Description
Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed Peppers combine crispy, spicy shrimp coated in a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce, served in sweet mini bell pepper halves. This appetizer is perfect for parties or game day, featuring a delightful contrast between the crunchy shrimp and tender peppers.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 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 shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk and let soak for 10–15 minutes. This helps tenderize and flavor the shrimp.
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and vinegar. Adjust heat or sweetness as preferred. Set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp: Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- Coat the shrimp: Remove shrimp from buttermilk, shake off excess, and toss them in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper to evenly coat.
- Fry the shrimp: Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Toss shrimp in sauce: Once shrimp have cooled slightly, toss them gently in the bang bang sauce until fully coated.
- Prepare the peppers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pepper halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and brush lightly with olive oil.
- Bake peppers: Bake for 6–8 minutes to soften slightly or leave them raw for extra crunch based on preference.
- Assemble stuffed peppers: Spoon 2–3 bang bang shrimp into each pepper half.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature. These make a fun and flavorful appetizer for parties or game day.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness of the bang bang sauce by varying the amount of Sriracha.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the cornstarch and sauces used are gluten-free.
- Mini bell peppers can be substituted with small sweet peppers or jalapeños for added heat.
- Frying time may vary depending on shrimp size; ensure they are cooked through and crispy.
- These can be prepared ahead by making shrimp and sauce in advance and assembling just before serving.
