Description
Indulge in a sumptuous Shrimp and Crab Seafood Casserole that combines tender shrimp, lump crab, and aromatic rice in a creamy, flavorful blend. Topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust, this dish is a seafood lover’s dream.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Shrimp:
- 1 1/4 pounds large peeled and deveined uncooked shrimp (21-30 count) tails removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Rice and Vegetables:
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups white long-grain rice, preferably converted or parboiled rice
- 1 can (5-ounce) whole water chestnuts, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, preferably full-fat
- 1/4 cup tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided
- 1 container (8-ounce) jumbo lump crab, drained, rinsed, and picked over for any shell fragments
- 1 1/2 cups coarse fresh breadcrumbs
Instructions
- COOK THE SHRIMP: Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp for 30 seconds to 1 minute until just pink. Drain and cool.
- COOK THE VEGETABLES AND RICE: Sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper in butter. Add water, salt, pepper, and rice. Cook until tender. Let cool.
- ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE: Layer rice mixture, shrimp, crab, and breadcrumbs in a baking dish. Bake until heated through.
Notes
- SUBSTITUTIONS: Panko or buttery crackers can replace breadcrumbs. Clam juice can enhance seafood flavor.
- TIPS: Use American gulf shrimp, a high-sided saucepan, and layer seafood for better distribution.
- MAKE AHEAD: Prepare a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when needed.
- FREEZING: Freeze without breadcrumbs, thaw, then bake with topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 170mg