Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe

If you are craving a vibrant, zesty, and truly addictive appetizer, the Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe will become your new go-to dish. Combining crispy, spicy shrimp with sweet and crunchy mini bell peppers creates a delightful burst of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s an easy yet impressive recipe that brings together creamy, spicy, sweet, and fresh notes—all wrapped up in colorful little pepper boats. Whether for a party snack or a delicious starter, this dish never fails to get rave reviews and requests for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe is carefully chosen to create a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the crispy shrimp to the fresh mini bell peppers, every component plays an essential role in making this dish shine.

• Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined small or medium shrimp for the ideal bite-sized filling.
• Buttermilk: Soaks the shrimp to tenderize and add subtle tanginess.
• Cornstarch: Gives the shrimp a crunchy, golden coating when fried.
• Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning to bring out natural flavors.
• Oil for frying: Needed to achieve that irresistible crispness.
• Mayonnaise: Provides creamy richness for the signature bang bang sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds good balance of sweetness and spice.
• Sriracha: Brings heat and depth to the sauce – adjust with your preferred spice level.
• Honey (optional): For an extra touch of sweetness to mellow the spice if desired.
• Rice vinegar (optional): A splash of acidity brightens the sauce.
• Mini bell peppers: Colorful and crunchy, these form the perfect edible vessels for the shrimp.
• Olive oil: Used to lightly brush peppers to enhance their natural flavor and soften them slightly when baked.
• Green onions: Fresh, crisp garnish that adds a mild onion note and vibrant green color.
• Sesame seeds (optional): Adds nutty flavor and a pretty finish.
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional): Offers herbal brightness to elevate the dish’s freshness.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Soak the shrimp

Begin by soaking your peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for 10 to 15 minutes. This simple step is a game changer, tenderizing the shrimp and infusing them with a gentle tang that beautifully complements the spicy sauce later on.

Step 2: Whisk together the bang bang sauce

While the shrimp bathes, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This lively, creamy sauce is the heart of your stuffed peppers, offering a wonderful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will coat each shrimp perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare to fry

Heat your frying oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This ensures your shrimp get beautifully crisp without absorbing too much oil—a crucial step for the ultimate crunch in your Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe.

Step 4: Coat the shrimp

Drain your shrimp from the buttermilk, shaking off excess liquid before tossing them in cornstarch with salt and pepper. This light coating is what transforms shrimp into crisp, golden bites that contrast wonderfully with the tender peppers.

Step 5: Fry until golden

Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes, until they turn golden and irresistibly crispy. Then, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Crispy shrimp at this stage are the foundation of the dish’s delicious texture.

Step 6: Toss shrimp in the bang bang sauce

Allow the shrimp to cool slightly, then gently toss them in the prepared bang bang sauce until each piece is fully coated in that creamy, spicy glaze. This step transforms the crunch into a savory, flavor-packed bite that’s absolutely addictive.

Step 7: Prepare the mini bell peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the halved and deseeded mini bell peppers cut side up on a baking sheet, then brush them lightly with olive oil. Baking softens the peppers just enough to meld deliciously with the shrimp while preserving their natural sweetness and crunch.

Step 8: Bake the peppers

Bake the peppers for 6 to 8 minutes. This tenderizes the peppers without making them mushy, creating a perfect vessel that pairs wonderfully with the bold shrimp filling. You can skip baking if you prefer your peppers super crisp for contrast.

Step 9: Assemble your Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Now for the fun part: spoon 2 to 3 sauced shrimp into each pepper half. The vibrant colors and textures will make it hard to resist snapping a photo before digging in.

Step 10: Garnish

Top the assembled peppers with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if you like. These garnishes add pops of color, texture, and fresh flavors that brighten the entire dish.

Step 11: Serve and enjoy

Serve these gorgeous little appetizers warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or any time you want to wow guests with a fresh twist on shrimp that’s bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like diced green onions brings crispness and an oniony snap. Sesame seeds contribute a subtle nuttiness and beautiful contrast against the creamy shrimp. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley punctuates the dish with herbal brightness, elevating every bite.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers are fantastic as appetizers, but they also shine alongside simple rice dishes, crisp garden salads, or even creamy coleslaw to complement the spicy shrimp with mild, fresh textures. They can even be paired with light, citrusy cocktails or cold beer for a full festive experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the stuffed peppers on a large platter interspersed with lime wedges or edible flowers for a stunning display. Another fun idea is to serve them skewered or on mini wooden picks for easy grab-and-go finger food. You can also experiment with different colored mini peppers for a rainbow effect that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bang bang shrimp and peppers separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep the shrimp crispy and peppers fresh. Assemble just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked shrimp (without sauce) before tossing them to preserve their crispness. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Peppers do not hold up well to freezing.

Reheating

Reheat shrimp gently in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to bring back some crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving stuffed peppers to keep peppers from becoming soggy. Many prefer enjoying this dish at room temperature for the best balance of textures.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized bell peppers instead of mini peppers?

Regular bell peppers can work but will change the proportions and texture experience. Mini peppers are perfect for bite-sized portions, while larger peppers might require more shrimp and sauce, making the dish less of a finger food and more of a meal.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe?

Absolutely! Swap out shrimp for crispy cauliflower florets or tofu cubes tossed in the same bang bang sauce. This keeps the same spicy, creamy flavor profile but makes it accessible to vegetarians.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

You can bake shrimp coated with cornstarch at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway to get some crispness. While frying offers the best crunch, baking is a healthier alternative that still tastes delicious.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level depends on how much Sriracha you use in the sauce. You can easily adjust it up or down to suit your spice preference or skip the honey if you prefer a less sweet version with more kick.

Can I prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and bang bang sauce a few hours ahead and assemble just before serving. Keep the shrimp chilled and toss in sauce right before stuffing the peppers to maintain crispiness.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that never fails to impress with its bold flavors and fun presentation. It’s easy enough for casual gatherings yet fancy enough to steal the show at parties. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become a favorite that friends and family keep asking for, so get ready to enjoy every crunchy, creamy, spicy bite!

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