Push the boundaries of your culinary repertoire with this scrumptious seafood stuffing recipe. Filled with the delights from the sea such as shrimps, scallops, and crab meat, it's a perfect way to add a gourmet touch to your holiday meals. The delectable cornbread base absorbs all the savory juices from the seafood, creating an explosion of flavors that your guests will surely love.
The key ingredients, sea scallops, shrimps, and crab meat, may not be readily available in everyone's pantry. When purchasing these at the supermarket, ensure you opt for fresh or frozen ones instead of those canned in brine. We also use poultry seasoning, a blend of thyme, sage, marjoram, rosemary, black pepper, and nutmeg that's commonly found in the spice aisle.
Essential Ingredients for Delicious Seafood Stuffing Recipe
Cornbread mix: Cornbread lends a unique savory-sweet flavor and crumbly texture that makes it the perfect base for our stuffing.
Sea scallops: Scallops have a delicate, sweet flavor that blends beautifully with our other seafood components.
Medium shrimps: Shrimps add a delightful crunch and a mild, sweet taste.
Crab meat: Crab meat adds a luxurious touch and a distinctively sweet, briny flavor.
Chicken stock: Used to moisten the cornbread and to impart a savory flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a pleasant, savory kick.
Onion powder: Contributes a subtle, sweet, and savory taste.
Poultry seasoning: A spice blend that adds an aromatic and savory note to our stuffing.
Dried thyme: Gives an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
Fresh thyme: Its lemony, peppery flavor adds a fresh, herby note.
One reader, Cinderella Pendergrass says:
This seafood stuffing recipe is a game-changer! The combination of scallops, shrimp, and crab meat creates a burst of flavors in every bite. The cornbread base adds a perfect texture. It's a hit at dinner parties and always leaves everyone asking for the recipe. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Delicious Seafood Stuffing
How to prepare the cornbread: Combine the cornbread mix, eggs, and milk in a large bowl, whisk until smooth, then bake in a 9 x 13-inch dish until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
How to make the seafood stuffing: Crumble the baked cornbread into a large bowl, then add the quartered scallops, cut shrimp, crab meat, chicken stock, eggs, seasonings, and cranberry sauce. Mix until combined, then spread the stuffing in a greased baking dish and bake until set and firm to the touch.
How To Make Seafood Stuffing
Enjoy a rich and savory plate of seafood stuffing for your next dinner meal! It’s loaded with scallops, shrimps, and more for a more scrumptious dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cornbread:
- cornbread mix,3 boxes
- 3large eggs
- 1cupmilk
- nonstick cooking spray,for greasing
For Dressing:
- 10sea scallops
- 10medium shrimps,peeled, deveined
- 12ozcrab meat,shredded, drained
- 4cupslow sodium chicken stock
- 2large eggs,beaten
- 1tbspgarlic powder
- 1tbsponion powder
- 1tsppoultry seasoning
- 1tspdried thyme
- 2½tspkosher salt
- 2tspblack pepper
- 2tspfresh thyme,divided
- ½cupcranberry sauce
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a large bowl, combine the cornbread mix, eggs, and milk. Whisk until the batter is smooth.
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Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish.
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Bake the cornbread for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Remove from the oven, then let rest for 30 minutes until cool enough to handle.
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Remove the cornbread from the baking dish, then crumble them by hand into a large bowl.
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Quarter the scallops, then add them to a medium bowl.
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Cut the shrimp into thirds, then add them to the same bowl.
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Add the scallops and shrimp to the crumbled cornbread, along with the crab meat, chicken stock, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme.
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Mix until combined.
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Grease the dish used to bake the cornbread with more nonstick spray, then spread the stuffing in the dish in an even layer.
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Sprinkle the top with the remaining teaspoon of fresh thyme.
