Hey there, fellow food lovers! Let me tell you, crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers are an absolute game-changer in my kitchen. These vibrant, colorful peppers not only look stunning on the plate but are also filled to the brim with a delightful seafood blend that’s savory and satisfying. I remember the first time I made these; I was trying to impress some friends for dinner, and I was blown away by how easy and delicious they were! The flavors meld together beautifully, and the melted cheese on top? Wow, just divine! Trust me, once you try these stuffed bell peppers, they’ll become a beloved staple in your home too. Let’s dive into how to whip up this scrumptious dish!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these scrumptious crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 bell peppers (any color you like, I love using a mix for a pop of color!)
- 1 cup crab meat (fresh is best, but canned works too)
- 1 cup shrimp, chopped (don’t forget to peel and devein them!)
- 1 cup cooked rice (leftover rice is perfect for this)
- 1/2 cup onion, diced (for that lovely aromatic base)
- 1/2 cup celery, diced (adds a nice crunch)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a little texture)
- 1 cup cheese, shredded (I recommend cheddar or mozzarella for gooey goodness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (always adjust to your liking!)
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create a deliciously hearty meal that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
Preheat and Prepare the Bell Peppers
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab your bell peppers and carefully cut the tops off, just like you’re making little edible bowls! Don’t forget to scoop out those seeds—nobody wants a crunchy surprise in their delicious filling!
Sauté Vegetables
Next, let’s get those flavors started. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and celery, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly, trust me! This step lays the perfect foundation for your stuffing.
Mix the Filling
Now, it’s time for the fun part! In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the crab meat, chopped shrimp, cooked rice, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want that seafood goodness to be evenly distributed throughout the filling!
Stuff the Peppers and Bake
Now we’re ready to stuff those colorful peppers! Generously fill each pepper with your seafood mixture, packing it in nicely. Place them upright in a baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top like a cozy blanket. Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. Then, take off the foil and let it bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Tips for Success
To make your crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, always opt for fresh seafood when you can; it makes a world of difference in flavor. If you’re using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the filling. Also, don’t hesitate to customize the spices! If you love a bit of heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. Lastly, for a delightful crunch, try adding some chopped nuts or extra breadcrumbs on top before baking. These little tweaks can elevate your dish to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers, you might be curious about the nutritional value! Just keep in mind that these figures can change based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a rough estimate per serving (1 stuffed pepper):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
With a delightful mix of seafood and veggies, these stuffed peppers offer a hearty meal that’s not just comforting but also packed with protein!
FAQ about Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp can work just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to your filling. This helps prevent extra moisture from making your stuffing too watery!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You bet! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just stuff the bell peppers right before baking. This makes it super convenient for a quick weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests!
What can I serve with stuffed peppers?
Stuffed peppers are pretty versatile! I love serving them alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal. You could also pair them with a side of garlic bread for a comforting touch—yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously packed with flavors from fresh seafood and spices.
- Visually stunning with vibrant bell peppers that impress any guest.
- Versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite seafood or spices.
- Great for meal prep; they reheat beautifully for leftovers.
Trust me, these stuffed bell peppers will quickly become a favorite in your home, bringing smiles to the table with every bite!
Print
Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers: 5 Savory Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
Crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and hearty dish filled with seafood and spices.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1 cup shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and celery until soft.
- Add crab meat, shrimp, cooked rice, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
- Feel free to substitute with other types of seafood.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers
