Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet dish inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer. This pasta combines crispy shrimp with a rich, flavorful sauce and tender noodles for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s quick and easy to make!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
- 4 cups water (or as needed for boiling)
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for brightness)
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a shallow dish, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the cooked pasta, Bang Bang sauce, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Gently fold in the crispy shrimp.
- Serve:
- Transfer to serving plates or a large bowl. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Tips:
- Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference.
- Crispier Shrimp: For extra crunch, fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Alternative Proteins: Try chicken, tofu, or crispy cauliflower instead of shrimp.
- Extra Creamy Sauce: Add 2-3 tbsp of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce for a richer texture.
Enjoy the irresistible combination of crispy shrimp and creamy, spicy pasta!