Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab: 1 Stellar Dish

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Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab has become my absolute go-to for impressing guests, or honestly, just treating myself on a random Tuesday. I first stumbled upon this amazing combination years ago at a little seafood shack by the coast, and the melody of flavors – that sweet, delicate crab mingling with perfectly cooked shrimp, all nestled on garlicky, cheesy bread – was unforgettable. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell incredible and guarantees happy sighs around the table. This jumbo lump crab and shrimp appetizer is pure coastal bliss, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab

It’s incredibly easy to assemble, making it perfect for weeknights.
The combination of succulent shrimp and sweet jumbo lump crab is divine.
This jumbo lump crab and shrimp appetizer is elegant enough for parties.
The crispy garlic bread base provides a satisfying crunch with every bite.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a luxurious seafood experience without a fuss.
The creamy Alfredo sauce and melted mozzarella create pure indulgence.
This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
You’ll love the simple yet sophisticated flavor profile.

Ingredients for Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab

Gather these delicious components for a truly special appetizer:

1 loaf crusty bread, like a baguette or ciabatta, for the perfect crispy base
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, the star of our seafood mix
8 oz jumbo lump crab meat, the sweet, delicate highlight of this jumbo lump crab and shrimp appetizer
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, for that irresistible gooey melt
½ cup grated parmesan cheese, adding a salty, nutty depth to the sauce
2 cups heavy cream, the luxurious foundation for our creamy Alfredo
2 tbsp unsalted butter, for sautéing and enriching the Alfredo sauce
1 large egg white, to help the shrimp get perfectly crispy when fried
1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp onion powder, for seasoning the shrimp marinade
½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper, essential for bringing out flavors
½ tsp paprika, adding a hint of color and warmth to the shrimp
2 cups all-purpose flour, for dredging the shrimp before frying
5 tbsp melted unsalted butter, for brushing the bread with classic garlic flavor
1 tsp minced garlic, to infuse the butter with aromatic goodness
⅛ tsp salt, to season the garlic butter
chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, for a fresh, vibrant garnish

How to Make Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab

Step 1: Let’s start by marinating our shrimp for maximum flavor. In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the 1 large egg white, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, and ½ tsp paprika. Give it a gentle toss to coat everything evenly. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for tender, well-seasoned shrimp.
Step 2: While the shrimp marinates, we’ll whip up a simple, luscious Alfredo sauce. Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant – oh, that smell! Slowly whisk in the 2 cups heavy cream. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the ½ cup grated parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Keep it warm over low heat.
Step 3: Now, let’s make that irresistible garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the 5 tbsp melted unsalted butter with the remaining 1 tsp minced garlic and ⅛ tsp salt. This fragrant butter will give our bread that golden, toasty finish.
Step 4: It’s time to get our shrimp ready for frying. Prepare your breading station: place the 2 cups all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each marinated shrimp in the flour, shaking off any excess. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. They should smell amazing!
Step 5: While the shrimp are frying, prepare the bread. Slice your 1 loaf crusty bread in half lengthwise. Brush the cut sides generously with the prepared garlic butter. Place the bread halves cut-side up on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 5-7 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant.
Step 6: Now for the assembly – the truly exciting part of making this jumbo lump crab and shrimp appetizer! Spread an even layer of the warm Alfredo sauce over the toasted bread. Sprinkle a good amount of the 2 cups mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Next, artfully arrange the fried shrimp and the delicate 8 oz jumbo lump crab meat over the cheese. This is where the magic of a shrimp jumbo lump crab dish really comes together. Top with a bit more mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Bake the assembled bread for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible.
Step 8: Once out of the oven, let it rest for a minute or two. Garnish generously with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Serve this glorious jumbo lump crab and shrimp appetizer immediately, perhaps with a small bowl of extra Alfredo sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab

Elevate your appetizer game with these simple tricks for a truly spectacular shrimp jumbo lump crab dish:

For the crispiest shrimp, make sure your frying oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Gently fold the jumbo lump crab meat into the assembly at the end to keep those beautiful lumps intact.
Using a good quality crusty bread is key; it needs to hold up to the sauce and toppings without getting soggy.
Don’t skip the resting time for the marinated shrimp; it really locks in the flavor and helps with texture.

What’s the secret to perfect Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab?

The magic lies in the balance of textures and flavors. Gently marinating the shrimp and then frying it to golden perfection creates a wonderful contrast with the delicate, sweet jumbo lump crab. Plus, that crispy garlic bread base with creamy Alfredo is pure bliss!

Can I make Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab ahead of time?

You can prepare some elements in advance! Marinate the shrimp and make the Alfredo sauce and garlic butter up to a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Fry the shrimp and assemble the bread just before baking for the best results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab?

