Best Nayarit Crab Stuffed Chiles Recipes

CRAB-STUFFED PIQUILLO PEPPERS

Steps:

• Make the aioli: Heat the paprika and vegetable oil in a small saucepan over low heat. When hot, remove the pan from the heat and allow the oil to steep at room temperature, 20 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
• Combine the egg yolk, vinegar and lemon juice in a food processor or blender; process until smooth and frothy. With the machine running, slowly pour in the paprika-infused oil and process until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt. (The aioli can be made up to 3 days ahead; refrigerate in an airtight container.)
• Make the filling for the peppers: Combine the mayonnaise, creme fraiche, mustard, lemon juice, manchego, parsley, chives and egg in a large bowl; mix thoroughly with a rubber spatula to combine. Gently mix in the crabmeat (do not break it up too much). Season with salt and pepper.
• Drain the piquillo peppers thoroughly. Remove the seeds, making sure to keep the peppers whole and intact. Carefully spoon about 1 tablespoon crab filling into each pepper. Transfer to an ovenproof baking dish, such as a cazuela. (The peppers can be filled 1 day ahead; cover and refrigerate.)
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Transfer the peppers to the oven and bake, uncovered, until heated through, about 15 minutes. Top the peppers with the aioli and return to the oven until the aioli is hot, about 2 more minutes.

CRAB-AND-CHEESE-STUFFED MINI PEPPERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
• Cut the peppers lengthwise and remove the stems, seeds and ribs. If needed, trim a small amount off the bottom of each pepper half so that it will lie flat when cut-side up (making them steady is important so the filling stays intact during baking). Chop the trimmings into small pieces and set aside.
• Toss the pepper halves in a medium bowl with the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of black pepper. Set aside.
• Stir together the softened cream cheese and reserved pepper trimmings in another medium bowl until smooth. Gently fold in the crabmeat and season with salt and pepper.
• Fill each pepper half with about 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture so it comes over the top of the pepper slightly. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake until the filling is beginning to brown, about 18 minutes. Serve warm.

STUFFED CHA-CHA CRAB CHILIES

Steps:

• Preheat broiler.
• For the sauce: Place tomatillos, onions, and garlic in a large heavy skillet. Heat over medium-high heat, turning often, until charred all over but still firm, about 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a food processor and add cumin, cayenne, hot sauce, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Process to a coarse puree. Return mixture to skillet and keep warm while preparing the stuffed chilies.
• For the chilies: Place poblanos on a baking sheet and broil, turning a few times until all sides are charred. Place in a paper bag and seal. Let steam about 10 minutes to loosen the skin.
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, Monterey Jack and crabmeat. Set aside.
• Peel poblanos, then cut a slit lengthwise down 1 side only, and carefully remove seeds. Stuff each with cheese mixture and place them cut side up on a baking sheet, gently pressing to seal. Broil until cheese is melted and poblanos are heated through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to serving plates and spoon sauce around the stuffed chilies.

CRAB-STUFFED POBLANO PEPPERS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a shallow roasting pan with cooking spray.
• In a medium bowl, combine crab cake mixture, sour cream, green chiles, and cilantro.
• Stuff mixture into halved peppers and arrange side-by-side in bottom of prepared pan. Sprinkle cheese over filling.
• Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until filling is hot and cheese is golden and bubbly. Serve hot.
• In a large bowl, combine crabmeat, sour cream, oats, bread crumbs, Dijon mustard, crab boil seasoning, oregano, and black pepper. Gently mix ingredients together, being careful not to break up crabmeat.

STUFFED CRABS CARIBBEAN STYLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Melt 8 tablespoons butter in a wide, shallow saucepan or skillet. When melted, add the scallions, garlic and chili. Add the curry powder and blend. Add the crabmeat. Add the coriander leaves, if desired, and parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add enough crab liquid to moisten properly. If you want a richer and better dish, add 2 to 4 more tablespoons butter. Add bread crumbs and blend well.
• Remove from the heat and use the mixture to fill 4 to 8 clam shells.
• Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until nicely brown. Serve with lime wedges, slices or halves.

HALIBUT STUFFED WITH SHRIMP AND CRABMEAT

Steps:

• 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.