Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is an irresistible fusion dish that combines the creamy, spicy goodness of Bang Bang shrimp with the comfort of pasta. The crunchy shrimp, tossed in a rich, tangy sauce, are perfectly paired with al dente pasta, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. This dish is everything you want in a seafood pasta: bold, spicy, and indulgent with a little bit of heat and a lot of flavor. If you’re craving something vibrant and different for dinner, this recipe is your perfect solution. I first tried this when I was in the mood for seafood but also wanted something creamy and hearty, and the result was absolutely mouthwatering. The balance of textures—from the crispy shrimp to the creamy sauce—makes this dish unforgettable. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this flavorful dish right at home!
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Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: A Creamy, Spicy Seafood Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta combines crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce, served over pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 ounces pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Set the sauce aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp is pink and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce into the skillet with the garlic. Stir to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until the shrimp is coated with the sauce and pasta is evenly mixed.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Enjoy your creamy, spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta!
Notes
- For extra heat, add more sriracha to the sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the sauce.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
- If you don’t like shrimp, this recipe also works with chicken or tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a perfect combination of bold flavors and comforting pasta. The crispy shrimp are coated in a spicy, creamy sauce that’s the hallmark of Bang Bang shrimp dishes, while the pasta adds a filling, satisfying element. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s quick to prepare, and it’s ideal for seafood lovers looking to spice things up with a unique twist on classic pasta.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp
Fresh, medium to large shrimp work best for this dish. Make sure to peel and devein them before cooking. You can also use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw and drain them properly. - Pasta
Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work wonderfully for this dish. Choose your favorite pasta, and cook it al dente to complement the creamy sauce. - Flour
Flour is used to lightly coat the shrimp before frying, giving them a crispy texture on the outside while keeping them juicy on the inside. - Cornstarch
Cornstarch is mixed with flour to help create a lighter, crispier coating on the shrimp when frying. - Egg
Eggs help bind the flour and cornstarch coating to the shrimp, ensuring a perfect crispy outer layer. - Oil
Vegetable or canola oil is best for frying the shrimp. It has a high smoke point and ensures the shrimp cook evenly without burning. - Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is the base for the Bang Bang sauce. It adds creaminess and helps balance the heat from the sauce ingredients. - Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet chili sauce adds a touch of sweetness and a mild heat, which is a key component in the Bang Bang sauce. It provides that perfect balance of spicy and sweet. - Sriracha Sauce
Sriracha adds the spicy kick to the Bang Bang sauce. Adjust the amount based on your desired spice level. - Garlic Powder
Garlic powder enhances the flavor profile of the Bang Bang sauce, providing depth and aroma. - Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce. - Green Onions
Green onions provide a touch of freshness and a mild onion flavor that works well with the richness of the shrimp and sauce.
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Start by boiling the pasta in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
- Prepare the Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the spice level or sweetness as desired. Set aside.
- Coat the shrimp: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each shrimp into the egg and then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Combine the pasta and shrimp: In the same skillet, add the cooked pasta and pour in the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Gently toss in the crispy shrimp, making sure they’re coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold, creamy, spicy flavors!
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes.
Cooking time is about 20 minutes.
Total time is approximately 35 minutes.
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra sauce or pasta water to revive the creaminess.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the shrimp with crispy fried tofu or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
- Extra Spice: If you love spice, add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Bang Bang sauce for an additional kick.
- Lighter Version: For a lighter version, you can skip frying the shrimp and instead grill them, then toss with the sauce. You can also use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a healthier option.
- Bang Bang Chicken: If you prefer chicken, simply swap the shrimp for breaded and fried chicken breast strips for a similar flavor profile.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 plate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 600 |
| Protein (g) | 32 |
| Carbs (g) | 65 |
| Fat (g) | 25 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 4 |
| Fiber (g) | 3 |
| Sugar (g) | 11 |
| Sodium (mg) | 880 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying the shrimp, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches to maintain the crispiness.
Adjust the sauce to your taste: The sweet chili sauce and sriracha can be adjusted depending on how sweet or spicy you want the dish. Taste as you go and modify accordingly.
Use fresh shrimp: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh shrimp rather than frozen, and make sure to properly thaw and drain them before frying.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent them from becoming soggy.
2. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately to keep the shrimp crispy, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, then combine and fry the shrimp when ready to serve.
3. How do I make the sauce spicier?
To make the Bang Bang sauce spicier, simply add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
4. Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you prefer will work. Spaghetti, penne, or even fusilli will all complement the shrimp and sauce.
5. Can I make this without frying the shrimp?
Yes, you can grill or bake the shrimp instead of frying them for a healthier version.
6. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it with a side of garlic bread for an extra indulgence.
7. Can I use other seafood instead of shrimp?
Yes, scallops or even lobster would make a delicious alternative to shrimp in this recipe.
8. How do I store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture.
9. Can I use low-fat mayo for the sauce?
Yes, you can use low-fat mayonnaise, but the sauce may not be as creamy and rich as with regular mayo.
10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream, and use a dairy-free mayo option for the sauce.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is an exciting and flavorful twist on traditional pasta dishes. The creamy, spicy sauce combined with crispy shrimp and tender pasta creates a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, this pasta will certainly deliver. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for any night of the week when you want something bold and delicious. Enjoy!
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