Avoid overcooking the shrimp – it happens fast! Also, be gentle when handling the jumbo lump crab to maintain its texture. Ensure your bread is toasted well before adding toppings to prevent a soggy bottom.

Best Ways to Serve Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab

This decadent jumbo lump crab and shrimp appetizer is a showstopper on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few complementary dishes. For a truly elegant seafood experience, consider serving it alongside a crisp, lightly dressed arugula salad. The peppery greens cut through the richness of the appetizer perfectly. Another fantastic option is a simple side of steamed asparagus or green beans, offering a fresh, vibrant contrast. This jumbo lump crab and shrimp pairing works wonderfully for a sophisticated appetizer course or a light, luxurious main dish.

Nutrition Facts for Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab

This rich and flavorful shrimp jumbo lump crab appetizer is a delightful indulgence. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 500 kcal
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 900 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your jumbo lump crab and shrimp recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab

To keep your delicious jumbo lump crab and shrimp appetizer tasting its best, proper storage is key. Once it has cooled completely, which usually takes about 30-60 minutes, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can store this delightful dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have a lot of leftovers or want to save some for a future craving, it also freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes for a fantastic make-ahead jumbo lump crab seafood mix.

When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of great options. For the best texture, I highly recommend reheating in the oven. Place individual portions on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the bread. Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave for quicker results, though the bread might lose some of its crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab

What is jumbo lump crab and shrimp?

Jumbo lump crab and shrimp refers to a dish or ingredient combination that features large, intact pieces of lump crab meat, known for their sweet flavor and delicate texture, paired with plump, succulent jumbo shrimp. It’s a luxurious seafood pairing often found in appetizers, pastas, and entrees.

Can I use imitation crab with shrimp?

While you *can* use imitation crab with shrimp, it won’t provide the same authentic, rich flavor and texture as real jumbo lump crab. For the best jumbo lump crab and shrimp appetizer experience, I highly recommend using real jumbo lump crab meat if possible.

What are good side dishes for a shrimp jumbo lump crab entree?

When serving a main course featuring jumbo lump crab and shrimp, consider sides that complement the seafood without overpowering it. A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette is always a winner. Steamed or roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple lemon-herb risotto also pair wonderfully. You can find more ideas for side dishes that complement seafood.

How do I prepare jumbo lump crab meat for recipes?

Preparing jumbo lump crab meat is quite simple, which is part of its appeal in a jumbo lump crab and shrimp recipe. Typically, you’ll want to gently pick through it to remove any stray shell pieces. Avoid over-handling it to keep the lumps intact. Then, you can fold it into your dish as directed, ensuring it’s heated through without breaking apart.

Variations of Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab You Can Try

This amazing shrimp jumbo lump crab recipe is fantastic as is, but I love playing around with it! Here are a few ways you can switch things up to suit your mood or dietary needs. For a lighter take, skip the frying and pan-sear the marinated shrimp until just cooked through, then layer them on the bread with the crab. This still gives you a wonderful jumbo lump crab and shrimp entree feel with fewer steps. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply swap out the regular bread for a gluten-free baguette and use gluten-free flour for dredging the shrimp. You could also amp up the flavor by adding a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to the shrimp marinade or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for a little kick in your jumbo lump crab seafood mix.

Shrimp Jumbo Lump Crab: 1 Stellar Dish

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Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: None

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Description

Indulge in Shrimp & Jumbo Lump Crab Garlic Bread, an exquisite appetizer featuring crispy fried shrimp and delicate jumbo lump crab meat layered on garlic butter-brushed bread with a creamy Alfredo sauce and melted mozzarella. This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and a luxurious flavor profile, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Bread: 1 loaf crusty bread
For the Seafood: 1 lb large shrimp, 8 oz jumbo lump crab meat
For the Cheeses: 2 cups mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
For the Alfredo Sauce: 2 cups heavy cream, 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Marinade: 1 large egg white, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, ½ tsp paprika
For the Breading: 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Garlic Butter: 5 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1 tsp minced garlic, ⅛ tsp salt
For Garnishing: chopped parsley, red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Marinate the shrimp: Combine shrimp with egg white, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare Alfredo sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté garlic, whisk in heavy cream until thickened, and stir in parmesan cheese.
Make garlic butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and salt.
Prepare breading and fry shrimp: Combine flour with seasonings. Dredge marinated shrimp in flour and fry until golden brown.
Toast the bread: Brush bread halves with garlic butter and bake at 400°F (204°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Assemble the garlic bread: Spread Alfredo sauce on toasted bread, layer with mozzarella, fried shrimp, and jumbo lump crab meat. Top with more mozzarella.
Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Top with parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve with extra Alfredo sauce.