Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe

There’s something magical about combining creamy pasta with the bold flavors of crispy shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe is the perfect fusion of comfort and excitement, offering a rich, creamy base complemented by the crunchy, flavor-packed shrimp. Inspired by the popular “Bang Bang Shrimp” appetizer, this dish takes it up a notch by turning it into a full meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Whether you’re preparing this for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is bound to win hearts. The balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess makes every bite unforgettable. But what truly makes this recipe stand out is its ability to bring a restaurant-style dish into your own kitchen—without the need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Keep reading to discover why this recipe is a crowd-pleaser and how you can make it at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

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What’s not to love about Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta? It’s an all-in-one dish that combines the comforting warmth of pasta with the bold flavors of crispy shrimp in a creamy, spicy sauce. The shrimp are perfectly battered and fried to golden perfection, then coated in a sweet yet spicy sauce that packs just the right amount of heat.

But it’s not just the flavors that make this dish so special—it’s the contrast in textures. The tender pasta mixed with crunchy shrimp and the creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite. The vibrant sauce, made with a mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha, elevates the shrimp to a whole new level.

What makes this recipe so versatile is that it can be adjusted to your spice tolerance. If you love heat, you can crank it up with more sriracha; if you prefer something milder, just reduce the amount. This recipe is easy to tweak to fit your personal preferences, and it’s perfect for both seasoned spice lovers and those who like to keep it on the mild side.

It’s also a great option for busy nights when you want something quick yet flavorful. With a prep time of just under 30 minutes, you can serve up a decadent dish that tastes like it’s been prepared in a high-end restaurant. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a romantic dinner for two, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta fits the bill.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

This recipe calls for a blend of simple ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s bold, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Shrimp: Look for medium to large shrimp (peeled and deveined). These will provide the perfect bite and crisp up nicely when fried.
• Pasta: A long pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, works best for this dish, as it allows the creamy sauce to coat every strand. You can also opt for penne or fettuccine, depending on your preference.
• Cornstarch and Flour: These are the key ingredients for creating a crispy batter for the shrimp. The cornstarch adds crispiness, while the flour helps create a light coating.
• Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the sauce, helping to create that rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy shrimp.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: The star of the Bang Bang sauce, providing that delightful sweetness and just a touch of spice.
• Sriracha: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sriracha adds the perfect kick to the sauce. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: To enhance the flavor of both the shrimp and the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens up the creamy sauce and adds a little acidity to balance the richness.
• Olive Oil: For frying the shrimp to crispy perfection.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley makes a great garnish, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.

These ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores and come together to create a dish that feels indulgent yet simple to make.

How Much Time Will You Need

Making this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is surprisingly quick. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated time:

• Preparation Time: About 15 minutes to prep the shrimp, sauce, and pasta.
• Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes to fry the shrimp and cook the pasta.
• Total Time: Around 30 minutes. Yes, you can have this bold and creamy dish ready in under half an hour!

This quick prep time makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a restaurant-style meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s easy enough for beginners but sophisticated enough to impress even the most experienced home chefs.

How to Make This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking. Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof, restaurant-quality dish.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water. Set it aside for later.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the dry ingredients, making sure they’re coated evenly.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the shrimp in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the sriracha if you want more heat.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In the same skillet used for frying the shrimp, add the cooked pasta. Pour about half of the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Add Shrimp to the Pasta
Carefully add the fried shrimp to the pasta, tossing gently to combine. Drizzle the remaining sauce on top, ensuring every shrimp is coated with that luscious Bang Bang goodness.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top the pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold, creamy flavors of this delicious dish.

Substitutions

If you’re looking for ways to tweak this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta to suit your dietary preferences or just want to get creative, here are some great substitutions to try:

• Shrimp: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can swap it for chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option. For a lighter version, consider using grilled chicken instead of fried shrimp.
• Pasta: You can switch up the pasta for a gluten-free variety if you’re following a gluten-free diet. Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can also be used for a low-carb alternative.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can make a quick substitute by combining equal parts honey and sriracha, with a splash of rice vinegar for tang.
• Sriracha: If sriracha is too spicy, try using a mild hot sauce or skip it entirely for a more neutral flavor.
• Mayonnaise: For a lighter version, you can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will keep the creamy texture while cutting down on the fat content.

These substitutions allow you to make the dish your own while still maintaining the essential flavors and textures that make this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta so irresistible.

