Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers

 

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Coastal Twist on a Classic Favorite

Looking for a way to elevate your stuffed pepper game? Say hello to Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers — a luxurious and savory seafood dish that blends coastal flavors with down-home comfort food. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something indulgent, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why This Dish Works

Stuffed bell peppers have long been a dinner table favorite, traditionally filled with ground meats, rice, and spices. This seafood-inspired version switches things up by using succulent crab meat and tender shrimp, offering a lighter, more refined alternative with a punch of flavor.

Sweet bell peppers serve as the perfect vessel, adding color and a touch of natural sweetness to complement the richness of the seafood filling. Toss in some aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of cheese, and you have a complete meal that’s both hearty and elegant.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded

• 1/2 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells

• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 cup onion, finely diced

• 1/2 cup celery, finely diced

• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning

• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional, for texture and bulk)

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or cream cheese (for creaminess)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• Extra shredded cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Peppers: Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish, cut-side up. Lightly brush with olive oil and pre-bake for 10 minutes to soften.

3. Make the Filling:
   In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, celery, and diced red bell pepper until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute.
   Stir in chopped shrimp and cook until just pink (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and fold in crab meat, cooked rice (if using), mayonnaise or cream cheese, lemon juice, and seasonings. Add cheese and herbs. Mix well.

4. Stuff the Peppers:
   Spoon the seafood mixture into the pre-baked pepper halves, mounding slightly. Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese.

5. Bake:
   Return to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top. You can broil for an additional 2–3 minutes to get a crispy cheese topping.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh herbs or a wedge of lemon. Serve with a crisp green salad or a light white wine for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

• Make it spicy: Add a touch of cayenne or diced jalapeños to the filling.

• No rice? No problem. You can substitute with cooked quinoa or omit the grain entirely for a low-carb version.

• For the best flavor, use high-quality lump crab meat and fresh shrimp.

Final Thoughts

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers are a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. They’re easy to prepare but taste like something you'd order at a coastal bistro. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a new way to serve stuffed peppers, this dish brings a little taste of the sea right to your kitchen.