Delight your taste buds with the bold flavors of Seafood Stuffed Mirliton Chayote, a quintessential dish that captures the charm of Southern coastal cuisine. Tender mirlitons (chayote squash) serve as the perfect vessel for a savory stuffing loaded with succulent shrimp, rich lump crabmeat, and aromatic vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and garlic, all seasoned with a kick of Cajun spice. Breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese add a satisfying crunch and creaminess to every bite, while fresh parsley and green onions provide a vibrant finish. This baked seafood masterpiece, golden and bubbling from the oven, is ideal for holiday gatherings or a special dinner. Whether you're introducing guests to the unique appeal of mirliton or simply indulging in a hearty, flavor-packed dish, this recipe delivers on elegance and comfort.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray and set aside.
Wash the mirlitons and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove and discard the seeds. Place the mirliton halves in a large pot of boiling salted water and cook for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh of each mirliton half, leaving about 1/4 inch shell intact. Place the shells in the prepared baking dish and chop the scooped-out flesh into small pieces. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped mirliton flesh, shrimp, and crabmeat to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the seafood is heated through.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, green onion, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Spoon the stuffing mixture generously into the mirliton shells, packing it down slightly to ensure each shell is evenly filled.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the stuffing is heated through.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley or green onions if desired.
Calories |
1808 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.6 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.2 g | 191% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 601 mg | 200% | |
| Sodium | 7134 mg | 310% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 144.5 g | 53% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.7 g | 85% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.7 g | ||
| Protein | 126.0 g | 252% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 998 mg | 77% | |
| Iron | 14.6 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 2314 mg | 49% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.