Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

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Introduction

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate fusion dish that combines creamy pasta, crispy shrimp, and a bold, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce to create an unforgettable meal. The creamy, rich texture of the pasta pairs perfectly with the crispy shrimp, while the kick of the sauce adds the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Each bite delivers a delicious combination of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at dinner or indulge in a flavorful, comforting meal, this dish will make a statement.

The first time I made Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, I was blown away by how perfectly the crispy shrimp and creamy pasta worked together with the sauce. Coating the shrimp in a crispy, golden crust and then drizzling it with that signature spicy-sweet sauce took this dish to the next level. The moment I took the first bite, I knew I’d found a new favorite dinner.

What I love most about Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, and the crispy shrimp can be made ahead of time for even easier preparation. Serve it as a main course for date night, family dinners, or any special occasion. With its irresistible flavors and satisfying texture, this pasta will quickly become a meal everyone craves.

Perfect for:

  • Date night dinners
  • Special occasions
  • Weeknight meals
  • Seafood lovers
  • Pasta enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta will become your new favorite dish:

  • Creamy and Spicy Sauce: The bang bang sauce adds the perfect balance of heat and sweetness to complement the creamy pasta.
  • Crispy Shrimp: The shrimp are battered and fried to crispy perfection, adding a satisfying crunch to the dish.
  • Comfort Food with a Twist: Pasta lovers will enjoy the rich, indulgent base, while the shrimp and spicy sauce provide a flavorful twist.
  • Quick and Easy: Despite its impressive flavor, this dish comes together in less than 40 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Whether serving family or guests, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavor and beautiful presentation.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 600-650 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 28g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more for heat)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shrimp: The shrimp provide a sweet and delicate flavor that contrasts beautifully with the spicy, creamy sauce.
  • Buttermilk: Helps to tenderize the shrimp and creates a light coating for frying.
  • Bang Bang Sauce: A mix of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar gives the shrimp a unique flavor profile that’s both spicy and sweet.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the pasta sauce, creating a luxurious texture.
  • Garlic and Paprika: These seasonings infuse the shrimp and pasta with depth and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for about 10-15 minutes to tenderize.
  2. Coat the Shrimp: In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coat.

Fry the Shrimp:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Fry the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Prepare the Pasta:

  1. Cook the Pasta: While the shrimp are frying, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In the same skillet used to fry the shrimp, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the Cream and Seasonings: Stir in heavy cream, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  3. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Combine the Pasta and Shrimp:

  1. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the noodles evenly in the creamy bang bang sauce.
  2. Add the Shrimp: Gently fold the crispy shrimp into the pasta, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

  • On a Plate: Serve the pasta on a large platter or individual plates, topped with crispy shrimp and a drizzle of the creamy sauce.
  • With Side Salad: Pair with a simple side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
  • With Garlic Bread: Serve with toasted garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
  • For Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for dinner parties or date nights, where you can impress your guests with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to ensure they get crispy and golden without steaming.
  • Make it Spicy: Adjust the level of sriracha to suit your spice preference, or add extra chili flakes to the sauce.
  • Use Shrimp with Tails On: If you prefer, you can leave the tails on the shrimp for a more rustic look, but it’s easier to eat without them.
  • Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like coconut milk.
  • Prep in Advance: You can prepare the shrimp, pasta, and sauce in advance and just assemble before serving.

Recipe Variations

  1. Cajun Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp coating for a smoky, spicy twist.
  2. Lemon Garlic Bang Bang Pasta: Replace the sweet chili sauce with lemon zest and juice for a citrusy, tangy version.
  3. Bang Bang Scallop Pasta: Swap shrimp for scallops for a luxurious variation of this dish.
  4. Vegetarian Bang Bang Pasta: Use crispy tofu or roasted vegetables instead of shrimp for a vegetarian version.
  5. Bang Bang Salmon Pasta: Use grilled or pan-seared salmon fillets in place of the shrimp for a heartier dish.
  6. Mango Bang Bang Pasta: Add mango chunks to the sauce for a tropical twist.
  7. Spicy Bang Bang Beef Pasta: Substitute the shrimp with small pieces of beef for a rich, savory variation.
  8. Bang Bang Coconut Shrimp Pasta: Coat the shrimp in shredded coconut for a sweet, crunchy texture.
  9. Bang Bang Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Add grated Parmesan to the sauce for a creamy, cheesy flavor.
  10. Bang Bang Zoodle Pasta: Swap traditional pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb version.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: This dish is best served fresh, but you can freeze the sauce and shrimp separately. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and then heat in a skillet.
  • Storage: Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment

  • Deep Fryer or Frying Pan: For frying the shrimp to crispy perfection. A deep fryer ensures even cooking, but a frying pan works just as well for smaller batches.
  • Food Thermometer: Useful for ensuring your oil is at the ideal temperature (350°F/175°C) for frying, preventing undercooking or overcooking the shrimp.
  • Tongs: Perfect for safely flipping and removing the shrimp from the hot oil.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing the shrimp with the Bang Bang sauce before serving.
  • Colander: Helps drain excess oil from the fried shrimp, keeping them crispy.
  • Pasta Pot: A large pot for boiling the pasta and making sure it’s cooked al dente.
  • Strainer or Spider: For scooping the pasta out of the pot or removing shrimp from the fryer with ease.
  • Sauté Pan: Ideal for tossing the cooked pasta with the Bang Bang sauce and adding the shrimp, ensuring an even coating.
  • Baking Sheet or Tray: A convenient surface for letting the shrimp rest after frying, ensuring they don’t become soggy.
  • Grater or Zester: To add a touch of freshly grated Parmesan or zest some lemon over the pasta for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQ

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely before using them in this recipe.
  2. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  3. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! This dish works well with any type of pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine.
  4. How spicy is this dish? The spiciness level can be adjusted by varying the amount of sriracha and sweet chili sauce in the bang bang sauce.
  5. Can I make this dish ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components (shrimp, pasta, and sauce) in advance and assemble before serving.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and indulgent dish that combines creamy pasta with crispy shrimp and a bold, spicy-sweet sauce. This dish brings together the best of both worlds—comforting pasta and crispy, perfectly seasoned shrimp—creating an irresistible meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a guaranteed hit.

Quick to make and easily customizable, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is perfect for any seafood lover. The spicy-sweet sauce elevates the dish with a satisfying kick, while the shrimp add a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta. You can tweak the level of heat to suit your preferences, making it as mild or spicy as you’d like.

I can’t wait to see your take on this flavorful pasta! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you bring this dish to life. Don’t forget to share your creative twists in the comments. Happy cooking!

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