Description
Succulent seafood meets colorful bell peppers in this mouthwatering Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe. Mediterranean flavors blend perfectly, creating a delightful dish that brings ocean-fresh goodness to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1/2 pound (226 grams) lump crab meat
- 1/2 pound (226 grams) cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped
Base Components:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
- Trim bell peppers by removing their tops, carefully extracting seeds and inner membranes to create clean, ready-to-stuff vessels.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, sautéing onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Create filling by combining cooked shrimp, crab meat, rice, sautéed aromatics, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
- Carefully pack the seafood mixture into prepared bell peppers, pressing firmly to maximize filling density and prevent air pockets.
- Position stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish, lightly drizzling olive oil across their surfaces to enhance browning and moisture.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until peppers become tender and tops develop a golden-brown crust.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley and serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and flavor profile.
Notes
- Seafood Substitution: Swap shrimp and crab with imitation crab, white fish, or chicken for budget-friendly or alternative protein options.
- Rice Flexibility: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice to enhance nutritional value and accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Spice Control: Adjust Old Bay seasoning and paprika levels to customize heat and flavor intensity according to personal taste.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg