possibilities – You can prepare these shrimp Pappadeaux-style with crab or experiment with different fillings. This recipe is flexible and easily customizable to suit your taste!
HOW DOES THIS DISH TASTE?
When you take a bite of these Pappadeaux-style stuffed shrimp, your taste buds will be awakened by a vibrant medley of flavors. The crispy, crunchy exterior gives way to a rich, creamy seafood filling that offers a delightful hint of spice.
The stuffing showcases sweet crab meat intertwined with a bold seasoning blend. Aromatic onion and garlic powders create a flavorful base, while paprika, mustard, and cayenne from Old Bay add a robust warmth. Sharp notes of lemon and pepper beautifully balance the richness, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying bite.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- 1 sleeve club crackers (or substitute with Saltine crackers)
- 1 chopped scallion
- 1/4 red bell pepper, chopped
- 8 ounces claw crab meat (or imitation crab meat)
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- Salt-free lemon pepper, to taste
- Old Bay Seasoning, to taste (or Creole or Cajun seasoning)
- Dash of Maggie sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 sleeves club crackers (or Ritz crackers)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Cooking oil for frying
- Optional garnishes: tartar sauce, fresh lemon wedges, and fresh parsley
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Shrimp: Butterfly each shrimp by cutting along the back while keeping the tail intact. Rinse and pat dry.
- Make the Stuffing: In a food processor, combine the club crackers, scallion, red bell pepper, crab meat, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, Maggie sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pulse until well blended and smooth, or leave it chunkier if you prefer.
- Stuff the Shrimp: Fill each shrimp with a heaping tablespoon of the stuffing mixture and press gently to close.
- Prepare for Frying: Crush the remaining club crackers in a freezer bag. In a shallow dish, beat the eggs, and in another shallow dish, pour the flour.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge each stuffed shrimp in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it in the egg wash, then coat generously with the crushed crackers.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat cooking oil in a small pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches of three for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Enjoy the fried shrimp immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and garnishes, such as tartar sauce, fresh lemon wedges, and parsley.
Notes
Keep in mind that these measurements are approximate, so feel free to adjust them to suit your taste preferences!
