Delicious Halibut Stuffed with Shrimp and Crabmeat Recipe
Are you a fan of seafood? Do you love throwing dinner parties that have your guests swooning over your menu? If you answered yes, then get ready to elevate your culinary skills with my Halibut Stuffed with Shrimp and Crabmeat recipe. This dish is packed with flavor and will have your taste buds singing with every bite.
The perfect blend of succulent shrimp, juicy crab meat, and mild halibut will leave your guests licking their plates clean. This dish is perfect for special occasions or any night where you want to cook up something extra special.
I’ve been cooking for years and this is one recipe that always gets rave reviews – even from the pickiest eaters. The combination of salty shrimp, sweet crab meat, savory halibut, and tangy lemon juice create a symphony of flavors that will make you want to dance around the kitchen.
So put on your apron, sharpen your knives, and let’s get started on this amazing meal that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all seafood lovers! If you want to take your taste buds on a ride, then you must try out the Halibut Stuffed with Shrimp and Crabmeat Recipe. This recipe is not for the faint-hearted, it’s for those who crave bold and intense flavors.
First and foremost, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can pair it with almost anything and still come out with a delectable result. Secondly, the combination of shrimp and crab meat is simply divine, especially when mixed with a dash of Old Bay seasoning that adds a bit of excitement to every bite. The juicy and flavorful stuffing is made up of cooked rice, green pepper, mushrooms and is loaded with dungeness crab meat that harmoniously blends with the shrimp.
Moreover, the buttery halibut fillets crusted with Parmesan cheese provides a mild flavor that balances out the spices in the stuffing. The creamy crab topping finishes off the dish perfectly, providing an explosion of flavor in your mouth.
This recipe can be baked or pan-seared; depending on your preference, it’s guaranteed to leave your guests wanting more. So, if you’re looking for something that will wow your guests at dinner parties or family gatherings or even impress someone special on date night, then look no further than this Halibut Stuffed with Shrimp and Crabmeat Recipe.
Ingredient List
Let’s get started with the ingredients we’ll be using to whip up this decadent seafood dish. Halibut fillets will serve as the fish base for our recipe. You can also use cod or flounder for this recipe if you’re looking for a different flavor. To highlight the dish’s coastal appeal, shrimp and Dungeness crab meat will be used to make a delectable stuffing.
Here is a complete list of ingredients you’d need:
For the Halibut
- 4 6-ounce fresh halibut fillets (you can substitute with cod or flounder)
- Salt and ground black pepper
For the Stuffing
- 4 ounces cooked and peeled shrimp, chopped
- 4 ounces Dungeness crab meat, picked free of shells
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 green pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground pepper
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
To make it even more flavorful, we’ll use some lemon juice, butter, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings such as salt, black pepper, and paprika to create a crumbly topping over our stuffed fillets. Finally, the buttery sauce, made with white wine and heavy creamand infused with flavors like dijon mustard and green onion,to pour generously over each serving of this dish.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe how-to. This is where the magic happens – turning those ingredients into a delicious dish that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before starting on the recipe, ensure your oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Halibut Fillets
Start by taking the halibut fillets and splitting them lengthwise to form a pocket for stuffing. Season both sides of each fish fillet with salt and ground pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the Seafood Stuffing
In a mixing bowl, combine cooked shrimp, cooked crabmeat, breadcrumbs, green onion, mushrooms, green pepper, lemon zest, and parsley. Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Stuff the Halibut Fillets
Take the seafood stuffing mixture created in step 3 and stuff it into each halibut fillet pocket generously.
Step 5: Bake the Halibut
Place stuffed halibut fillets on a lightly greased baking dish. Pour in dry white wine just enough to barely cover bottom of pan. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F or until fish is opaque throughout.
Step 6: Prepare Cream Sauce for Serving
While fish is baking, prepare cream sauce by melting butter in small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and add flour; whisk together until smooth. Return to heat and slowly whisk in heavy cream until fully combined. Add dijon mustard, old bay seasoning, salt and black pepper to taste to finish sauce.
Step 7: Serve
Once halibut is done and sauce is prepared, serve with rice or vegetables of your choice with cream sauce spooned over individual stuffed fish fillets.
And there you have it – a delicious halibut stuffed with shrimp and crabmeat recipe that is sure to impress your guests!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, if you’re not a fan of halibut or simply want to switch things up, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try with this recipe.
Firstly, instead of halibut, you could use other types of firm white fish like cod or flounder for your stuffed fish fillets. These options still offer a great texture and pair well with the crab and shrimp topping.
For those who opt for a low-carb diet, consider replacing the breadcrumbs in the topping with almond flour, cheese or pork rinds. This modification will maintain the crunch factor without compromising the taste.
If you want to switch up the stuffing, you can also try using deviled crab or crab cakes as alternatives. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or green peppers to enhance the flavors resulting in a heartier dish.
For those feeling adventurous, try adding some spice with Old Bay Seasoning, dijon mustard or even red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Additionally, if you prefer a creamy sauce over a buttery one top the stuffed halibut with pieces of creamy crab sauce instead.
Don’t be afraid to play around with different ingredients and methods when it comes to preparing seafood dishes. Experimenting is part of what makes cooking such an exciting art form.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this halibut stuffed with shrimp and crabmeat recipe, there are plenty of options that can enhance its flavors.
