Garlic Butter Shrimp Stuffed Peppers

These Garlic Butter Shrimp Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines succulent shrimp with a savory garlic butter sauce, all stuffed into tender bell peppers. The crispy breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese add a delightful texture, making this dish a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that packs a punch in flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together fresh shrimp, garlic, and butter in a way that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp while adding a rich, savory flavor. Stuffed into sweet bell peppers and baked until tender, these stuffed peppers are a delicious and nutritious meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a satisfying dish, these garlic butter shrimp stuffed peppers are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Why It’s So Great

This dish is a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional stuffed peppers, incorporating protein-packed shrimp and flavorful garlic butter. The breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese add a crispy and cheesy element, while the bell peppers themselves provide a sweet and tender vessel for the filling. The entire dish is baked to perfection, making it a hassle-free recipe for any occasion.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. This will create a hollow space for the shrimp filling.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet, chop them into small pieces, and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Shrimp Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Stuff each bell pepper with the shrimp mixture, packing the filling tightly to ensure each pepper is fully stuffed.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Peppers

Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the peppers are baked, remove them from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the stuffed peppers.

Tips for Success

• Use large, fresh shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or well-thawed shrimp. If you can find large shrimp, they work great in this recipe since they provide a juicy bite.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so make sure not to overcook them before stuffing the peppers. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
• Customize the filling: You can add other ingredients to the shrimp filling, like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even spinach, for extra flavor and texture.
• Top with cheese: If you want to make it extra cheesy, sprinkle a bit of shredded mozzarella or more Parmesan on top of the stuffed peppers before baking.

How to Serve

These garlic butter shrimp stuffed peppers make a great standalone meal. However, you can pair them with a light salad, some roasted vegetables, or a side of quinoa or rice for a more filling meal. A drizzle of extra garlic butter or a squeeze of lemon juice would also complement the dish beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use other seafood?

Yes! If you don’t like shrimp or want to try something different, you can substitute the shrimp with crab meat, scallops, or even a fish fillet.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers up to the point of baking. Simply stuff the peppers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, bake them as directed.

3. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! If you like a little heat, you can add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the shrimp filling or sprinkle some hot sauce on top before serving.

4. Can I freeze these stuffed peppers?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer (add about 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time).

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Feel free to substitute the Parmesan cheese with another cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of shrimp, garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese is absolutely delicious, and the bell peppers make for the perfect vessel to hold all of these tasty ingredients. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

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