Seafood Pepperpot
Seafood Pepperpot is a hearty, flavorful stew combining fresh seafood, smoky bacon, and spicy peppers, perfect for a comforting and vibrant meal for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. okra ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 sweet red bell peppers ⓘ
- 1 large yellow onion ⓘ
- 6 large cloves garlic
- 2 c. canned plum tomatoes and their juice ⓘ
- 3 fresh chili or jalapeno peppers ⓘ
- 4 tsp. dry thyme ⓘ
- 3 large bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 3 c. bottled clam juice ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 lb. grouper fillets ⓘ
- 1 lb. sea scallops ⓘ
- 1 lb. large shrimp ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. lump crabmeat ⓘ
- Zest of 2 oranges
Instructions
- In a large casserole, cook bacon over medium heat until translucent.
- Add okra; continue cooking until okra is slightly brown and edges curl. If using canned okra, add it at this stage.
- Add olive oil, red bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic; sauté until vegetables are softened.
- Stir in canned plum tomatoes and their juice, fresh chili or jalapenos, dry thyme, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour in bottled clam juice and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
- Add grouper fillets, sea scallops, shrimp, and lump crabmeat to the simmering stew.
- Cook until the seafood is just done, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in grated orange zest, and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of white wine before simmering. If you can't find grouper, substitute with any firm white fish like cod or halibut. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used interchangeably, but if using frozen, ensure they are thawed before cooking. Adjust the heat level by varying the number of chili peppers according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Seafood Pepperpot hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy white rice. Consider a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a different twist, try serving it alongside Chicken Paprekash(Pawp-Pre-Kash) for a delightful seafood feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of clam juice or broth if needed to maintain moisture. Avoid reheating in the microwave to prevent overcooking the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood Pepperpot contains roughly 1478 calories, with 71g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (169% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2281mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the seafood completely before adding it to the stew to ensure even cooking. The quality will remain good, especially if you choose high-quality frozen options.
What can I substitute for okra?
If you're not a fan of okra, you can replace it with sliced zucchini or green beans. Both will add a nice texture and flavor to the dish, although the overall taste may vary slightly. Adjust cooking times as needed for the substituted vegetables.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, consider adding more fresh chili or jalapeno peppers. You can also sprinkle in additional cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce just before serving. Taste as you go to find the perfect heat level for your palate.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).