Savory Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe For Seafood Lovers

Crafting a delightful crab and shrimp stuffed bell peppers dish promises culinary magic in your kitchen.

Seafood lovers will adore this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired creation.

Plump bell peppers become golden vessels filled with succulent ocean treasures.

Delicate crab meat mingles beautifully with tender shrimp, creating an irresistible flavor profile.

Herbs and spices dance through each bite, making every mouthful a celebration of coastal cuisine.

Soft, sweet peppers cradle the luxurious seafood filling, offering a perfect balance of textures.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this elegant, restaurant-quality meal.

Dive into this recipe and surprise everyone with your gourmet cooking skills.

Why Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers Make a Showstopping Dish

• Combines succulent crab and shrimp with vibrant bell peppers, creating a mouthwatering seafood experience that bursts with coastal-inspired tastes.
• Surprisingly simple preparation makes this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, transforming everyday ingredients into an impressive dish.
• Packed with protein-rich seafood, colorful vegetables, and balanced ingredients, this recipe offers a wholesome and satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and healthy.
• Perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a special weeknight meal that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality creation without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Peppers

• Shrimp: Sweet seafood that adds delicate flavor to the stuffing.
• Crab Meat: Rich and tender seafood that provides a luxurious texture.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Celery, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that create a flavorful and aromatic foundation.

• Rice: Starchy component that helps hold the stuffing together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty cheese that adds depth and richness.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Tangy ingredient that enhances seafood flavors.

• Old Bay Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning: Spice blends that provide classic seafood flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for overall taste balance.
• Breadcrumbs: Crunchy topping for added texture.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps with sautéing.

How to Stuff and Bake Crab and Shrimp Peppers

Step 1: Prepare Bell Peppers

Slice off the tops of bell peppers and carefully remove all seeds.

Gently trim the bottoms so they sit perfectly upright in your baking dish.

Step 2: Sear Shrimp to Perfection

Heat a skillet and melt butter.

Toss in chopped shrimp, cooking until they transform into a beautiful pink color.

Transfer the shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped celery

Sprinkle in Old Bay and Cajun seasonings to create a robust flavor profile.

Step 4: Create Seafood Stuffing Mixture

• Cooked shrimp
• Flaked crab meat
• Cooked rice
• Sautéed vegetable blend
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped parsley

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

Step 5: Fill Bell Peppers

Generously spoon the seafood mixture into each bell pepper.

Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for an irresistible crispy texture.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Deliciousness

Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish.

Cover with foil and bake until peppers become tender.

Remove foil during the final few minutes to achieve a beautiful golden brown top.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Allow peppers to cool slightly.

Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Pro Tips for Flavorful Seafood Stuffed Peppers

• Cook shrimp just until pink to maintain tenderness and avoid rubbery texture, which can ruin the delicate flavor of the dish.
• Select bell peppers with flat bottoms or carefully trim them to ensure they stand upright during baking, preventing toppling and uneven cooking.
• Add extra Old Bay or Cajun seasoning for a deeper, more robust seafood taste that complements the natural sweetness of crab and shrimp.
• Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal to create a crispy topping that suits dietary restrictions without compromising texture.
• Assemble stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together and making mealtime preparation quick and effortless.

How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Place pepper on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Put stuffed peppers in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Optional: Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added flavor.

What to Serve with Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Peppers

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the seafood's delicate flavors and cuts through the rich, buttery stuffing.
• Zesty Citrus Companion: Prepare a fresh lemon-herb aioli as a tangy dipping sauce that enhances the seafood's brightness and adds an extra layer of flavor complexity to the stuffed peppers.
• Complementary Side Dish: Create a light cucumber and dill salad with a white wine vinaigrette that provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced bell peppers and balances the dish's richness.
• Beverage Accent: Mix a classic white wine spritzer with a splash of sparkling water and a twist of lemon to cleanse the palate and match the dish's maritime and herbal notes.

Variations of Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice with riced cauliflower to create a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrates while maintaining the rich seafood flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute crab and shrimp with plant-based crab alternatives or firm tofu, adding nutritional yeast for a seafood-like umami taste.
• Gluten-Free Crunch Topping: Use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs to accommodate gluten sensitivities while preserving the crispy texture.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and diced tomatoes into the stuffing mixture for a Mediterranean flavor profile that complements the seafood.

FAQs

• What seafood works best for this recipe?

Crab meat and shrimp are ideal, with fresh seafood providing the most flavor. Pre-cooked or canned seafood can also work if fresh is unavailable.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all seasonings are also gluten-free.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from Old Bay and optional Cajun seasoning. You can adjust heat levels by reducing or increasing these seasonings according to your preference.

• Can I prepare these stuffed peppers in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed peppers up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent seafood stars in this Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe, blending coastal flavors with colorful bell pepper vessels. Rich maritime ingredients meld into a delightful dish that promises to elevate your dinner experience with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 0.5 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 0.5 pound lump crab meat

Base and Vegetables:

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1.5 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional, for extra spice)
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 0.25 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace and preheat the oven to 375°F. Carefully trim bell peppers by removing their tops and seeds, ensuring they can stand upright on a baking dish.
2. In a skillet heated to medium, quickly sauté shrimp in butter until they turn pink, approximately 2-3 minutes. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, soften onions, garlic, and celery with butter for 3-4 minutes. Enhance the mixture with Old Bay and Cajun seasonings to develop robust flavor profiles.
4. Combine the seafood mixture in a large mixing bowl, incorporating cooked shrimp, crab meat, rice, sautéed vegetables, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to create a harmonious blend.
5. Carefully fill each bell pepper with the seafood stuffing, ensuring an even distribution. Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added texture and golden-brown finish.
6. Cover the stuffed peppers with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Uncover during the final 5 minutes to allow the tops to crisp and develop a light golden color.
7. Allow the stuffed peppers to rest briefly after removing from the oven. Garnish with additional parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh presentation.

Notes

• Opt for firm, thick-walled bell peppers to prevent them from becoming soggy during baking.
• Choose fresh seafood and pat it dry to maintain the stuffing’s texture and prevent excess moisture.
• Consider using brown rice or quinoa for a healthier, more nutrient-dense alternative to white rice.
• Customize the seasoning blend to suit personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 90mg