Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
Start your culinary adventure with Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers, a delightful dish that combines the freshness of seafood with the warmth of stuffed vegetables. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also loaded with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The best part? You can customize the stuffing based on your preferences, making it a versatile meal that suits everyone.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Why Make Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are a wonderful way to incorporate more seafood into your diet. Packed with protein from the crab and shrimp, these stuffed peppers offer a healthy option that does not compromise on taste. The combination of fresh vegetables and seasoning creates a deliciously satisfying meal. Plus, the colorful presentation of stuffed peppers makes them an eye-catching addition to your dinner table.
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers Step by Step
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers,
1/2 lb lump crab meat,
1/2 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined,
1/2 cup cooked rice,
1/4 cup diced onions,
1/4 cup diced celery,
1/4 cup diced green bell pepper,
1 clove garlic, minced,
1/2 cup bread crumbs,
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese,
2 tablespoons olive oil,
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped,
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning,
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Prepare Bell Peppers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
Cook Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, celery, green bell pepper, and garlic until softened. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Stir in crab meat, cooked rice, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Stuff Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the crab and shrimp mixture. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Serve: Serve warm and enjoy.
How to Serve Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers pair wonderfully with a light salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving them alongside a zesty cucumber salad or a refreshing coleslaw to balance the flavors. For red sauce lovers, a drizzle of marinara on top can add an extra layer of flavor that complements the stuffing beautifully.
How to Store Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Expert Tips for Cooking Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Use fresh seafood whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning based on your spice preference.
- For a creamy texture, stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream into the filling.
- Make it a one-pot meal by adding cooked black beans or corn into the stuffing mixture.
- Always taste the filling mixture before stuffing to adjust seasoning as needed.
Delicious Variations of Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Consider adding fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for a refreshing flavor.
- For a citrusy twist, mix in some lemon zest and juice into the stuffing.
Conclusion
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious way to bring excitement to your dinner table. With their rich flavors and customizable ingredients, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. So why not give it a try and indulge in the delightful taste of this seafood-inspired recipe today?
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, celery, green bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Stir in crab meat, cooked rice, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Fill each bell pepper with the crab and shrimp mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