Best Side Dish of Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Pairing the right side dishes with your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta will elevate your meal and make it even more enjoyable. Here are three fantastic options:

1. Garlic Bread
   There’s nothing like the buttery, garlicky goodness of fresh garlic bread to complement the richness of the pasta. The crispy texture and savory flavor make it the perfect sidekick.
2. Steamed Asparagus
   A light, crisp vegetable like asparagus is a great contrast to the rich pasta. Steamed with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of olive oil, it adds freshness to your meal.
3. Caesar Salad
   A crisp Caesar salad, with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons, pairs wonderfully with the creamy pasta and adds a nice balance of textures.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is ready, it’s time to make it look as good as it tastes! Presentation can elevate any dish and make it feel even more special. Here are a few tips to serve and present your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta like a pro:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil not only adds a pop of color but also gives the dish a refreshing touch. Fresh herbs also balance out the richness of the creamy sauce.
• Serve in Elegant Bowls: Opt for wide, shallow pasta bowls to serve the dish. This allows the pasta and shrimp to sit neatly, making the dish more visually appealing. The sauce will also spread out nicely, creating an appetizing look.
• Drizzle Extra Sauce: After plating, drizzle a bit of the remaining Bang Bang sauce over the pasta for added flavor and visual appeal. You can even add a few more fried shrimp on top to make the dish look extra indulgent.
• Lemon Wedges on the Side: Serve the dish with a couple of lemon wedges on the side. Not only does this add a beautiful finishing touch, but it also gives your guests the option to add a fresh burst of citrus.

With these small details, you can transform an everyday dinner into a beautiful and appetizing presentation that’s bound to impress your family or guests.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

To elevate your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta even further, here are some tried-and-tested tips and tricks:

• Double Fry the Shrimp for Extra Crispiness: For an even crispier texture, consider double frying your shrimp. After frying the shrimp once, let them rest for a minute, then fry them again for another 1-2 minutes. This gives them a perfectly crunchy coating that holds up against the creamy sauce.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The beauty of Bang Bang sauce is that you can customize it to fit your spice preferences. If you like it spicier, increase the amount of sriracha or add a dash of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha and use a sweeter chili sauce.
• Add Veggies: To make the dish even more vibrant and nutritious, toss in some fresh vegetables. Sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes would work well and complement the creamy sauce.
• Make it a One-Pot Dish: For easier cleanup, you can cook the pasta in the same pan you used for frying the shrimp. After removing the shrimp, sauté garlic in the leftover oil, then add the pasta and sauce. This way, you won’t need to dirty an extra pan!
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch: For a unique twist, coat your shrimp in panko breadcrumbs in addition to the flour and cornstarch mixture. Panko breadcrumbs will give the shrimp an extra crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.

By incorporating these tricks, you can take your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta to the next level and create an even more flavorful and satisfying dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a relatively simple recipe like this, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta:

• Overcrowding the Pan When Frying Shrimp: If you overcrowd the pan, the shrimp won’t crisp up properly. Fry them in batches, giving each shrimp plenty of room to cook evenly and become golden brown and crispy.
• Not Draining the Pasta Properly: After cooking your pasta, be sure to drain it well to avoid excess water in your sauce. The reserved pasta water can be added if the sauce is too thick, but avoid leaving too much moisture in the pasta.
• Using Too Much Sauce: While the Bang Bang sauce is delicious, a little goes a long way. Start by adding half of the sauce to the pasta and toss it to coat. You can always drizzle more on top before serving.
• Not Tasting the Sauce: Before you pour the sauce over the pasta, make sure to taste it. If it’s too spicy, add a little more mayonnaise or chili sauce. Adjust the seasoning as needed to match your preferences.
• Not Letting the Shrimp Rest After Frying: Once the shrimp are fried, let them rest on paper towels for a minute to absorb any excess oil. This prevents them from becoming soggy and keeps them crispy.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll ensure that your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta turns out perfectly every time.

How to Store It

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s unlikely with how delicious this dish is), storing your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta properly is key to maintaining its flavor and texture.

• Store in an Airtight Container: Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will help preserve its freshness and prevent any moisture from getting in.
• Refrigeration: Keep the leftover pasta in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the shrimp might lose some of their crispiness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
• Reheating: Reheat the pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid using the microwave if you want to keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
• Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze the shrimp, you can freeze the pasta (without shrimp) for up to 1 month. When reheating, it’s best to add freshly cooked shrimp to maintain the perfect texture.

With proper storage, you can enjoy the leftovers for a few days, though they’re unlikely to last that long!

FAQ

Here are five frequently asked questions about making Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta:

1. Can I make this recipe without shrimp?
Yes! You can substitute the shrimp with chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on your protein of choice.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine works best, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.

3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the spice level, simply add more sriracha to the sauce. You can also incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

4. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

5. What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or a light vegetable like roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach.

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