Crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers are a culinary delight that brings the vibrant colors of summer right into your kitchen. Imagine biting into a perfectly roasted bell pepper, bursting with savory crab and succulent shrimp, all mingling together like old friends at a reunion. cozy shrimp casserole The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and making your stomach rumble in anticipation. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or just a cozy night in when you want to impress someone special.
Think about the last time you had something so delicious that you just had to share it with everyone around you. I remember the first time I made crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers; my friends couldn’t stop raving about them! It was as if I had discovered the secret to happiness wrapped in colorful vegetables. burger bowl recipe The burst of flavors and textures will keep everyone coming back for seconds, and maybe even thirds. Get ready for an explosion of taste that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers are easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Each bite packs a punch of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing. Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests. They’re versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or main dish, adapting easily to any occasion. [/info_box]
I once made these for a dinner party, and let me tell you, the looks on my friends’ faces were priceless when they took their first bites. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Bell Peppers: Choose firm, brightly colored peppers for the best visual appeal and flavor.
Crab Meat: Use lump crab meat for maximum flavor; fresh is ideal but canned works in a pinch.
Shrimp: Select medium-sized shrimp; they should be fresh or properly thawed if frozen.
Onion: A sweet onion adds depth; chop finely for an even distribution in stuffing.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic will elevate the flavors; don’t skimp on this aromatic ingredient. For more inspiration, check out this Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup recipe.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds creaminess; it can also help create a nice crust on top.
Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs as a binder; they help hold everything together without overpowering flavors.
Spices: Old Bay seasoning is key here; it enhances seafood dishes beautifully with its blend of spices.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish, balancing rich flavors with its acidity. Thai basil eggplant dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting, you can practice your best chef impressions in front of the mirror—totally normal behavior!
Prepare the Peppers: Slice the tops off each bell pepper and remove seeds carefully. Rinse them under cold water so they’re nice and clean before filling them.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent. Then add minced garlic until fragrant—your kitchen should smell like heaven now!
Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sautéed onions, garlic, crab meat, shrimp (chopped), breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning. honey garlic shrimp recipe Mix well until everything is nicely incorporated.
Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each pepper with the mixture using a spoon or small scoop. Don’t be shy—pack them tightly! Place them upright in a baking dish.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil after 15 minutes so they can brown nicely on top without burning.
Keep an eye on those tasty little gems while they bake—you want them golden brown but not too crispy!
Once baked to perfection, allow them to cool slightly before serving! Enjoy these delightful crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers that are sure to bring smiles all around!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only delicious but also a fun way to impress guests. The vibrant colors and rich flavors make this dish a feast for the eyes and palate. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prep the filling. Cook the shrimp and crab meat together with spices, then stuff them into the bell peppers before baking. This method ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the crab for lobster or add some cheese on top for extra creaminess. You can use different colors of bell peppers to create a vibrant platter that looks as good as it tastes.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfectly cooked shrimp, avoid overcooking; they should turn pink and opaque. Use fresh herbs for a burst of flavor, and remember to season your stuffing generously for depth. Always taste as you go! [/info_box]
It was one of those evenings when friends dropped by unexpectedly. I whipped up these Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers in no time, and they were gone before I could say “seconds.” The laughter and compliments made it all worth it!
FAQ
Can I use frozen seafood for Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Absolutely! Just thaw it properly before cooking to maintain texture.
What can I serve with Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers?
A simple side salad pairs perfectly with these flavorful stuffed peppers.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done?
The peppers should be tender but still hold their shape, usually after 25-30 minutes of baking.
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers are a flavorful way to enjoy seafood in vibrant, colorful packages. Each bite reveals a delicious blend of lump crab meat and succulent shrimp, perfectly seasoned and baked until golden brown. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also impresses guests with its stunning presentation. Ideal for gatherings or cozy dinners, these stuffed peppers promise an explosion of taste that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 1 cup medium shrimp, chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds; rinse under cold water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic until fragrant.
- In a bowl, combine sautéed mixture with crab meat, shrimp, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning; mix well.
- Stuff each pepper generously with the filling and place upright in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil after 15 minutes to brown the tops.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
