Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a mouthwatering recipe that combines the delicate sweetness of fresh crab meat, the vibrant colors of bell peppers, and a luxurious lemon basil butter sauce that will transport you straight to culinary paradise. This Crab Stuffed Peppers dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that promises to impress your guests and satisfy your gourmet cravings in just 40 minutes of total cooking time.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 lb crab meat
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Wash the bell peppers and carefully cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes, creating boat-like pepper halves.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, half of the chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the crab meat too much.
- Arrange the pepper halves in the prepared baking dish, skin side down. Generously fill each pepper half with the crab meat mixture, pressing gently to ensure even distribution.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and mix in the remaining lemon juice and chopped basil. Whisk to combine and create the lemon basil butter sauce.
- Drizzle the lemon basil butter sauce over the stuffed peppers, ensuring each pepper is well-coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the stuffing is heated through and slightly golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve hot as a main course, accompanied by a light salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Crab Meat: For the best flavor, opt for fresh lump crab meat. If fresh isn't available, high-quality canned crab can work as a substitute.
- Don't Overmix: When combining the crab meat mixture, fold gently to preserve the delicate texture of the crab and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Pepper Preparation: Select bell peppers that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. Look for peppers with flat bottoms that can sit stably in the baking dish.
- Customize the Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crab mixture or a dash of hot sauce in the lemon basil butter.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the stuffed peppers earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Bread Crumb Tip: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs and consider toasting them lightly before mixing with the crab meat.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a crisp white wine or a light, citrusy cocktail to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
