Shrimp Stuffed In Bell Peppers
Shrimp-stuffed bell peppers offer a delightful combination of tender seafood and savory stuffing, baked to perfection. The mild sweetness of peppers complements the seasoned shrimp mixture, making it an appealing dish for seafood lovers and those seeking a hearty yet light meal. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 6 medium bell peppers ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked and picked shrimp ⓘ
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Cook the pepper shells in boiling water for 5 minutes, then transfer immediately to cold water.
- Cut the cooked shrimp slightly.
- Combine the shrimp with beaten eggs, bread crumbs, and milk.
- Saute chopped celery, onion, and bell pepper in butter for 3 minutes.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the shrimp mixture.
- Add salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the mixture.
- Stuff the prepared pepper shells with the shrimp mixture.
- Place a few bread crumbs and a drop of butter on top of each stuffed pepper.
- Bake in a moderate oven (375°F) for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on this dish, consider using crab meat instead of shrimp for a unique flavor. If you want a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños to the stuffing mixture. Using whole wheat bread crumbs can also make the dish healthier. Ensure the shrimp are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed peppers with a side of steamed rice or a light salad for a complete meal. They pair well with a tangy dipping sauce, such as a lemon garlic aioli, to enhance the flavors. For a delightful seafood experience, browse more American recipes that celebrate shrimp, like Shrimp Scampi(Quick And Easy).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed peppers 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, but the oven helps maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Stuffed In Bell Peppers contains roughly 377 calories, with 12g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1255mg per serving (55% 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 shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before cooking. This will help ensure your stuffing remains firm and flavorful.
What can I substitute for bread crumbs?
If you don't have bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or panko for a crunchy texture. Alternatively, cooked quinoa or rice can be used for a gluten-free option.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done baking?
The stuffed peppers are done when they are tender and the filling is heated through. You can check by inserting a knife into the pepper; it should slide in easily, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
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).