Pappadeaux Stuffed Shrimp

These Pappadeaux-style stuffed shrimp bring bold Southern flavors to your kitchen table. Each jumbo shrimp is butterflied and generously filled with a savory crab stuffing seasoned with aromatic vegetables, Cajun spices, and a touch of lemon. Baked until golden and finished with a drizzle of butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish is decadent yet approachable. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a flavorful seafood dinner, these shrimp deliver restaurant-quality taste in under 40 minutes. The combination of crispy edges, tender shrimp, and creamy crab makes it a standout favorite for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup crab meat (lump or claw)

• 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

• 1 egg, beaten

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Butterfly each shrimp by slicing along the back without cutting all the way through. Lay them open, tail up.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and red bell pepper; sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.

4. Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute more.

5. Transfer to a bowl. Add crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, parsley, and lemon juice. Mix well until evenly combined.

6. Spoon stuffing onto each butterflied shrimp. Arrange them in the baking dish.

7. Melt remaining butter and drizzle over shrimp. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

8. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and stuffing is golden.

9. Serve hot with lemon wedges and extra parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 38 minutes

Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Allure of Pappadeaux Stuffed Shrimp: A Southern Seafood Classic

Few dishes capture the heart of Southern seafood cuisine quite like Pappadeaux Stuffed Shrimp. Inspired by the beloved dishes of the Gulf Coast and the renowned Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen restaurant chain, this indulgent yet balanced meal combines the sweetness of jumbo shrimp with the richness of crabmeat, all wrapped in the bold, spicy, and aromatic essence of Cajun seasoning.

This recipe delivers everything you could want in a comfort dish savory stuffing, tender seafood, buttery finishes, and a layer of melted cheese for good measure. It’s a showcase of how refined Southern seafood cooking can be while still remaining deeply approachable to the home cook.

The Cultural Heritage of Cajun and Creole Seafood Dishes

To truly appreciate the flavor and inspiration behind Pappadeaux Stuffed Shrimp, one must understand the roots of Cajun and Creole cuisines. These culinary styles originate from Louisiana, a region shaped by French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Cajun cuisine tends to be more rustic and hearty, originally developed by French Acadians who settled in the swamps and bayous. Creole cooking, on the other hand, is more urban and cosmopolitan, shaped by the melting pot of cultures in New Orleans.

Both styles celebrate bold flavors, aromatic vegetables (known as the “holy trinity”: onion, celery, and bell pepper), and a reverence for seafood, especially shrimp, crawfish, and crab. The Pappadeaux Stuffed Shrimp recipe is a beautiful hybrid of these traditions fancy enough for fine dining, yet deeply comforting like a family recipe passed down for generations.

The Role of Crab-Stuffed Shrimp in Gulf Coast Dining

Crab-stuffed shrimp is a staple on many Gulf Coast menus, particularly in regions near Louisiana and Texas where fresh seafood is abundant. It has long been a special occasion dish—often seen on holiday tables, featured in upscale Southern restaurants, or made for dinner parties and celebrations.

The reason for its popularity is simple: it’s visually impressive, incredibly flavorful, and versatile enough to serve as either an appetizer or a main course. The pairing of sweet crabmeat with buttery shrimp is luxurious, but when baked together with Cajun spices and herbs, the result is deeply satisfying and grounded in tradition.

This recipe borrows heavily from that regional foundation and elevates it with subtle enhancements like Parmesan cheese, a splash of lemon juice, and a golden baked finish. The result is something that feels both nostalgic and gourmet.

What Makes This Version Stand Out?

While there are countless variations of crab-stuffed shrimp, the version inspired by Pappadeaux’s is particularly distinguished by its balance of texture and flavor. The shrimp are butterflied and laid flat to serve as the perfect vessel for the stuffing. The filling itself is a combination of sweet lump crabmeat, finely diced vegetables, aromatic herbs, Cajun seasoning, and a touch of creamy mayonnaise and egg to bind everything together.

Parmesan cheese adds an umami-rich finish that complements the delicate sweetness of the seafood, while the drizzle of melted butter before baking ensures the dish stays moist and flavorful throughout. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the entire profile, cutting through the richness and adding a fresh contrast.

Most importantly, it’s not over-seasoned. Many stuffed shrimp recipes can become overwhelmed by spice or salt, but this version walks the line perfectly, allowing each ingredient to shine while still delivering that signature Cajun warmth.

Perfect Occasions for Serving Stuffed Shrimp

Stuffed shrimp is inherently celebratory. It’s not the kind of dish most people make on a busy weeknight it’s a meal meant to impress and indulge. Here are some ideal moments for serving it:

• Holiday Dinners: Serve it as a seafood entrée at Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or Thanksgiving.

• Dinner Parties: Pair it with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a light salad for a balanced, elegant meal.

• Romantic Evenings: It’s rich and sensual enough to be the star of a romantic dinner, especially when paired with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

• Festive Appetizers: Make smaller portions and serve them as hors d’oeuvres at a cocktail party or Mardi Gras celebration.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

When it comes to what to serve alongside Pappadeaux Stuffed Shrimp, think light and complementary. Since the dish itself is rich and packed with flavor, your sides should balance the intensity without competing for attention.

• Vegetable Sides: Roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed green beans with lemon zest, or grilled zucchini.

• Starches: Garlic mashed potatoes, herbed rice pilaf, or creamy polenta.

• Sauces: A drizzle of lemon-butter sauce or a light remoulade can enhance the dish without overpowering it.

• Wine Pairings: White wines with good acidity, such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay (unoaked), or even a dry Riesling, can cut through the richness and amplify the seafood notes.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Even though this recipe is relatively straightforward, there are a few tricks that can elevate it from good to restaurant-quality:

1. Use fresh shrimp and crab: While canned or frozen can work in a pinch, fresh seafood gives the best texture and flavor.

2. Don’t overmix the stuffing: You want it to hold together, but it should still have some lightness to it. Overmixing can make it dense.

3. Properly butterfly the shrimp: This ensures even cooking and makes a nice base for the stuffing to sit on.

4. Pre-cook your veggies: Sautéing the aromatic vegetables before mixing them into the stuffing enhances their flavor and ensures they aren’t crunchy in the final dish.

5. Watch the bake time: Shrimp cook quickly, and overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture. Keep an eye on the oven.

A Dish That Brings People Together

Pappadeaux Stuffed Shrimp isn’t just a meal it’s a culinary experience that brings people together. Whether you’re serving it to family during the holidays or preparing it to impress dinner guests, the dish carries with it a sense of occasion and Southern hospitality. It’s one of those rare recipes that feels luxurious yet comforting, bold yet balanced.

Moreover, it invites experimentation. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can try variations: swap crab for crawfish tails, add a splash of hot sauce to the stuffing, or top with crushed crackers for extra crunch. You can even make it keto-friendly by substituting the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

Conclusion:

In the world of seafood dishes, Pappadeaux Stuffed Shrimp is a shining example of how elegance and comfort can coexist. It takes just the right amount of effort to feel like you’re making something special, yet it’s easy enough for any confident home cook to pull off. Best of all, it captures the soul of Southern seafood rich, warm, and meant to be shared.

As more people seek out restaurant-quality meals from the comfort of home, this dish serves as both a nostalgic tribute and a modern mainstay. It’s a little bit fancy, a little bit fiery, and 100% satisfying.