how long do you cook stuffed shrimp

How Long Should You Cook Stuffed Shrimp in the Oven for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp Every Time?

Stuffed shrimp makes for an easy yet impressive meal that is perfect for special occasions or dinner parties. The combination of tender juicy shrimp with a flavorful stuffing baked to perfection is sure to impress your guests. However, achieving that ideal texture and taste depends largely on proper cooking times. Undercook the shrimp and they will be mushy and unsafe to eat. Overcook them and you’ll end up with rubbery flavorless shrimp.

So how long should you cook stuffed shrimp in the oven? The answer depends on a few key factors

Size of the Shrimp

The most important factor determining baked stuffed shrimp cook time is the size of the shrimp. Small shrimp cook faster than larger shrimp. Here are general guidelines for how long to bake stuffed shrimp based on size:

• Extra colossal or jumbo (under 8 per pound): 18-20 minutes
• Extra large (under 10 per pound): 15-18 minutes
• Large (16-20 per pound): 12-15 minutes
• Medium (36-40 per pound): 8-10 minutes
• Small (51-60 per pound): 6-8 minutes

The shrimp size directly correlates to cook time. The larger the shrimp, the longer it needs in the oven. Try to buy shrimp that are similar in size to promote even cooking.

Internal Temperature

While shrimp size dictates the approximate bake time, the only way to guarantee safety and doneness is by measuring internal temperature. Stuffed shrimp is fully cooked and safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

To measure this, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a shrimp, avoiding the stuffing. Check temperature after the minimum recommended bake time for the shrimp size. If it hasn’t reached 145°F, continue cooking and rechecking the temperature every few minutes until it hits this mark.

Oven Temperature

Most recipes call for baking stuffed shrimp at 350-375°F. Higher oven temperatures will decrease cook time while lower temps will increase it. If adjusting the oven temperature, start by checking for doneness based on the cook times listed for your shrimp’s size. Then, increase or reduce oven temp if they seem over or undercooked.

In general, I recommend baking stuffed shrimp at 375°F to cook the shrimp and stuffing evenly without drying them out. But you may need to modify this based on your oven model and preference.

Single vs. Double Layer

Placing stuffed shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet will decrease cook time compared to cooking two layers. Shrimp baked in a single layer get direct exposure to the oven’s heat, helping them cook faster.

If cooking a double layer, place them on two racks set close together. Switch their positions and rotate the pans halfway through for even cooking. Add 2-3 minutes to the cook time when preparing stuffed shrimp this way.

Type of Stuffing

While shrimp size has the biggest impact on cook time, the specific stuffing you choose can slightly alter the time needed. Stuffings with higher fat content from ingredients like cheese, cream cheese, or oil will generally increase cook time. Moist stuffings with crumbs that don’t hold together well may decrease it.

Get to know how your go-to stuffing recipe impacts bake time and make any adjustments needed. Delicate stuffings prone to burning may need a lower oven temp. Keep notes on how long your favorite combinations take so you can replicate the perfect bake each time.

Frozen vs. Thawed

For food safety, it’s best to thaw frozen shrimp before stuffing and baking them. Frozen shrimp will take 10-15 minutes longer to cook through than thawed.

To safely thaw frozen stuffed shrimp:

• Place them in the refrigerator up to 2 days before cooking.
• Submerge in cold water for 30 minutes, changing the water every 10 minutes.
• Microwave at 30% power for 2-3 minutes per 4 ounces shrimp.

Pat shrimp dry before baking once fully thawed. Add extra time to the bake and monitor temperature carefully when cooking frozen stuffed shrimp straight from the freezer.

Tips for Baked Stuffed Perfection

Follow these tips for tender, juicy shrimp encasing hot, flavorful stuffing every time you bake stuffed shrimp:

• Buy large or jumbo shrimp and match sizes for even cooking.
• Prepare your favorite stuffing recipe. Avoid wet, loose fillings.
• Pat shrimp dry before stuffing. Stuff loosely yet generously.
• Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined pan.
• Insert an oven thermometer to preheat oven accurately.
• Bake at 375°F on middle rack until shrimp reach 145°F internally.
• Check often near end of cook time to prevent overbaking.
• Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy immediately.

How Long to Cook Frozen Stuffed Shrimp

Stuffed shrimp can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for busy weeknights or parties. However, frozen stuffed shrimp requires some adjustments to the typical cooking time. Here is a guide to baking previously frozen stuffed shrimp:

1. Thaw the frozen stuffed shrimp properly before cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, in cold water for 30 minutes, or in the microwave at 30% power for 2-3 minutes per 4 ounces.

2. Pat the thawed shrimp dry with paper towels. Allowing extra moisture on the shrimp can cause boil over or uneven cooking.

3. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place thawed, dry shrimp in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Bake for 2-3 minutes longer than fresh stuffed shrimp based on the shrimp’s size:

• Extra jumbo shrimp: 20-22 minutes
• Extra large: 18-20 minutes
• Large: 15-18 minutes
• Medium: 10-12 minutes
• Small: 8-10 minutes

1. Test the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a shrimp. Cook until the center of the shrimp reaches 145°F.

2. If the shrimp finishes cooking before the stuffing is hot and browned, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully.

3. Let the cooked stuffed shrimp rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the thawed, baked stuffed shrimp immediately for the best flavor.

Freezing and thawing stuffed shrimp before baking requires extra time and care. But with the proper technique, you can enjoy a quick oven-baked meal using frozen stuffed shrimp when you’re short on time.

Oven-Baked Stuffed Shrimp Recipe

This easy stuffed shrimp recipe results in tender baked shrimp enveloping a flavorful stuffing. Feel free to customize the filling ingredients to suit your tastes.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 24 extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 tbsp breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
• 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the stuffing: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and mix in the breadcrumbs, parsley, parmesan, salt, and pepper until combined.

3. Butterfly the shrimp by slicing halfway through the backside and opening up slightly. Be careful not to cut all the way through.

4. Fill each shrimp generously with the stuffing. Place on prepared baking sheet seam-side down. Drizzle any remaining butter over the shrimp.

5. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque throughout and stuffing is browned. Check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F.

6. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy immediately.

More Shrimp Baking Tips and Tricks

• Brush shrimp with melted butter or olive oil before baking for added moisture and flavor.
• Season the outside of stuffed shrimp with Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or your favorite spices.
• Wrap bacon around stuffed shrimp for a smoky flavor.
• Use any favorite seafood stuffing recipe like crab, crawfish, corn, or andouille sausage.
• Add shredded cheese on top of the stuffing for baked cheese-stuffed shrimp.
• Coat the shrimp in bread crumbs or panko before baking for a crispy crunch.
• Bake in a gratin dish and top with cheese for a baked shrimp casserole.
• Stuff with mashed potatoes instead of bread stuffing for twice-baked shrimp.

Mastering the perfect stuffed shrimp bake time results in tender shrimp baked around flavorful fillings. While shrimp size largely determines oven cook time, monitoring temperature and making adjustments based on stuffing and other factors leads to the ideal bake. Once you nail down the basics, experiment with different stuffings and flavors for endless baked shrimp possibilities.