Imagine a dish that combines the vibrant colors of bell peppers, the luxurious taste of fresh seafood, and the comfort of a home-cooked meal - all in one spectacular recipe! These Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers are not just a meal; they're a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to a coastal paradise. Perfect for seafood lovers, dinner party hosts, and anyone looking to elevate their home cooking game, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, scallops)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your stuffed bell peppers cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the bell peppers by cutting them in half lengthwise and removing the seeds and membranes. Set them aside in a baking dish, cut side up.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, and scallops) and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and opaque. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the seafood, followed by the marinara sauce. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Once the filling is well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Carefully spoon the seafood mixture into each halved bell pepper, filling them generously.
- After filling the peppers, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper. This will create a delicious, melty topping when baked.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning and to help the peppers cook through. Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake the stuffed peppers for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to settle and make them easier to handle.
- Serve the seafood stuffed bell peppers hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious American-style seafood dish!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Seafood: The key to an outstanding stuffed pepper is using high-quality, fresh seafood. Mix different types like shrimp, crab, and scallops for a more complex flavor profile.
- Don't Overcook the Seafood: Sauté the seafood just until it turns opaque to prevent it from becoming tough and rubbery.
- Rice Matters: Use day-old rice or let freshly cooked rice cool down before mixing. This prevents the filling from becoming mushy.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, experiment with varieties like mozzarella for extra stretch or a sharp cheddar for more flavor.
- Pepper Prep: For easier eating, choose bell peppers that sit flat in the baking dish. Trim the bottom slightly if needed to create a stable base.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a bright, fresh finish to your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 180mg