Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

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

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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!

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