If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch of bold, spicy-sweet flavor with a delightful crunch, look no further than this Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe. Imagine crispy, saucy shrimp nestled inside vibrant mini bell peppers that offer a crisp, refreshing counterpoint. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that’s as fun to eat as it is to share with friends. This recipe brings a show-stopping appetizer or light meal to your table with ease, making every bite a celebration of bright colors, creamy sauces, and irresistible zest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in bringing the dish to life. Every component contributes to its irresistible crunch, creamy heat, and satisfying brightness, making this recipe straightforward yet unforgettable.
- Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined small or medium shrimp for the perfect bite-sized base.
- Buttermilk: Soaking the shrimp tenderizes and adds subtle tang for deeper flavor.
- Cornstarch: Coats the shrimp to deliver that crave-worthy crispy exterior.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy foundation of the signature bang bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Balances sweetness with mild heat, essential to this dish’s characteristic flavor.
- Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick; adjust to keep the heat where you like it.
- Honey (optional): For an extra touch of sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory shrimp.
- Rice vinegar (optional): Brings a light acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Mini bell peppers: Their vibrant color and crisp texture make each bite colorful and refreshing.
- Olive oil: Lightly brushes the peppers to soften and enhance their natural sweetness.
- Garnishes: Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs add the final burst of freshness and crunch.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Shrimp
Start by placing peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl of buttermilk and let them soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. This simple step tenderizes the shrimp and infuses a subtle tang that really lifts the final flavor. Trust me, it makes all the difference in creating juicy shrimp that aren’t just crispy outside, but perfectly soft inside.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
While the shrimp is soaking, mix your creamy bang bang sauce by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Taste as you go to balance heat and sweetness exactly how you like it. This sauce is the magic that turns fried shrimp into an addictive treat.
Step 3: Prepare and Fry the Shrimp
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a deep skillet or pot for frying. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess, then toss them in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This coating creates the crunch you’ll crave. Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. Let them drain on paper towels before the next step.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp with Sauce
Once the shrimp cool slightly so they don’t melt the sauce, gently toss them in your bang bang sauce until every piece is fully coated. This layer brings the creamy, spicy, and sweet flavor combo bang bang shrimp are famous for, making each bite a little party on your palate.
Step 5: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve and deseed the mini bell peppers, then arrange them cut side up on a baking sheet. Brush each lightly with olive oil – it helps soften the peppers and brings out their natural sweetness. Bake them for 6 to 8 minutes if you prefer a slightly tender pepper, or skip baking for a fresh, crisp bite.
Step 6: Assemble the Stuffed Peppers
Spoon two to three pieces of the saucy bang bang shrimp into each pepper half. The vibrant shrimp against the colorful pepper makes this dish as visually enticing as it is delicious. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro or parsley if you’d like that final pop of flavor and texture.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate the experience of this Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe. Bright green onions add a sharp, fresh crunch, sesame seeds bring subtle nuttiness, and herbs like cilantro or parsley offer fragrant brightness that balances the richness of the shrimp and sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with light, complementary sides such as a crisp Asian slaw, jasmine rice, or steamed edamame. These options maintain the fresh, vibrant feel of the peppers and provide textural contrast for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the stuffed peppers on a large platter surrounded by fresh lime wedges and extra bang bang sauce for dipping. You could also incorporate crunchy lettuce cups for an interactive, hand-held version that’s perfect for parties or potlucks. The versatility of this Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe really shines here.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and with this dish, you just might), store the stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, making them a fantastic easy snack or lunch option for the next day.
Freezing
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked but unstuffed shrimp and sauce separately. Freeze them in airtight containers for up to one month, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling the peppers fresh for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stuffed peppers in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the peppers soften to your liking. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the shrimp crispy. Serve immediately to enjoy that irresistible bang bang flavor at its peak.
FAQs
Can I use different types of peppers for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mini bell peppers are perfect for bite-sized servings and their natural sweetness, you can also use larger bell peppers or even poblano peppers for a bit more heat, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe?
The spice level is quite flexible since you control the amount of Sriracha and sweet chili sauce you add. You can tame the heat for a milder dish or amp it up if you love a fiery kick.
What if I don’t want to deep fry the shrimp?
You can bake the shrimp coated in cornstarch and oil at 425°F for 10–12 minutes to get a crispy texture without frying. It’s a lighter alternative that still works well in the recipe.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Since the coating uses cornstarch instead of flour, and the sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free, this recipe is friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters—just double-check your chili sauces to be sure.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
While the classic recipe relies on shrimp, you can swap the shrimp for crispy tofu or cauliflower florets and use vegan mayo to keep the sauce creamy and delicious. The stuffed peppers will still deliver that bang bang fun.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into the crisp, lively bell peppers packed with creamy, spicy bang bang shrimp. This Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe always steals the show with its exciting flavor combo and vibrant presentation. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just craving a delicious snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch everyone come back for more!
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffed pepper halves
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers offer a flavorful and crispy shrimp filling coated in a spicy, tangy bang bang sauce, nestled inside sweet mini bell pepper halves. This appetizer combines the crunch of baked peppers with the creamy, zesty shrimp for a delicious party snack or light meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (small or medium-sized)
- ½ cup buttermilk (for soaking)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
Peppers and Garnishes
- 12 mini bell peppers, halved and deseeded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk and let soak for 10–15 minutes. This tenderizes the shrimp and enhances flavor.
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Adjust the heat and sweetness to your preference. Set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp for frying: Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until hot enough for frying.
- Coat the shrimp: Remove shrimp from buttermilk, shaking off any excess liquid. Toss shrimp in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
- Fry the shrimp: Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes each until they turn golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Toss shrimp in sauce: Once the shrimp have cooled slightly, gently toss them in the prepared bang bang sauce, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Prepare the peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the halved and deseeded mini bell peppers cut side up on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil.
- Bake the peppers: Bake the peppers for 6–8 minutes to soften them slightly. If you prefer more crunch, you can skip baking.
- Assemble the stuffed peppers: Spoon 2–3 coated bang bang shrimp into each pepper half.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley over the stuffed peppers for added flavor and color.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed peppers warm or at room temperature. They are ideal for parties, game day snacks, or a fun twist on shrimp tacos.
Notes
- Adjust the Sriracha amount to control the spice level in the bang bang sauce.
- For a sweeter sauce, add honey to balance the heat.
- Frying the shrimp in batches ensures they stay crispy and cook evenly.
- Baked peppers can be served soft or raw for added crunch based on preference.
- Use mini bell peppers as a convenient and edible vessel for easy serving and handling.
- Garnishes like sesame seeds and fresh herbs add both flavor and visual appeal.
