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Deviled Stuffed Crab Shells Recipe

Perfect Dish for Valentine’s Day or Date Night!

Deviled Stuffed Crab Shells are a delightful and tasty way to enjoy crab meat. With the combination of seasoned crab meat and sautéed vegetables, this dish is the perfect combination of flavor and texture. This recipe is a classic seafood dish that will leave your guests feeling satisfied and craving more.

The process of preparing this dish starts with cleaning and shelling the crabs, and then removing the meat and setting it to the side. The crab shells will be the vessels that hold the delicious filling. You will also need to ready your vegetables, which include red and green bell peppers, celery, and sweet onion. These vegetables will be sautéed in butter and then mixed with the crab meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

Skillets Up!

In a skillet, heat up the butter and sauté the vegetables until tender. Sautéing the vegetables will bring out their natural sweetness and flavor. It is important to cook the vegetables until they are tender because you want to ensure that the filling is well-seasoned and has a good texture. Once the vegetables are sautéed, set them to the side and let them cool.

Mix It All Together!

While the vegetables are cooling, in a separate bowl mix together the remaining ingredients, including the crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, old bay seasoning, and sautéed vegetables. Make sure to mix everything well so that the filling is well-seasoned and evenly distributed.

Double Stuff Them!

Once everything is mixed, it’s time to start stuffing the shells. You want to pile the filling high and pack it into the shells as much as possible. This will ensure that the filling stays in place while it cooks and will help the shells keep their shape.

Bake Them As Fast As You Can!

Place the stuffed crab shells in a preheated oven of 385F and cook for 25-30 minutes. Cook until the filling has browned to a golden color. This will give the filling a crispy texture and will enhance the flavors of the crab meat and vegetables.

Once Done…

Finally, once the deviled stuffed crab shells are done, serve and enjoy! These delicious and flavorful shells will be a hit at any seafood dinner party or family gathering. The flavors are rich and satisfying, and the texture is soft and tender. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves crab meat and seafood in general.

Suggested Dishes To Serve With This Dish:

  • A side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing

  • Grilled or roasted asparagus

  • Quinoa or brown rice pilaf

  • Garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping in the sauce

  • Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

  • A fresh fruit salad with watermelon, berries, and mint

  • A cold soup like gazpacho

  • A light and refreshing lemon or lime sorbet for dessert

  • An herby white wine or a crisp, light beer.

    This recipe for deviled stuffed crab shells contains ingredients that some people may be allergic to or want to avoid.

    Here is a list of possible substitutions:

  • Crabs: For those with a crab allergy, you could use cooked shrimp or scallops instead of crab meat. Both options will still provide a great flavor and texture to the dish. If you’re allergic to any shellfish- I highly suggest you don’t make this recipe at all.

  • Egg: If you're allergic to eggs or want to make this dish vegan, you could use a flax egg or aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) as a substitute.

  • Breadcrumbs: For those with a gluten intolerance or following a gluten-free diet, you could use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.

  • Butter: For those who are dairy-free or want to avoid butter, you could use a vegan butter alternative, coconut oil, or olive oil instead.

  • Old Bay seasoning: If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients in Old Bay seasoning or simply prefer not to use it, you could use another seafood seasoning of your choice or a mixture of dried herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano.

    By making these substitutions, you can still enjoy a delicious and satisfying dish that accommodates your dietary needs.

    But, please ask a doctor before trying or making any substitutions. Only a doctor will know what you’re ok with consuming and I am not responsible for you making this recipe in any which way or form.

    Here is a list of ingredients that could be added to this recipe to enhance its flavor and texture:

  • Grated Parmesan cheese

  • Dijon mustard or hot sauce

  • Minced fresh parsley or cilantro for extra freshness

  • A splash of white wine or chicken broth for added moisture and flavor

  • A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat

  • Sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor and additional texture

  • Lemon or lime juice for added brightness and acidity

  • Diced fresh tomatoes for sweetness and texture

Adding any of these ingredients will add a new dimension to the dish and can make it even more enjoyable to eat. Feel free to experiment and add what you like!

So Here’s The Deal…

Deviled stuffed crab shells are a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress. The mixture of tender crab meat, savory vegetables, and seasoned breadcrumbs make for an irresistible filling that is perfectly complemented by the crispy and golden crab shells. This dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the sea in a new and exciting way.

If you have leftovers, this dish can easily be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply place the stuffed crab shells in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven until they're warm and crispy.

In addition to being delicious, this dish is also relatively healthy. It's a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a great option for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet. So, go ahead and try out this recipe for deviled stuffed crab shells today, you won't regret it!

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