If you love bold flavors and crave the perfect bite-sized appetizer that bursts with spice, crunch, and a touch of sweetness, you are going to adore this Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe. Imagine crispy, tender shrimp coated in a luscious, creamy Bang Bang sauce, nestled inside vibrant, colorful mini bell peppers that add a refreshing crunch and a hint of natural sweetness. This recipe is both playful and elegant, making it an absolute star for parties, casual snacks, or even a delightful weeknight treat that feels special.

Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each player is crucial to creating that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and fresh textures. From the shrimp soaking in buttermilk to tenderize them, to the sweet mini bell peppers that cradle the flavorful filling, every ingredient brings something special to the table.

Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Choose small or medium-sized for the best bite-sized goodness.
Buttermilk (½ cup): Soaks the shrimp to tenderize and amp up flavor.
Cornstarch (½ cup): Creates the crispy coating that makes this dish irresistible.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight every ingredient’s true flavor.
Oil, for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for crispy shrimp perfection.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for the bang bang sauce that ties everything together.
Sweet chili sauce (¼ cup): Adds just the right hint of sweetness and subtle heat.
Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Gives the sauce a satisfying kick—adjust to your heat preference.
Honey (1 tablespoon, optional): Rounds out the sauce with a touch of natural sweetness.
Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon, optional): Brightens the sauce with a mild tang.
Mini bell peppers (12, halved and deseeded): These colorful cups provide a fresh, crisp texture and a pop of vibrant color.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Lightly brushed on peppers before baking for subtle richness.
Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, sharp contrast as garnish.
Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for an inviting nutty crunch.
Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional): Brightens and freshens the presentation and flavor.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Shrimp

Start by soaking your shrimp in buttermilk for about 10 to 15 minutes. This simple step softens the shrimp and adds subtle tang and moisture that makes the shrimp truly tender once cooked—trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp soaks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe, combining creaminess, heat, sweetness, and acidity for a perfectly balanced flavor.

Step 3: Prep the Shrimp for Frying

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, take the shrimp out of the buttermilk, shake off the excess, and toss them with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This coating trick ensures every bite has an irresistible crunchy surface.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan so each shrimp gets perfectly crisped. Once done, drain them on paper towels to keep them light and crispy.

Step 5: Coat the Shrimp with Sauce

Let the shrimp cool for a minute or two, then gently toss them in the bang bang sauce until each piece is luxuriously coated. This step is what turns crispy shrimp into that crave-worthy bang bang flavor experience.

Step 6: Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the halved mini bell peppers cut side up on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes to soften them just a touch, or skip the oven step if you want extra crispness and brightness.

Step 7: Assemble Your Stuffed Peppers

Spoon two to three shrimp into each pepper half, making sure each bite delivers both crunch and that signature creamy, spicy bang bang flavor. It’s a fun, colorful way to enjoy seafood with a delightful twist.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds for texture, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired. They add a fresh, aromatic note that perfectly complements the bold sauce.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Garnishes

Chopped green onions bring a pop of freshness and mild bite, while sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and toasty aroma. Fresh cilantro or parsley instantly brightens the dish both visually and flavor-wise, creating a well-rounded appetizer or snack.

Side Dishes

These stuffed peppers are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with a light crisp salad, some steamed jasmine rice, or even a cold cucumber salad to balance the spiciness and richness of the shrimp. For gatherings, consider serving alongside some crunchy vegetable sticks or chips for dipping extra bang bang sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange these colorful stuffed peppers on a large platter, alternating colors for a vibrant display. You can also serve them with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go bites. Feeling adventurous? Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for an extra layer of texture and a fusion twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—and you might because these are hard to resist—store the shrimp and peppers separately in airtight containers. The shrimp coated in sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, while the peppers will maintain their texture best if kept separately.

Freezing

While the shrimp don’t freeze as well once coated in sauce due to texture changes, you can freeze the cooked shrimp before tossing in the bang bang sauce. Thaw and toss just before serving. It’s best not to freeze the peppers, as their texture will change too much.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to preserve crispness. Add the bang bang sauce after reheating to keep that fresh, creamy kick. Serve with fresh, raw or lightly warmed peppers for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be mixed up to 2 days ahead and kept covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before coating the shrimp for the freshest flavor.

What if I don’t have mini bell peppers?

No worries! You can use small jalapeños (seeded), baby sweet peppers, or even hollow out larger bell peppers cut into smaller sections. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level is easily adjustable. If you prefer mild, reduce or omit the Sriracha and honey. For a fiery kick, add extra Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Definitely! For a lighter version, bake the cornstarch-coated shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for about 12 minutes, turning halfway through. Then toss in the sauce and assemble as usual.

Are these stuffed peppers gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use cornstarch (which is naturally gluten-free) and check that your sauces do not contain gluten ingredients. This makes the Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe a great choice for gluten-sensitive guests.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers Recipe is one of those rare finds that manages to be simple, stunning, and deeply satisfying all at once. It’s finger-friendly, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable to suit your taste buds. Next time you want to wow your friends or treat yourself to something truly special, give this recipe a whirl. I promise it will bring smiles and maybe even a happy dance or two!