Galician Seafood Stuffed Peppers
A delightful regional specialty from Galicia, these peppers are generously filled with a rich mixture of fresh seafood, often including shrimp, mussels, and crab, bound together with a creamy, flavorful sauce and baked until tender. This dish showcases the abundant seafood of the Galician coast.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Large bell peppers (any color)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 150 g Cooked shrimp, chopped
- 150 g Cooked mussels, chopped
- 100 g Cooked crab meat (or imitation crab)
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 200 ml Milk
- 50 ml Dry white wine
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tbsp Grated cheese (optional, for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and scoop out the seeds and membranes. Blanch the peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
💡 Pro Tips: Blanching the peppers helps them cook more evenly and makes them easier to stuff. - 2
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Pro Tips: Don't overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter. - 3
Add the chopped shrimp, mussels, and crab meat to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove the seafood mixture from the skillet and set aside.
💡 Pro Tips: Ensure all seafood is cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces. - 4
In the same skillet, add the flour and whisk it into the pan drippings to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and white wine until a smooth, thick sauce forms. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
💡 Pro Tips: Whisking continuously prevents lumps from forming in the sauce. - 5
Return the seafood mixture to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
💡 Pro Tips: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 6
Carefully spoon the seafood filling into the blanched bell peppers. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. If desired, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and grated cheese.
💡 Pro Tips: Don't overfill the peppers, as the filling may expand slightly during baking. - 7
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
💡 Pro Tips: Baking time may vary depending on the size of the peppers and your oven. - 8
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
💡 Pro Tips: These are delicious served with a side salad or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can use a variety of seafood such as scallops, clams, or even small pieces of fish.
- ✓For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- ✓If you don't have fresh seafood, good quality canned or frozen seafood can be used.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add cooked rice or quinoa to the filling for a heartier dish.
- Incorporate finely diced vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms into the seafood mixture.
- Serve with a drizzle of aioli or a light lemon sauce.