Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers

Introduction

These Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful seafood dish featuring a flavorful filling of lump crab meat, shrimp, and vegetables, all baked inside tender bell peppers. It’s a perfect meal for seafood lovers looking for something healthy and satisfying.

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 the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set the peppers aside.

Cook the Filling

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onions, celery, green bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the crab meat, cooked rice, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill each bell pepper with the crab and shrimp mixture, pressing it down gently.
2. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.

Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.

Serve

1. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.

Variations

• Substitute different seafood like scallops or lobster.
• Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture.
• Add spices or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking.
2. What can I use instead of crab meat? Imitation crab or even cooked chicken can be used as substitutes.
3. Are these stuffed peppers gluten-free? Yes, if you use gluten-free bread crumbs.
4. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just bake when ready to serve.
5. What side dishes pair well with stuffed peppers? A fresh salad or steamed vegetables work well.
6. Can I freeze the stuffed peppers? Yes, freeze them before baking. Thaw and bake when ready to eat.
7. How can I make them spicier? Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling.
8. Can I use different colored bell peppers? Absolutely! Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers will add sweetness and color.
9. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? You can use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach as a filling instead of seafood.
10. What type of cheese can I use? You can use mozzarella, feta, or cheddar cheese as alternatives to Parmesan.

Conclusion

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only delicious but also a visually stunning dish perfect for dinner parties or family meals. With a delightful blend of seafood and vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress your guests while being easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy!

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