Welcome to a culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of the sea right to your dinner table! Our Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe is a delightful fusion of tender bell peppers brimming with a rich, savory filling of succulent crab meat, plump shrimp, seasoned rice, and a melty blend of cheeses. It’s an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal.
Why You'll Adore These Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
These aren't just any stuffed peppers; they're a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or looking to impress your guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
A Symphony of Flavors
Imagine the natural sweetness of crab and shrimp perfectly complemented by aromatic garlic, onion, and celery, all brought together with a zesty hint of lemon and the classic kick of Old Bay seasoning. The creamy mayonnaise and two types of cheese bind it all into a luscious filling that contrasts beautifully with the slight crunch and vibrant flavor of the bell peppers.
Perfect for Any Occasion
While elegant enough for a dinner party, these stuffed peppers are also straightforward enough for a satisfying family dinner. They can be prepped in advance, making your cooking process even smoother. Plus, they're a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables and lean protein into your diet.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Seafood Stuffed Peppers
The beauty of this dish lies in its fresh, high-quality ingredients. Most of what you need you likely already have in your pantry, with a quick trip to the seafood counter for the stars of the show.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
Crafting these delicious stuffed peppers is a straightforward process. For detailed measurements and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll be doing:
- Prepare your bell peppers by halving and seeding them.
- Sauté the aromatics like onion and garlic.
- Combine all filling ingredients: crab, shrimp, rice, sautéed veggies, mayonnaise, cheeses, and seasonings.
- Generously stuff the bell pepper halves with the seafood mixture.
- Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly and golden.
Expert Tips for the Best Stuffed Bell Peppers
Even the simplest recipes benefit from a few expert insights. Here are some tips to ensure your Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers turn out perfectly every time.
Prepping Your Peppers
For tender-crisp peppers, you can par-boil them in salted water for 5-7 minutes before stuffing. This step is optional but ensures the peppers are perfectly cooked without becoming mushy. Alternatively, baking them covered for the first part of the cooking time achieves a similar result.
The Art of the Filling
When mixing your filling, be gentle with the crab and shrimp to keep their texture intact. Ensure your rice is cooked and cooled to prevent a gummy filling. For efficient and precise chopping of your onions, garlic, and celery, consider investing in a quality chef's knife – it makes all the difference in prep time!
Baking to Perfection
Start by baking the stuffed peppers covered with foil. This traps steam, helping the peppers soften beautifully. Towards the end of the baking time, remove the foil to allow the cheese to get wonderfully golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These stuffed bell peppers are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a light side salad or a slice of crusty bread to soak up any juices. For an extra layer of flavor, consider:
- Adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Experimenting with different cheese blends, like Monterey Jack or a smoky Gouda.
- Garnishing with extra fresh parsley, dill, or chives before serving.
We hope you enjoy creating and savoring these delightful Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers. They're a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I prepare Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and stuff the peppers just before baking. Alternatively, assemble the entire dish and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
What kind of bell peppers work best for this recipe?
Any large bell peppers will work! Red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter and add beautiful color, while green peppers offer a slightly more savory and earthy flavor. Choose peppers that are firm and can stand upright once halved.
Can I substitute the seafood in these stuffed peppers?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use all crab or all shrimp, or even incorporate other cooked seafood like scallops or flaky white fish. Just ensure the seafood is cooked and chopped to a suitable size before mixing into the filling.
How do I store and reheat leftover stuffed bell peppers?
Store any leftover stuffed bell peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350u00b0F (175u00b0C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. You can also microwave them for quicker reheating, though the texture might be slightly softer.
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A flavorful and satisfying dish featuring bell peppers generously filled with a succulent mixture of crab meat, shrimp, seasoned rice, and melted cheeses, baked until tender.
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers
1/2 lb crab meat, drained and flaked
1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Halve the bell peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange them cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, flaked crab meat, chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and the sautéed onion, celery, and garlic mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently until just combined.
Step 5: Evenly spoon the seafood mixture into each bell pepper half, mounding it slightly.
Step 6: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also mix in other herbs like dill or chives for different flavor profiles. If you like your peppers softer, par-boil them for 5-7 minutes before stuffing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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