Firstly, I recommend serving this dish with a simple salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of the lemon in the vinaigrette pairs well with the creamy crab and buttery shrimp in the stuffing. You could also opt for a side of roasted vegetables like green beans or asparagus, which will add some much-needed crunch to the meal.
For a more indulgent option, you could serve this dish alongside a creamy potato puree or mashed potatoes. This will help balance out some of the richness of the seafood stuffing that is inside the halibut fillets.
In terms of wine pairings, I suggest sticking to dry white wines such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. These wines tend to have an acidity that can cut through the robustness of the seafood stuffing while also complementing its flavors. A glass of bubbly Champagney could also work well if you’re in a mood for some celebration and festivity!
Finally, if you’re keeping an eye on your carb intake, you can try pairing this dish with some low-carb options like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These alternatives will bring texture and flavor without making you feel too full or heavy after eating.
Regardless of how you choose to serve and pair this recipe, I guarantee it will leave everyone satisfied and feeling like they’ve been treated to nothing but quality ingredients cooked in a delectable way.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Stephen, once I stuff my halibut with shrimp and crabmeat, how can I possible store and reheat it without ruining the dish?” Don’t worry, my kitchen confidants, I’ve got you covered.
First off, let’s talk about making this dish ahead of time. You can certainly prep the stuffing mixture up to a day in advance and keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before stuffing your halibut fillets, give the mixture a stir to refresh the flavors.
Once your halibut is stuffed and baked (or pan-seared if that’s more your style), you might be wondering if you can store any leftovers. The answer is yes! Just make sure the fish is fully cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Now for reheating. My advice? Skip the microwave and go for the oven instead. Preheat your oven to 350°F and carefully place your leftover halibut in a baking dish. Heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes depending on how thick your fillet is.
And finally, because I know some of you have asked about freezing this dish: while it is possible to freeze stuffed halibut, I don’t recommend it as the quality may suffer upon thawing.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, listen up my fellow home chefs, if you want to impress your guests at your party, pay close attention to these tips for perfecting the Halibut Stuffed with Shrimp and Crabmeat recipe.
First and foremost, it’s important to properly season your halibut fillets with salt and the ground pepper before stuffing them. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; you want the flavors to stand out with every bite.
When stuffing the fish fillets, make sure to split them lengthwise and form a pocket for the stuffing. Use a spoon to gently stuff the filling inside the pocket without overstuffing it. This will ensure that the fish cooks evenly and that every bite includes both fish and stuffing.
To prevent your stuffed fish from falling apart while cooking, I recommend using toothpicks or kitchen twine to seal the opening once you’ve stuffed them. This will help hold everything together and make sure your dish looks as impressive as it tastes.
When cooking your halibut stuffed with shrimp and crabmeat, you have two options: baking or pan-searing. If you choose to bake them, cover them with foil to keep the moisture in for a tender and delicious result. If pan-searing is more your style, cook them in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
In addition, consider making extra stuffing than what is needed in case there are any leftovers or just because it’s so darn delicious!
Finally, presentation is key. Drizzle lemon butter sauce over the stuffed fish fillets before serving it with cooked rice alongside some green pepper and mushrooms sautéed in dry white wine for a complete indulgence.
Follow these tips closely, fellow home chefs, to achieve impeccable results when preparing this Halibut Stuffed With Shrimp and Crabmeat recipe that will WOW all of your party guests!
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a show-stopping dish to impress your guests or simply want to indulge in a delicious seafood feast, look no further than this Halibut Stuffed with Shrimp and Crabmeat recipe.
With its succulent and flavorful stuffing that burst with the sweetness of shrimp and the briny goodness of crabmeat, this dish is guaranteed to win over even the most discerning palate. The creamy crab topping and the tangy Dijon mustard sauce also add depth and richness to the dish, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
But that is not all – this recipe is also highly versatile and customizable. You can use different types of fish fillets such as cod or flounder, experiment with spices like Old Bay seasoning, or go low-carb by skipping the bread crumbs. The possibilities are endless!
Whether you are planning a dinner party or just want to treat yourself to some seafood indulgence, give this Halibut Stuffed with Shrimp and Crabmeat recipe a try. You won’t regret it!
Halibut Stuffed With Shrimp and Crabmeat Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces canned crabmeat
- 2 ounces butter
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 8 ounces shrimp, shelled
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup fish stock
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 4 ounces mushrooms, chopped
- 1 small green pepper, chopped
- 2 ounces cooked rice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 (3 lb) halibut, center bone removed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- parsley, for ganish
- lemon
Instructions
- Melt 1/4 cup butter. Reduce to low: add crabmeat and shrimp, coating well.
- Stir in flour. Pour in the stock, cream and wine, stirring until blended, Heat gently until hot.
- Stir in mushrooms, green pepper, rice salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat; spoon into pocket of the halibut. Spread the excess mixture over the bottom of baking dish which has been lightly greased.
- Arrange the stuffed fish on top and pour over the melted butter. Bake in preheated 350F oven, covered, for 50 minutes or until fish is tender but still firm.
- Remove from oven. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges and serve at once.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!