Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Cheese-Stuffed Shrimp

🍤 Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Cheese-Stuffed Shrimp

⏱ Time

• Prep: 20 minutes

• Cook: 10–12 minutes

• Total: ~30 minutes

🍽 Serves

4 people (about 16–20 shrimp)

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🧾 Ingredients

Shrimp

• 16–20 large shrimp (jumbo preferred)

• Peeled, deveined, tails on

• Butterflied (slice along the back, don’t cut through)

Cheese Filling

• 4–6 oz mozzarella or provolone (cut into small cubes or discs)

• Optional: cream cheese mixed with mozzarella for extra creaminess

Breading Station

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tbsp milk

Parmesan Crust

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika or chili flakes

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)

For Frying / Baking

• Oil for frying (vegetable or olive oil)
  OR

• Cooking spray + 2 tbsp melted butter (for baking)

For Serving

• Lemon wedges

• Extra Parmesan

• Fresh parsley

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🔪 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Shrimp

• Pat shrimp completely dry

• Season lightly with salt and pepper

• Gently open the butterfly cut

👉 Dry shrimp = crispier crust

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2️⃣ Stuff the Shrimp

• Place a small piece of cheese inside each shrimp

• Gently press shrimp closed around cheese

• Don’t overfill or cheese will leak

👉 Chill stuffed shrimp for 10 minutes if your kitchen is warm

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3️⃣ Set Up Breading Station

Bowl 1: Flour
Bowl 2: Eggs + milk (whisked)
Bowl 3: Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, parsley

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4️⃣ Bread the Shrimp

For each shrimp:

1. Roll in flour (shake off excess)

2. Dip in egg mixture

3. Press firmly into Parmesan breadcrumb mix

👉 Press well so the crust sticks thick and even

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🍳 Cooking Method (Choose One)

🔥 PAN-FRY (Best Color & Crunch – like the photo)

1. Heat ½ inch oil in skillet over medium heat

2. Fry shrimp 2–3 minutes per side

3. Turn gently until golden brown

4. Drain on paper towels

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🔥 OVEN-BAKED (Lighter Option)

1. Preheat oven to 425°F / 220°C

2. Place shrimp on parchment-lined tray

3. Brush lightly with melted butter or spray oil

4. Bake 10–12 minutes, flipping once

5. Broil 1–2 minutes for deep golden crust

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✨ Finish & Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley

• Dust with extra Parmesan

• Serve hot with lemon wedges

👉 Squeeze lemon right before eating—game changer 🍋

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🔥 Pro Tips for That Restaurant Look

• Use finely grated Parmesan, not shredded

• Don’t crowd the pan

• Keep oil hot but not smoking

• Let shrimp rest 1 minute before plating

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🌶 Flavor Variations

• Spicy: Add cayenne or chili oil to egg wash

• Italian: Add oregano + basil

• Garlic Butter Finish: Toss cooked shrimp in melted garlic butter

• Air Fryer: 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flip halfway