Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe: A Tasty Dinner Hit

Creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible, this bang bang shrimp pasta brings explosive flavors to your dinner table.

The tantalizing combination of crispy shrimp and zesty sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that stands out from ordinary pasta dishes.

Zinging with a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, bang bang shrimp pasta delivers a culinary experience that delights the senses.

Each forkful promises a burst of excitement and satisfaction.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings.

Fresh ingredients transform this dish from simple to spectacular.

Prepare to fall in love with a pasta that promises to become your new favorite go-to meal.

What Makes Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta So Satisfying

• Quick Flavor Explosion: Dive into a zesty pasta dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Perfect for home cooks of all levels, this recipe offers simple steps with guaranteed delicious results.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Create a mouthwatering shrimp pasta that rivals professional chef preparations without complex techniques.
• Customizable Spice Adventure: Easily adjust heat levels and flavors by tweaking Sriracha and sweet chili sauce quantities to match personal taste preferences.

Ingredients for Easy Shrimp and Creamy Bang Sauce

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that brings oceanic goodness to the dish.
• Eggs: Binding ingredient for coating the shrimp.

• Cornstarch: Light powder that creates a crispy shrimp coating.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning for enhancing flavors.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky spice that adds depth to the shrimp.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy sprinkle for extra kick.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and tangy cheese for final garnish.

• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey, Lime Juice: Creamy, sweet, spicy sauce base with zingy citrus notes.
• Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil: Cooking oils for frying and sautéing.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor booster for the dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion topping.
• Pasta: Soft, comforting base for the shrimp and sauce.

• Lime Wedges: Fresh citrus accent for serving.

How to Make Bang Bang Pasta With Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Succulent Shrimp

Clean and pat dry the shrimp until completely moisture-free.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika

Coat each shrimp evenly with cornstarch, gently shaking off any excess powder to ensure a light, crispy exterior.

Step 2: Sizzle and Crisp the Shrimp

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, heating over medium-high temperature.

Carefully place shrimp in the hot oil, cooking in small batches.

Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a gorgeous golden brown with a delightful crunch.

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Boil the Perfect Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Gently drop the pasta into the bubbling water, stirring occasionally.

Cook until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.

Before draining, carefully set aside a half cup of pasta water for later use.

Step 4: Whip Up the Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey
• Fresh lime juice
• Minced garlic

Whisk everything together until smooth.

Taste and adjust the flavors – add more Sriracha for extra kick or honey for sweetness.

Step 5: Create the Pasta Base

Using the same skillet from the shrimp, heat a touch of olive oil.

Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it releases its aromatic essence.

Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat with the garlic-infused oil.

Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta, mixing thoroughly.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the crispy fried shrimp into the saucy pasta.

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Red pepper flakes

Step 7: Plate and Savor

Transfer to serving plates, garnish with fresh lime wedges.

The dish is now ready to be devoured and enjoyed!

Tips to Balance Heat and Creaminess

• Pat shrimp completely dry before coating in cornstarch to ensure a perfect golden, crunchy exterior that locks in flavor.
• Adjust Sriracha quantity to match your spice preference, adding more for intense heat or reducing for milder taste.
• Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling better and maintain a silky texture without becoming dry or clumpy.
• Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for a versatile protein option that works beautifully with the Bang Bang sauce.
• Toast red pepper flakes in olive oil for 30 seconds before sprinkling to release their rich, smoky aromatics and intensify the overall taste profile.

How to Store and Reheat Bang Bang Pasta

• Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Separate shrimp and pasta when storing to maintain crispy texture. Place components in different sections of the container.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking pasta.
• For best taste and texture, consume reheated pasta within 1-2 days. Discard if shrimp smells off or looks discolored.

What Goes Well With Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

• Pair Zesty Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or wheat beer with citrusy notes to complement the spicy Bang Bang sauce and cut through the richness of the shrimp.
• Crisp White Wine Companion: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity that balances the creamy, spicy pasta and enhances the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Cool Cucumber Mocktail Sidekick: Blend fresh cucumber, mint, lime juice, and sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that soothes the palate and provides a light counterpoint to the dish's bold flavors.
• Citrus-Infused Iced Tea Refresher: Brew a light green or black tea, then add fresh orange and lemon slices to create a tangy, cooling beverage that echoes the lime notes in the Bang Bang sauce.

Shrimp Pasta Styles You’ll Love Exploring

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cornstarch with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend for dredging shrimp. Use gluten-free pasta and check that all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Plant-Based Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with crispy tofu or cauliflower pieces. Coat alternative protein in same seasoning and cornstarch mixture before frying.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Keep the bang bang sauce and crispy protein for a lighter meal option.
• Spicy Lovers Edition: Increase Sriracha in sauce, add extra red pepper flakes, and incorporate diced jalapeños for an intense heat experience.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely, pat dry with paper towels, and ensure they’re well-drained before seasoning and cooking to prevent excess moisture.

• Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or eliminate the Sriracha sauce, and use less red pepper flakes. You can also replace Sriracha with a milder hot sauce or skip it entirely for a more mild version.

• What can I substitute if I don't have sweet chili sauce?

You can use honey mixed with a bit of ketchup or replace it with equal parts honey and sriracha to maintain a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and replace cornstarch with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or potato starch when coating the shrimp.

Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling bang bang shrimp pasta delivers a spicy, creamy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with Southern coastal charm. Crispy shrimp nestled in silky noodles create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (64 grams) cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) smoked paprika (optional)

Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Meticulously season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
2. Thoroughly dredge the seasoned shrimp in cornstarch, carefully shaking off any excess powder to create a light, crispy exterior.
3. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing for a golden fry.
4. Fry the shrimp in small batches, creating a golden-brown crust by cooking 2-3 minutes per side until perfectly crisp.
5. Transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
6. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil for pasta cooking.
7. Cook pasta until it reaches al dente perfection, typically 8-10 minutes, then carefully reserve a half cup of starchy cooking water before draining.
8. Craft the signature Bang Bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl.
9. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor profile, adding more Sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness as desired.
10. Utilize the same skillet from frying shrimp, heating a touch of olive oil and quickly sautéing minced garlic until fragrant.
11. Introduce the cooked pasta to the garlic-infused oil, tossing to distribute the aromatic flavors evenly.
12. Pour the vibrant Bang Bang sauce over the pasta, thoroughly coating each strand and using reserved pasta water to create a silky texture if needed.
13. Gently fold the crispy fried shrimp into the sauced pasta, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures.
14. Finish the dish by generously sprinkling Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes across the top.
15. Plate the pasta immediately, accompanying with fresh lime wedges to add a bright, citrusy note to the meal.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are completely dry before coating to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent oil splattering during frying.
• Use cornstarch sparingly and shake off excess to create a light, crispy coating that doesn’t become heavy or greasy.
• Experiment with protein alternatives like tofu or chicken for dietary restrictions or personal preferences while maintaining the signature Bang Bang sauce flavor.
• Adjust spice levels by controlling Sriracha amount, making the dish adaptable for mild or heat-loving palates.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg