Seafood Stuffed Zucchini
Seafood Stuffed Zucchini offers a delightful combination of tender zucchini filled with a savory seafood mixture, enriched with garlic, parsley, and a hint of hot pepper sauce. Perfect for seafood lovers, it makes an elegant main dish or appetizer, showcasing fresh flavors and colorful presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked flaked fish or crabmeat ⓘ
- 3 cloves crushed garlic ⓘ
- 1 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
- 4 medium zucchinis ⓘ
- 3/4 cup tomato puree ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 2/3 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook garlic in 1/2 cup olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add seasoned dry bread crumbs and stir to brown.
- Remove from heat and add chopped parsley, pepper, and cooked seafood.
- Set aside.
- Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the center and chop it.
- Saute chopped zucchini and onion in 1/2 cup olive oil.
- Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a rectangular baking dish.
- Stuff fish mixture into the center of each zucchini half.
- Arrange the stuffed zucchinis in the tomato sauce.
- Bake at 375°F until tender, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, try using shrimp or a mix of different seafood instead of just fish or crabmeat. If you don't have seasoned dry bread crumbs, make your own by mixing plain bread crumbs with Italian seasoning. To enhance the flavor, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the stuffing mixture for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the seafood stuffed zucchini alongside a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Rice With Artichoke Hearts for a balanced plate. Consider drizzling a bit of extra tomato sauce over the top just before serving for added moisture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed zucchini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them on medium power, but the oven will retain the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood Stuffed Zucchini contains roughly 300 calories, with 16g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value), iron (95% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1046mg per serving (45% 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
What type of zucchini is best for this recipe?
Medium-sized zucchinis are recommended as they are easier to scoop out and stuff. Look for firm zucchinis without blemishes for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a smaller portion, you can also use smaller zucchinis and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I freeze the stuffed zucchini?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed zucchini before baking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, ensuring they are heated through and tender.
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).