Irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Imagine a dish that combines the irresistible crunch of fried shrimp with the comfort of creamy, saucy pasta – that’s the magic of Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta. This recipe has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. The bold, spicy-sweet sauce perfectly coats each juicy shrimp, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dinner party dish or a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
What makes this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures, flavors, and convenience. The crispy, breaded shrimp provide a delightful contrast to the velvety pasta, while the creamy, spicy-sweet sauce ties it all together in a way that will have you coming back for more. And the best part? It comes together in under an hour, making it an accessible and achievable recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta ❓
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or other hot sauce)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
The beauty of this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and perfectly-cooked pasta creates the Thai-inspired flavor profile that has made these types of recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. Dredge the shrimp in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat in the panko breadcrumbs.
• Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Step 4: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the heavy cream, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and fried shrimp to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional pad thai or shrimp scampi which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar bold, restaurant-worthy flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Fat: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 875mg
These decadent Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta dishes provide approximately 50% of your daily protein requirements and 33% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for the pasta to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream, and omit the Parmesan cheese.
• Added protein: Toss in cooked, shredded chicken or sliced grilled steak for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas to the pasta for added nutrition and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 25% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or a light and refreshing cocktail.
• Complement the dish with a side of garlic bread or roasted asparagus.
• For a family-style dinner, serve the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta alongside a platter of steamed broccoli and roasted sweet potato wedges.
• Create an impressive appetizer spread by serving the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta in individual serving dishes, garnished with chopped green onions and a drizzle of extra sauce.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overcooked pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften in the creamy sauce. Cook the pasta al dente for the perfect texture.
• Skipping the breading: Don’t be tempted to skip the breading step – the crispy, crunchy coating is an essential part of the Bang Bang Shrimp experience.
• Forgetting the lime juice: The lime juice adds a bright, acidic note that balances the richness of the sauce. Don’t skip this important ingredient.
• Not tasting and adjusting: Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more Sriracha for heat or a bit of sugar for sweetness.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta dishes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: To freeze the uncooked breaded shrimp, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frying.
• Freezing baked: Once the pasta dish has cooled completely, portion it into individual servings and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the pasta on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from drying out.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! The shrimp can be breaded and fried up to 2 days in advance, and the sauce can be made and stored separately. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, toss in the cooked pasta and shrimp, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
Can I substitute the shrimp for another protein?
Yes, you can definitely use a different protein in this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenders would work well, as would scallops or even lightly seared sushi-grade tuna. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the protein you choose.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
To make this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta dairy-free, simply replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or full-fat coconut milk. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. These substitutions will keep the creamy texture without the dairy.
Why is my fried shrimp not getting crispy?
There are a few common reasons why fried shrimp may not get crispy: 1) Overcrowding the pan, which steams the shrimp instead of frying them, 2) Not using a hot enough oil temperature, and 3) Not letting the breaded shrimp rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Make sure to fry the shrimp in batches and maintain the oil temperature between 350-375°F for best results.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is very versatile. You can toss in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken, steak, or even tofu. And if you want to kick up the heat, feel free to add more Sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
These irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta dishes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a show-stopping main course or an impressive appetizer, they’re sure to impress with their bold, creamy, and crave-worthy qualities. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the frying and saucing process. So why not treat your family or guests to this restaurant-worthy meal at home tonight? Get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Print
Irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 lb linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or other hot sauce)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
• Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. Dredge the shrimp in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat in the panko breadcrumbs.
• Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Step 4: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the heavy cream, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and fried shrimp to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
