Shrimp Stuffer Merlitons
A flavorful seafood-stuffed merliton dish featuring shrimp, herbs, and Parmesan, perfect for elegant dinners or special gatherings with a blend of savory and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 merlitons
- 1/4 lb butter or margarine
- 1 medium onion, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb peeled, deveined small raw shrimp ⓘ
- 1 cup wet bread, squeezed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sliced green onions and tops
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut merlitons in half and remove seeds.
- Parboil until fork-tender.
- Scoop out the meat and set aside.
- Preheat oven and prepare a baking sheet with greasing.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté minced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic until tender.
- Add peeled, deveined small raw shrimp and cook until pink.
- Remove from heat and mix in squeezed wet bread, grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, sliced green onions, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Stuff the merliton shells with the shrimp mixture.
- Sprinkle with Italian bread crumbs on top.
- Bake in the oven until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute the shrimp with crab meat or even cooked chicken if you prefer. If you find merlitons hard to locate, zucchini can be a good alternative. Ensure to not overcook the shrimp to maintain their tender texture. Adding a pinch of cayenne can enhance the flavor profile for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
These shrimp stuffed merlitons make a delightful appetizer or main dish. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread. For a more robust meal, serve alongside Shrimp Etouffee for a true Cajun feast. Garnish with additional parsley and green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed merlitons 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 (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the top is crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Stuffer Merlitons contains roughly 358 calories, with 22g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1358mg per serving (59% 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 prepare these stuffed merlitons in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and store it separately. Stuff the merlitons just before baking to ensure they stay crisp. If baked in advance, reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
What can I substitute for merlitons?
If merlitons are unavailable, zucchini or bell peppers can serve as great substitutes for the shells. They will provide a different flavor, but will hold the filling well and still create a delicious dish.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers and spinach. Adding some cooked quinoa or rice to the stuffing can also give it a hearty texture.
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).