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Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the stuffing is set and firm to the touch.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 140.95kcal
- Fat: 5.58g
- Saturated Fat: 1.42g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.50g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.25g
- Carbohydrates: 9.34g
- Fiber: 0.46g
- Sugar: 5.65g
- Protein: 13.42g
- Cholesterol: 118.33mg
- Sodium: 445.76mg
- Calcium: 76.47mg
- Potassium: 273.27mg
- Iron: 1.08mg
- Vitamin A: 46.88µg
- Vitamin C: 1.58mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Seafood Stuffing
When preparing the seafood for this stuffing, ensure that all pieces are cut into similar sizes. This will not only ensure even cooking, but also provide a consistent texture throughout the stuffing. Additionally, when adding the chicken stock, pour it in gradually while mixing to allow the cornbread to absorb it evenly. This will prevent the stuffing from becoming too soggy or dry.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Seafood Stuffing
Prep ahead: Prepare the cornbread and seafood in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-made cornbread: If you're short on time, consider using store-bought cornbread mix instead of making it from scratch.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large pot or Dutch oven to mix and bake the stuffing, reducing the number of dishes to clean up later.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Delegate tasks: If possible, enlist the help of family or friends to assist with preparation and cooking, making the process more efficient.
Substitute Ingredients For Seafood Stuffing Recipe
cornbread mix - Substitute with gluten-free cornbread mix: This substitute is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, providing a similar texture and flavor to traditional cornbread mix.
sea scallops - Substitute with bay scallops: Bay scallops are smaller and sweeter, making them a suitable substitute for sea scallops in this recipe. They will provide a similar taste and texture.
shrimps - Substitute with prawns: Prawns are larger and have a slightly different flavor profile, but they can be used as a substitute for shrimps in this recipe, adding a delicious twist to the dish.
crab meat - Substitute with lobster meat: Lobster meat can be used as a substitute for crab meat, offering a luxurious and flavorful alternative to the seafood stuffing recipe.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for chicken stock, providing a vegetarian-friendly option while still adding depth of flavor to the dish.
cranberry sauce - Substitute with apricot preserves: Apricot preserves can be used as a substitute for cranberry sauce, offering a slightly different fruity sweetness to complement the seafood stuffing.
Presenting Your Seafood Stuffing Beautifully
Elevate the plating: When presenting this seafood stuffing, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Use clean lines and carefully arrange the stuffing to showcase the variety of seafood and the textures within the dish.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme to add a pop of color and a burst of aromatic flavor. The vibrant green of the thyme will contrast beautifully with the rich colors of the seafood stuffing.
Utilize complementary sauces: Drizzle a small amount of cranberry sauce around the edge of the plate to add a touch of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the scallops, shrimp, and crab meat are evenly distributed throughout the presentation, creating a balanced and harmonious visual appeal.
Emphasize texture: Consider adding a delicate crispy element to the plate, such as a small garnish of toasted breadcrumbs or a light dusting of finely chopped chives, to introduce an additional layer of texture to the dish.
Highlight the seafood: Place a whole shrimp or a seared scallop on top of the stuffing to serve as a focal point, drawing attention to the high-quality seafood and showcasing the expertise in preparation.
Use minimalistic plating: Embrace a minimalist approach, allowing the natural colors and textures of the seafood stuffing to take center stage. Avoid overcrowding the plate, and let the dish speak for itself.
Consider the plate shape: Select a plate that complements the seafood stuffing, such as a round or oval dish, to create a visually pleasing presentation that enhances the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Seafood Stuffing
- Large mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining and mixing ingredients for the stuffing recipe.
- Baking dish: A baking dish is used to bake the cornbread and to later spread and bake the stuffing.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to combine the cornbread mix, eggs, and milk until smooth.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Nonstick cooking spray is used to grease the baking dish and prevent the stuffing from sticking.
- Oven: The oven is used for baking the cornbread and the final baking of the seafood stuffing.
- Medium bowl: A medium bowl is used to prepare and marinate the scallops and shrimp before adding them to the stuffing mixture.
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish: This specific size of baking dish is used to bake the cornbread and later spread the stuffing in an even layer for baking.
- Knife: A knife is used to quarter the scallops and cut the shrimp into thirds before adding them to the stuffing mixture.
- Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to measure the milk for the cornbread and the chicken stock for the stuffing.
- Spatula: A spatula is used to spread the stuffing in an even layer in the baking dish before baking.
Storing and Freezing Your Seafood Stuffing
Let the seafood stuffing cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the stuffing soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled stuffing in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the stuffing. Wrap the cooled stuffing tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Label the container with the date and contents.
Frozen seafood stuffing will maintain its best quality for about 2-3 months. After that, it will still be safe to eat but may start to lose flavor and texture.
To reheat refrigerated stuffing, place it in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
To reheat frozen stuffing, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
If the stuffing seems dry after reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to moisten it before serving.
How To Reheat Seafood Stuffing Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover seafood stuffing in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the top.
Microwave the leftover seafood stuffing in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the stuffing from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the stuffing is heated through.
Reheat the seafood stuffing in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffing and stir occasionally, until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. If the stuffing seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to moisten it.
For a unique twist, transform your leftover seafood stuffing into crispy stuffing cakes. Mix the stuffing with a beaten egg and form the mixture into small patties. Fry the patties in a skillet with a little olive oil or butter over medium heat until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Create a savory seafood stuffing waffle by pressing the leftover stuffing into a preheated waffle iron. Cook until crispy and golden brown. Serve the stuffing waffle with a dollop of cranberry sauce or a drizzle of hollandaise sauce for a delicious brunch option.
Interesting Fact About Seafood Stuffing
The seafood stuffing recipe is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of seafood and cornbread to create a savory and satisfying meal.
Is Making Seafood Stuffing at Home Cost-Effective?
This seafood stuffing recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of sea scallops, shrimp, and crab meat may increase the overall cost, but the dish serves 4 people and provides a rich and flavorful experience. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $40-$50, depending on the availability and quality of the seafood. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8 out of 10, considering the delightful blend of seafood flavors and the satisfaction it brings to the table.
Is Seafood Stuffing Healthy or Unhealthy?
This seafood stuffing recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The cornbread mix likely contains refined flour and added sugars
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of animal protein (scallops, shrimp, and crab meat), which can be high in cholesterol and saturated fat
- The use of chicken stock and eggs adds additional cholesterol and sodium to the dish
- The recipe includes added salt and no vegetables, which could make it nutritionally unbalanced
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the cornbread mix with a whole grain cornbread recipe using whole wheat flour and minimal added sugars
- Reduce the amount of seafood and incorporate more vegetables, such as diced onions, celery, and bell peppers, to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Use a low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable stock to reduce the overall sodium content
- Decrease the amount of added salt and experiment with other herbs and spices, like rosemary or sage, to enhance flavor without relying on sodium
- Include a side dish of leafy greens or other nutrient-dense vegetables to balance out the meal and add more vitamins and minerals
By making these adjustments, you can create a more well-rounded and nutritious stuffing that still maintains its delicious seafood flavor profile. The key is to strike a balance between the indulgent ingredients and the inclusion of healthier, whole food options.
Editor's Opinion on This Seafood Stuffing Recipe
The seafood stuffing recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of scallops, shrimp, and crab meat adds a luxurious seafood element to the classic cornbread stuffing. The seasoning is well-balanced, and the addition of cranberry sauce brings a touch of sweetness that complements the savory elements. The dish is easy to prepare and makes for a stunning addition to any holiday feast or special occasion. It's a versatile recipe that can elevate any meal with its delicious and sophisticated taste.
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Why trust this Seafood Stuffing Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delectable experience with seafood stuffing. The combination of scallops, shrimp, and crab meat promises a burst of oceanic flavors. The use of fresh thyme and poultry seasoning enhances the aromatic profile, while the addition of cranberry sauce adds a delightful twist. With a meticulous review process, this recipe ensures a delightful and trustworthy culinary journey.
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