Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers: The Ultimate Seafood Delight 🦀

Welcome to Culinary Bliss!

Are you searching for a dish that’s both visually stunning and bursting with incredible flavors to elevate your weeknight dinners or special occasions? Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are the answer, offering a delightful symphony of sweet bell peppers embracing a rich, savory seafood filling. This isn’t just any stuffed pepper recipe; it’s a culinary journey that promises to captivate your senses and impress even the most discerning palates. Imagine succulent crab and shrimp, perfectly seasoned and nestled within tender, vibrant bell peppers, baked to golden perfection. This dish stands out by combining fresh, high-quality ingredients with simple yet effective cooking techniques, making it an achievable and rewarding endeavor for any home cook.

The Symphony of Flavors: Ingredients

The magic of Stuffed Bell Peppers lies in the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this dish so extraordinary:

The Foundation: Bell Peppers

• 4-6 large bell peppers (any color: red, yellow, orange, or green). We prefer red, yellow, or orange for their natural sweetness, which beautifully complements the seafood. Ensure they are firm and free from blemishes.

The Stars of the Show: Crab & Shrimp

• 8 ounces lump crab meat, picked over for shells. Use fresh or high-quality canned lump crab for the best texture and flavor. Substitution: You can use imitation crab meat, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
• 8 ounces peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped. Medium-sized shrimp work best. Substitution: You can omit the shrimp and use all crab, or substitute with finely chopped scallops.

Flavor Enhancers: Aromatics & Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil. For sautéing.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped. Adds a sweet, pungent base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Essential for depth of flavor.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. For brightness and a hint of herbaceousness.
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood blend). This is key for that classic seafood taste!
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. To enhance all the other flavors.
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional). For a subtle kick.

The Unifying Elements: Binders & Fillers

• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs. For a delightful crunch and to bind the filling. Substitution: Regular breadcrumbs or even cooked rice can be used.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adds a salty, nutty complexity.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten. Acts as a binder, holding all the deliciousness together.
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise. For creaminess and richness. Substitution: Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used for a slightly lighter version.

The Crown: Topping

• Additional Panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese for topping. For that irresistible golden crust.

Timing is Everything

Compared to an average stuffed pepper recipe, this version boasts a slightly longer cook time due to ensuring the seafood is perfectly cooked and the peppers are tender yet firm. However, the prep time is comparable, making it an accessible yet impressive dish.

Crafting Your Seafood Masterpiece: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Bell Pepper Vessels

First things first, let’s get those peppers ready. Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise, from stem to bottom. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes. You can either blanch the pepper halves in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender, then shock them in ice water, or lightly brush them with olive oil and roast them cut-side down on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they just begin to soften. This pre-cooking step ensures they’ll be perfectly tender by the time the filling is cooked, without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Seafood

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Now, it’s time for the stars! Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook until they just turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using fresh crab, add it at the very end, just to warm through for about a minute, as it’s already cooked.

Step 3: The Art of the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and mayonnaise until well combined. Add the cooked shrimp and crab meat to the aromatic mixture in the skillet (or transfer the aromatics to a large bowl if your skillet is too small). Gently fold in the egg and mayonnaise mixture, ensuring everything is coated. Now, add the breadcrumb and cheese mixture to the seafood. Mix everything gently until just combined. You want it to be moist but not overly wet. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – remember, seafood can be delicate!

Step 4: Stuffing the Peppers with Love

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the pre-cooked bell pepper halves on a baking sheet. Generously spoon the crab and shrimp filling into each pepper half, packing it gently but ensuring it’s well-filled. Don’t be shy with the filling!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Sprinkle the tops of the stuffed peppers with additional Panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese for a beautiful golden-brown crust. Cover the baking sheet loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through and has a lovely golden-brown top. A toothpick inserted into the filling should come out clean.

Nutritional Spotlight

While exact nutritional values can vary based on ingredient brands and quantities, a typical serving of these Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers is approximately:

• Calories: 350-450 kcal
• Protein: 25-35g
• Fat: 15-25g
• Carbohydrates: 15-25g (mostly from the peppers and breadcrumbs)

This dish is a fantastic source of lean protein, healthy fats, and is rich in vitamins and minerals thanks to the vibrant bell peppers and seafood.

Healthier Twists Without Sacrificing Flavor

To lighten up this already delicious dish, consider these swaps:

• Reduce Mayonnaise: Swap half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-boosted alternative.
• Go Lighter on Breadcrumbs: Use whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs or even finely chopped broccoli florets for added nutrients and fiber.
• Load Up on Veggies: Sauté finely diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach with the onions and garlic to add more vegetables to the filling.
• Omit Cheese (partially): Use a lighter hand with the Parmesan cheese, or opt for nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate the Experience

These stuffed peppers are a meal in themselves, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

• Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Pair with a side of steamed asparagus or green beans.
• A dollop of lemon-dill aioli or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a bright finishing touch.
• For a heartier meal, serve with a small portion of lemon herb rice.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

To ensure your stuffed peppers turn out perfectly every time, steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Undercooking the Peppers: This leads to tough, unappealing peppers. Always pre-cook them slightly.
• Overcooking the Seafood: Shrimp and crab can become rubbery if cooked for too long. Add them towards the end of sautéing.
• Watery Filling: Ensure your crab meat is well-drained. If using canned, gently pat it dry.
• Bland Flavor: Don’t skimp on the seasonings! Taste and adjust as you go. Old Bay is crucial for that signature seafood taste.

Storing Your Culinary Treasures

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best results when reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the tops from drying out.

Embark on Your Seafood Adventure!

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. The combination of sweet peppers, succulent seafood, and savory stuffing creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be approachable and rewarding. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices or add your own personal flair. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your delightful creations with us. Let us know in the comments below how yours turned out, or if you have any favorite variations!

Frequently Asked Questions

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe – Easy & Delicious

• Author: Chef Mia

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Description

Welcome to our delightful recipe forCrab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers! This dish combines the sweet, succulent flavors of crab and shrimp with the vibrant taste of fresh bell peppers. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or looking to impress your guests, this stuffed bell pepper recipe is a must-try. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with rich flavors, textures, and aromas that will captivate your senses!

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Ingredients

• Optional Substitutions:

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to375°F (190°C).
2. Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. Arrange the cleaned bell peppers in a baking dish and set them aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat2 tablespoons of olive oilover medium heat.
5. Sauté thediced onions, celery, green bell pepper, andminced garlicuntil softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Add thechopped shrimpand cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Gently fold in thelump crab meat, being careful not to break up the chunks too much.
8. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in thecooked rice, bread crumbs,Parmesan cheese,fresh parsley,Old Bay seasoning,salt, andpepper.
9. Mix until all ingredients are well-combined.
10. Fill each prepared bell pepper with the crab and shrimp mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
11. Place the stuffed bell peppers in the preheated oven and bake for25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
13. Enjoy theseCrab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Pepperswith a side salad or garlic bread.

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Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh seafood and herbs elevate the flavor of this dish.
Choose Large, Firm Bell Peppers: They hold the filling better and bake evenly.
Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to add more Old Bay seasoning for a spicier kick.