Deep Fried Stuffed Bell Peppers (Ớt Chuông Nhồi Tôm Thịt)
Looking for a show-stopping dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Our Deep Fried Stuffed Bell Peppers are the perfect choice! This vibrant Vietnamese recipe features sweet, colourful bell peppers filled with a savoury blend of shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, and aromatic seasonings. Each bite offers a wonderful contrast of crispy peppers and juicy, flavourful filling, making it a true crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special gatherings.
What makes this dish extra special is its versatility. You can serve it as a main course with steamed rice, or as an impressive appetizer for your next get-together. For a fresh twist, try plating the stuffed peppers on a bed of microgreens – an optional step that adds both elegance and a subtle peppery note.
Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cooking or a longtime fan, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to brighten up your table. Give it a try and enjoy the vibrant colours, enticing aromas, and delicious flavours of Deep Fried Stuffed Bell Peppers!
Q&As on Deep Fried Stuffed Bell Peppers
1. Why are bell peppers a great choice for this recipe?
Bell peppers are not only colourful and delicious but also packed with nutrients, adding a healthy boost to the dish. They are an excellent source of Vitamin C (even more than oranges!), Vitamin A (especially red bell peppers), Vitamin B6, and Vitamin K. Bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Different colours offer varying nutritional values; green bell peppers have fewer nutrients, while red bell peppers have the most Vitamin C and beta-carotene, with yellow and orange falling in between. They are low in calories and high in fibre, aiding digestion and promoting fullness, making them a great addition to a balanced diet. The high Vitamin C content boosts immunity and helps fight infections. They also contain minerals like potassium (for healthy blood pressure) and manganese (for metabolism and bone health).
Incorporating bell peppers into our Deep Fried Stuffed Bell Peppers adds flavour, colour, and essential vitamins and antioxidants, making it a delicious and healthy meal!
2. Can I grill these stuffed bell peppers instead of deep-frying them? How do I do it, and what will the result be?
Absolutely! Grilling is a fantastic and healthier alternative that adds a wonderful smoky flavour. To grill, preheat your grill to medium heat, lightly brush the bell peppers with oil to prevent sticking, and place them on the grill, filling side up. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the peppers are tender, slightly charred, and the filling is cooked through. Grilling gives the bell peppers a smoky flavour and a softer, slightly charred texture, unlike the crispy texture from deep-frying. Cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them.
For successful grilling, use larger bell pepper pieces to hold the filling or use a grill basket. Grilling is a healthier option as it uses less oil, reducing the overall fat content. Enjoy this lighter, smoky twist on our Deep Fried Stuffed Bell Peppers!
3. I don’t have a food processor to grind the shrimp. Can I still make this recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the shrimp by hand using a sharp knife. It might take a bit more time and effort, but you’ll still get a delicious result. Just make sure to chop the shrimp as finely as possible so it blends well with the pork and other ingredients in the filling. The texture may be a little different, but the flavours will be just as tasty!
4. Can I use green onion instead of cilantro?
Absolutely! Green onion is a great substitute, offering a milder, slightly oniony flavour. Use an equal amount of finely chopped green onion (both white and green parts) as you would cilantro. While the flavour profile will be slightly different, it will still add a fresh element to your Deep Fried Stuffed Bell Peppers!
5. How long does it take to make this dish? Can I prep ingredients ahead of time? Is it good for a weeknight meal?
The total time is approximately 45-60 minutes, with 20-25 minutes for prep, 15 minutes for resting, and 10-15 minutes for cooking. You can save time by prepping ingredients in advance – chop vegetables, mince garlic and shallots, and prepare the shrimp and pork mixture ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and cook. While it takes more time than quick weeknight meals, advance preparation makes it manageable for a special weeknight dinner. Enjoy the process and savour the flavours!
Recipe for Deep Fried Stuffed Bell Peppers
Equipment
- 1 medium wok or nonstick skillet
- 1 food processor or electronic grinder optional
Ingredients
- 425 grams shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 150 grams ground pork
- 750 grams bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons freshly minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons freshly minced shallot
- A small bunch of cilantro
For Seasoning:
- Fish sauce, salt, mushroom powder, ground black pepper, sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:Start by preparing the bell peppers. Remove the seeds and core from each pepper, then cut them into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.Finely chop the cilantro. It will be used for the shrimp/pork filling later.Roughly dice the shrimp, then place the shrimp in a food processor or electronic grinder along with the ground pork. Process until the mixture is finely minced.Transfer the minced shrimp mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the minced garlic, shallot, and chopped cilantro, then season with ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon mushroom powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ tablespoon fish sauce. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Let the mixture rest for about 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
- Assemble:Take a small amount of the shrimp and pork filling and gently stuff it into each piece of bell pepper, pressing lightly to ensure the filling stays in place.
- Cook:Heat a generous amount of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the stuffed bell peppers to the pan, filling side up. Fry, turning occasionally, so that all sides of the peppers are cooked and the filling is golden and cooked through.
- Serve:Transfer the deep-fried stuffed bell peppers to a serving dish. Serve hot, ideally with a bowl of steamed rice, along with soy sauce. Enjoy your delicious meal!