Stuffed Mirliton
Tender mirliton squash shells filled with a savory mix of shrimp, ham, and classic Cajun vegetables, then baked until golden. A beloved Louisiana dish that's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a special dinner.
For 4 servings
10 steps. 65 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the 8 mirliton halves.
- 2
In a large pot, place the whole mirlitons and cover with water
- a.Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a rolling boil and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. Drain and set aside to cool until they are safe to handle, about 15 minutes.
- 3
Once cooled, slice the mirlitons in half lengthwise
- a.Use a spoon to carefully scoop out and discard the seed. Then, scoop out the flesh, leaving a sturdy 1/4-inch thick shell. Be careful not to puncture the skin. Finely chop the scooped-out mirliton flesh and set aside.
- 4
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter
- a.Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper (the 'Holy Trinity'). Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
- 5
Add the minced garlic and diced ham to the skillet
- a.Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Stir in the chopped mirliton flesh, Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate. If the mixture seems very wet, gently press it against the side of the pan to drain some liquid.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque. Immediately remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
- 8
Stir in 1/2 cup of the breadcrumbs, the sliced green onions, and fresh parsley
- a.Mix until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 9
Arrange the mirliton shells in the prepared baking dish
- a.Generously mound the filling into each shell. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and toss it with the remaining 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this buttered breadcrumb mixture evenly over the tops of the stuffed mirlitons.
- 10
Step 10
- a.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crisp. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For easier handling, you can boil the mirlitons a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator.
- 2If your mirliton pulp is very watery after chopping, place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and gently squeeze out the excess liquid before adding it to the skillet.
- 3Don't overcook the shrimp in the skillet; they will continue to cook in the oven.
- 4For a richer flavor, substitute tasso ham for the smoked ham and use seafood stock instead of water if you need to add moisture to the filling.
- 5Leftovers are delicious! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore the crispy topping.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace the shrimp and ham with 3/4 lb of Louisiana crawfish tails, lump crabmeat, or seasoned ground pork for a different flavor profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the shrimp and ham. Sauté 8 oz of chopped cremini mushrooms with the vegetables and add 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyère or Parmesan cheese to the filling for richness.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or one finely minced jalapeño along with the Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.
Crispier ToppingCrispier Topping
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of plain breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier topping. You can also mix in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vegetables
This dish features mirliton squash and the 'Holy Trinity' of onion, celery, and bell pepper, providing a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Provides Dietary Fiber
Mirliton squash is naturally high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
A mirliton, also known as chayote squash, is a light green, pear-shaped vegetable common in Louisiana Creole and Cajun cuisine. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crisp texture that becomes tender when cooked.