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