Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs: Your New Favorite Seafood Snack

Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs: Your New Favorite Seafood Snack are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. These savory seafood bites are packed with flavor, combining tender shrimp and luscious crab meat with aromatic garlic. Ideal for any occasion, they can elevate your appetizer game effortlessly, making them a must-try for seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of shrimp and crab with garlic provides a mouthwatering experience that will leave you wanting more.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have these delightful snacks ready in no time.
• Versatile Appetizer: Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even as a quick snack during movie night.
• Impressive Presentation: These seafood bombs look gourmet while being easy to make at home, sure to wow your guests.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to modify the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure smooth preparation of Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs, having the right tools is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring each bomb is packed with flavor.
• Baking sheet: Provides the perfect surface for even cooking of your delicious seafood bombs.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze while ensuring an even bake.
• Knife and cutting board: Necessary for finely chopping garlic and parsley, enhancing the taste of your bombs.

Ingredients

For these flavorful Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs, gather the following ingredients:

Seafood Ingredients

• 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/2 lb lump crab meat (well-drained)

Flavor Enhancers

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Binders and Coatings

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (substitute with Pecorino if desired)
• 1 unit egg (beaten)

Seasonings

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Fats

• 1/4 cup olive oil (or melted butter)

For Serving

• 0 unit lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs: Your New Favorite Seafood Snack

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs cook evenly.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
* Add the peeled shrimp and lump crab meat.
* Mix in the minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Make sure everything is evenly mixed to ensure every bite is full of flavor.

Step 3: Form the Bombs

With clean hands or using a scoop:
* Take about a tablespoon-sized portion of the mixture.
* Roll it into a ball shape and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all mixture is used.

Step 4: Bake

Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over each bomb before placing them in the oven. Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 5: Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven. Let cool slightly before serving with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy these flavorful Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs warm!

How to Serve Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs: Your New Favorite Seafood Snack

Serving Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs is a delightful way to impress your guests at any gathering. These savory bites can be paired with various sides and dips to elevate their taste.

With Fresh Lemon Wedges

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the bombs for a zesty kick that complements the seafood flavors perfectly.

Accompanied by Homemade Tartar Sauce

• Serve with a creamy tartar sauce made from mayonnaise, diced pickles, and a hint of lemon for an extra layer of flavor.

On a Bed of Lettuce

• Present the shrimp and crab bombs on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing contrast in texture.

Paired with Garlic Aioli

• A garlicky aioli dip enhances the savory notes of the bombs while adding creaminess to every bite.

How to Perfect Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs: Your New Favorite Seafood Snack

Perfecting your Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs takes practice, but these tips can help you achieve restaurant-quality results.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp and crab meat yield better flavor compared to frozen alternatives.
• Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients just until they are mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough bombs.
• Chill before baking: Allowing the mixture to chill for 15 minutes helps maintain shape during cooking.
• Mind your cooking time: Bake until golden brown; this typically takes about 25 minutes, ensuring they’re cooked through without drying out.

Best Side Dishes for Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs: Your New Favorite Seafood Snack

Pairing side dishes with your Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread – A warm, toasted garlic bread complements the seafood flavors and adds a satisfying crunch.
2. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast and balances the richness of the bombs.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned and roasted veggies add color and nutrition alongside the savory bites.
4. Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad offers coolness and crunch, enhancing each mouthful of seafood.
5. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges served with dipping sauces create a hearty side option.
6. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs rounds out your meal beautifully while being easy to prepare.
7. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brings seasonal freshness that pairs well with seafood dishes.
8. Mixed Green Salad – A simple salad with vinaigrette adds brightness and balance to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your seafood snacks. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Overcooking the seafood: Cooking shrimp and crab for too long can lead to a rubbery texture. Aim for just cooked shrimp, as it will continue to cook while baking.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality seafood or stale breadcrumbs can ruin the dish. Always select fresh shrimp and crab, and use fresh breadcrumbs for the best flavor.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the mixture to rest before forming the bombs helps flavors meld together. Don’t rush this step; 10-15 minutes makes a difference.
• Using too much moisture: Excess moisture from ingredients can make your bombs soggy. Drain crab meat thoroughly and avoid adding extra liquids unless necessary.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can result in uneven cooking. Preheat your oven adequately to ensure even baking of the garlic bombs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs: Your New Favorite Seafood Snack

• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs: Your New Favorite Seafood Snack

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil and heat each bomb for 3-5 minutes, turning regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs?

Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs are delicious seafood snacks made with shrimp, crab meat, garlic, and spices, baked until golden brown.

How do I make Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs gluten-free?

To make these bombs gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free options or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Can I customize the filling for Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to personalize your Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs.

How long do Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs are not only flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether served as appetizers at a party or enjoyed as a light snack, they are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to customize them with different herbs or spices according to your taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Shrimp & Crab Garlic Bombs, your new favorite seafood snack! These savory bites combine tender shrimp and succulent crab meat, harmoniously blended with aromatic garlic and spices. Baked to perfection, they offer a crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside, making them an impressive appetizer for any gathering or a cozy night in. Whether served with zesty lemon wedges or creamy dips, these gourmet treats are sure to elevate your snack game!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/2 lb lump crab meat (well-drained)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese
• 1 unit egg (beaten)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, crab meat, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, beaten egg, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Form tablespoon-sized portions into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 bombs (70g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 70mg