Bring the taste of a high-end seafood restaurant straight to your kitchen with this homemade version of Pappadeaux’s famous stuffed shrimp. Each jumbo shrimp is filled with a rich, savory crab mixture, seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and a hint of lemon. Baked to perfection and finished with Parmesan, it’s a perfect dish for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a bold, Southern-style seafood meal.
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 8 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the stuffing:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup lump crab meat
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the stuffing:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and parsley. Cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat. - Mix the stuffing:
In a bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with breadcrumbs, crab meat, mayonnaise, and Parmesan. Mix until well combined. - Prepare the shrimp:
Butterfly the shrimp by slicing along the back, being careful not to cut all the way through. Lay them open on the prepared baking dish. - Stuff and bake:
Spoon the crab mixture onto each shrimp. Press gently to keep it in place. Sprinkle additional Parmesan over the top. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. - Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh jumbo shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
- Be gentle when stuffing the shrimp—too much pressure can cause them to break.
- Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning level depending on your heat preference.
- You can prep the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day.
What to Serve With
Pair this elegant dish with simple sides like:
- Garlic butter rice
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- A fresh citrus salad
- Warm French bread for dipping
Final Thoughts
This baked Pappadeaux-style stuffed shrimp recipe brings bold Southern flavors into a refined seafood entrée you can easily make at home. Whether for a special dinner or to treat yourself on a quiet night in, it delivers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and richness. Once you try it, it might just become a new go-to favorite.