Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a dreamy, indulgent fusion dish that marries the zesty flavors of the beloved Bang Bang shrimp with comforting, al dente spaghetti. The moment you slide a fork through a spoonful of this creamy, spicy pasta, you’re whisked away to a world of culinary delights. It’s a flavor adventure that brings warmth and joy, making it an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. With its creamy sauce dancing with the crunchy texture of perfectly fried shrimp, this dish is guaranteed to become a nostalgic favorite in no time. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to whip up this delightful meal, making it perfect for any busy weeknight.
Are You Ready for a Food Experience that Will Leave You Yearning for More?
Imagine diving into a generous plate of luscious pasta, each bite bursting with flavors that are simultaneously creamy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. Have you ever craved that special dish that not only fills your stomach but warms your heart? Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta isn’t just a meal—it’s a delightful moment that will leave you asking for seconds. How incredible does it feel to recreate that addictive taste at home?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll find so many reasons to adore this recipe. First and foremost, it’s easy to prepare, perfect for both culinary novices and seasoned cooks alike. The ingredient list is minimal, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience. In addition, the dish is a real crowd-pleaser; it caters to both kids and adults alike, making it ideal for every family gathering. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes gourmet yet feels comforting.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a pivotal role. The spaghetti serves as the comforting base, while the shrimp adds a heavenly crunch and protein punch. The cornstarch creates a crispy coating that brings texture and indulgence to the dish. The creamy sauce—made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and spicy sriracha—brings everything together, enveloping the pasta and shrimp in a luscious embrace that you won’t resist.
Timing
Fast and satisfying, this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta can be ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something quick yet fulfilling. While some dishes may require hours of simmering sauce or roasting in the oven, this recipe gives you the luxury of enjoying homemade goodness in just a fraction of the time.
Step-by-Step
Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, which should take around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta but make sure to reserve half a cup of that delicious pasta water for later! Set the pasta aside.
Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Toss the shrimp in cornstarch, coating each piece well. In a hot skillet, fry the shrimp in vegetable oil for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and let them rest on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if you’re using it). Adjust the spiciness according to your preference and get ready for a flavor explosion!
Combine: In the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp, add the cooked pasta along with the sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce feels too thick, thin it out with your reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Gently fold in the crispy shrimp, saving a few for garnishing later.
Serve: Time to plate up! Serve your creamy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta in bowls, topping each serving with the reserved shrimp. For a pop of color and a hint of freshness, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is around 600 calories, making it a delightful treat that’s perfect for an occasional indulgence. With the richness of the shrimp and creamy sauce, it’s a dish that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.
Healthier Alternatives
For a lighter version, consider substituting the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy and lower-calorie option. You could also swap out the spaghetti for spiralized zucchini or whole-grain pasta for a healthier twist that still delivers on flavor without sacrificing texture. Additionally, if you’re looking for lower sugar content, replace the sweet chili sauce with a homemade blend of chili garlic sauce and a touch of honey or agave.
Serving Suggestions
This scrumptious dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. And why not indulge a little more? Consider serving this up on special occasions or holidays. A delightful scoop of ice cream would make the perfect ending to a cozy meal featuring Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta—because life is all about balance!
Common Mistakes
One of the most common pitfalls with this recipe is overcooking the shrimp. When overbaked, the shrimp can become rubbery. Additionally, be careful not to make the sauce too thick by adding too much mayonnaise or not using enough reserved pasta water. Always save some for adjusting your sauce’s consistency. And when it comes to frying, make sure the oil is hot enough for that gorgeous crispy coating!
Storing Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely given how delicious it is!), you can store the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish in portions. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a touch of just a little water or more sauce to keep it creamy.
Temptation Awaits
Is your mouth watering yet? It’s time to stop dreaming and start cooking up a storm in your kitchen! Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a blend of flavors and memories that beckons to be perfected and enjoyed. Whether you’re accommodating picky eaters, impressing guests, or treating yourself after a long day, make this scrumptious dish today!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt is an excellent, healthier substitute!
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, switch to gluten-free pasta.
4. How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness can be adjusted easily. Start with less sriracha and add more to taste.
5. Can I make this in advance?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and fry the shrimp ahead of time, then assemble before serving.
Indulge in this bangin’ pasta dish and relish every bite!
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free pasta)
Description
A dreamy fusion of Bang Bang shrimp flavors with comforting al dente spaghetti in a creamy, spicy sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2–3 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boiling point. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper, and coat in cornstarch. Fry in vegetable oil for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and optional honey. Adjust spice level as needed.
- Combine: In the hot skillet, add cooked pasta and sauce, tossing to coat. Adjust the thickness with reserved pasta water as necessary. Fold in crispy shrimp.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, topping with reserved shrimp. Garnish with green onions and red pepper flakes.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. You can also use zucchini noodles for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
