Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: A Creamy, Spicy, and Irresistible Delight

Are you craving a dish that’s both creamy and spicy, comforting and exciting? Look no further than Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta! This recipe takes the iconic flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp – that crispy, tangy, and slightly sweet seafood appetizer – and transforms it into a satisfying and flavorful pasta dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special or a weekend gathering where you want to impress your guests.

This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, from preparing the succulent shrimp to crafting the creamy, spicy sauce that brings it all together. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more!

## What Makes Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta So Special?

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is more than just shrimp and pasta; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that work in perfect harmony:

* **Crispy Shrimp:** The shrimp are lightly coated and fried to golden perfection, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and tender pasta.
* **Signature Bang Bang Sauce:** The star of the show is the Bang Bang sauce, a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet concoction made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It’s the perfect balance of flavors that makes this dish so addictive.
* **Perfectly Cooked Pasta:** The pasta provides a comforting base for the dish, soaking up the delicious sauce and complementing the shrimp.
* **Fresh Garnishes:** A sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal, completing the dish.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

**For the Shrimp:**

* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 1/4 cup milk
* Vegetable oil, for frying

**For the Bang Bang Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
* 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
* 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)

**For the Pasta:**

* 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chicken broth or pasta water
* Salt and pepper to taste

**For Garnish:**

* 2 green onions, thinly sliced
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these steps carefully to achieve the best results.

**Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp**

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
3. Dip each shrimp in the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Place the coated shrimp on a plate or baking sheet.

**Step 2: Fry the Shrimp**

1. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of batter sizzles and floats to the top.
2. Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
3. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the shrimp should reach 145°F (63°C).
4. Remove the fried shrimp from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

**Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce**

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar (if using).
2. Taste and adjust the amount of sriracha to your desired level of spice.

**Step 4: Cook the Pasta**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite.
3. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

**Step 5: Assemble the Dish**

1. In the same pot or skillet you used to cook the shrimp, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
4. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the pasta and toss to coat evenly.
5. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Gently fold in the fried shrimp.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

1. Transfer the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Tricks for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

* **Use High-Quality Shrimp:** The quality of the shrimp will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish. Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp that are firm and have a clean, ocean-like smell.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery and tough. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** The amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste. Start with a small amount and add more until you reach your desired level of spice.
* **Use Fresh Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic adds a much more intense and flavorful aroma to the dish compared to garlic powder.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Frying:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Fry the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
* **Reserve Pasta Water:** The starchy pasta water is a valuable tool for adjusting the consistency of the sauce. Add it a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
* **Serve Immediately:** Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is best served immediately while the shrimp are still crispy and the sauce is creamy.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta:** For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Bang Bang sauce or use a spicier sweet chili sauce.
* **Coconut Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta:** Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a richer, creamier flavor with a hint of coconut.
* **Vegetarian Bang Bang Pasta:** Substitute the shrimp with tofu or cauliflower florets. Coat and fry them using the same method as the shrimp.
* **Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta:** Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour for the shrimp coating.
* **Bang Bang Chicken Pasta:** Replace the shrimp with bite-sized pieces of chicken. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before coating and frying.
* **Healthier Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta:** Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce to reduce the fat content. You can also bake the shrimp instead of frying them.

## Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes:

* **Steamed Vegetables:** Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are excellent choices for a healthy and refreshing side.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious Bang Bang sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or water if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Keep in mind that the shrimp may lose some of its crispiness when reheated.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 60-80 grams
* Fat: 30-40 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

## Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its crispy shrimp, creamy and spicy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a true culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this recipe has you covered. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to enjoy a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more! Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to create your own unique version of this irresistible dish. Happy cooking!