Why Make This Recipe
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and easy dish that combines the bold flavors of shrimp with creamy, spicy sauce over pasta. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. The mix of textures and tastes makes every bite exciting. With a few simple ingredients, you can impress your family and friends.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch (for dredging the shrimp)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying the shrimp)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha (depending on your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for tanginess)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine (you can use any pasta shape you like)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies.
- Tofu: Substitute shrimp with crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch to make the dish gluten-free.
- Lemon Zest: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh, zesty touch.
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Season and Coat the Shrimp: Start by seasoning the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Then, coat the shrimp in cornstarch.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp until pink and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a big pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Save about a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- Whisk the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the spiciness or sweetness to your liking.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta with the Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add olive oil and minced garlic, and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic.
Step 5: Combine the Shrimp and Pasta
- Add the Shrimp: Gently toss in the crispy shrimp and some reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with Parmesan cheese, green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Bold, Flavorful Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta hot, garnished with extra green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some added spice. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the shrimp for a crispy texture.
- Don’t overcook the pasta to keep it al dente.
- Feel free to customize the sauce and adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
Variation
You can easily swap the shrimp for crispy tofu to make this dish vegetarian. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness depends on how much Sriracha you add. You can adjust it to your taste.Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch to make the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch (for dredging the shrimp)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) for extra flavor
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying the shrimp)
For the Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha depending on your heat preference
- 1 tablespoon honey for sweetness
- 1 tablespoon lime juice for tanginess
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine you can use any pasta shape you like
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
- Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, and coat them in cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the shrimp until pink and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta in a big pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Save about a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the spiciness or sweetness to your liking.
Toss the Pasta with the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and minced garlic, and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic.
Combine the Shrimp and Pasta
- Gently toss in the crispy shrimp and some reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
- Top with Parmesan cheese, green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.