Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers

Introduction:

These Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious seafood-filled delight. Packed with a savory mix of shrimp, lump crab meat, and cheesy goodness, these peppers make a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Bell Peppers:

• 6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• ½ pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 1 cup cooked white rice (optional for a heartier stuffing)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent the peppers from sticking.
2. Prep the Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim a small slice off the bottom so the peppers stand upright. Place the peppers in the prepared baking dish.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Cook the Seafood: Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until just opaque. Stir in the crab meat and cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until heated through. Remove the skillet from heat.
5. Prepare the Stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked seafood, sautéed onions and garlic, cooked rice (if using), mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese, parsley, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
6. Stuff the Peppers: Using a spoon, carefully stuff each bell pepper with the seafood mixture, pressing it down lightly to fill each pepper completely. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.
7. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the stuffed peppers.
8. Bake the Peppers: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peppers are tender.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired, and enjoy your Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Include diced celery or bell pepper tops in the stuffing mixture for added texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing for some heat.
• Different Cheese: Swap out the mozzarella for cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the peppers from becoming soggy.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them before use.
2. Can I prepare these peppers ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them before baking.
3. Is there a substitute for Old Bay seasoning? You can use a blend of celery salt, paprika, and black pepper as an alternative.
4. Can I freeze these stuffed peppers? Yes, freeze them before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
5. Can I omit the rice? Yes, the recipe can be made without rice. It will be less filling but still delicious.
6. What type of bell peppers are best? Red, yellow, and green bell peppers all work well. Choose based on your flavor preference.
7. Can I use crab meat from a can? Yes, canned crab meat works well. Just ensure it’s drained and picked over for shells.
8. How can I make these peppers spicier? Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing.
9. What can I serve with these stuffed peppers? A simple green salad or a side of garlic bread complements the dish nicely.
10. How do I know when the peppers are done? The peppers should be tender, and the topping should be golden brown.

Conclusion

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are a flavorful and impressive dish perfect for any occasion. With a combination of succulent seafood, creamy cheese, and a crispy topping, this recipe is sure to delight anyone who tries it. Whether served as a main course or as part of a festive meal, these stuffed peppers are a delicious and satisfying choice. Enjoy every bite of this seafood-filled treat!

Print