Stuff-It
A savory seafood stuffing combining crab and shrimp with aromatic vegetables, perfect for elegant appetizers or as a flavorful stuffing for seafood dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium white onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 celery stalks, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 pound crabmeat ⓘ
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, cooked, and chopped ⓘ
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Saute green onions, white onion, and celery in melted butter.
- Add crabmeat, stirring constantly.
- Add bread crumbs, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then stir.
- Add chopped shrimp and beaten egg to the mixture.
- If the mixture is too loose, add more bread crumbs.
- Do not cover the mixture during preparation.
- Serve in individual ramekins garnished with a lemon wedge or use as stuffing for shrimp or fish.
- Freeze in patties and thaw as needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a unique twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. If crabmeat is unavailable, canned tuna can be a great substitute. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference, and remember to taste the mixture before baking. The consistency should be moist but not overly wet, so add more bread crumbs if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect served in individual ramekins, garnished with lemon wedges for a fresh touch. Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up any remaining flavors. For a delightful seafood feast, consider serving alongside Walnut Fried Shrimp or a refreshing side of steamed vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to retain moisture without overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuff-It contains roughly 1402 calories, with 8g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value), protein (17% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2021mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen crabmeat for this recipe?
Yes, frozen crabmeat is a convenient option. Just ensure it is fully thawed and drained before using it in the recipe to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the consistency of the stuffing.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
If shrimp isn't available, you can use chopped scallops or even diced fish like flounder. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as different seafood cooks at varying rates.
How long can I freeze the stuffed mixture?
You can freeze the stuffed mixture in patties or as a whole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, ensuring the best texture and flavor when ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).