Forget the classic creamy Alfredo or tomato-based pasta dishes – the ultimate comfort food combination has arrived in the form of bang bang shrimp pasta. This irresistible fusion of flavors and textures is sure to become a new family favorite. Tender shrimp tossed in a tangy, slightly spicy bang bang sauce is the perfect complement to perfectly al dente pasta. Prepare to be wowed by this indulgent and easy-to-make dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your own home.
With its delightful balance of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy notes, it’s no wonder bang bang shrimp has become a staple menu item at casual dining restaurants nationwide. Now, you can recreate this beloved dish right in your own kitchen – no restaurant reservation required! Get ready to dive into a bowl of creamy, saucy, shrimp-studded pasta perfection.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This bang bang shrimp pasta delivers unparalleled flavor and texture in every bite. The juicy, lightly breaded shrimp provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, smooth pasta. And the homemade bang bang sauce – a mixture of sweet, spicy, and tangy elements – coats every nook and cranny for maximum flavor impact.
But the best part? This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. With minimal prep work and a quick cook time, you can have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table in under 30 minutes. Plus, the components can be made in advance, so you can enjoy the convenience of a quick reheat-and-serve meal whenever the craving strikes.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta ❓
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
The beauty of this bang bang shrimp pasta is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of juicy shrimp, creamy pasta, and a flavor-packed sauce creates the Asian-inspired flavor profile that has made these types of dishes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the panko breadcrumbs. Dredge the shrimp first in the flour, then the eggs, and finally the panko, pressing gently to adhere.
• Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the breaded shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and fried shrimp to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
Compared to traditional pasta dishes which can take up to an hour to prepare, this bang bang shrimp pasta saves you nearly 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar levels of indulgence and satisfaction.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 677mg
These bang bang shrimp pasta dishes provide approximately 30% of your daily protein requirements and 15% 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 shirataki noodles for the traditional pasta.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or unsweetened coconut yogurt.
• Added protein: Add grilled or sautéed chicken or tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 30% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the bang bang shrimp pasta.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with crisp white wine or a light, fruity cocktail for a complete meal
• Complement with a bowl of miso soup or a refreshing cucumber salad
• For a family-style dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables and garlic bread
• Create an appetizer platter by serving the fried shrimp with the bang bang sauce for dipping
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overcooked pasta: Be sure to set a timer and check the pasta frequently to prevent it from becoming mushy or overcooked.
• Not seasoning the sauce: The bang bang sauce needs a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
• Not draining the fried shrimp properly: Placing the fried shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate will help absorb any excess oil, keeping the texture crisp.
• Forgetting to toss the pasta and shrimp in the sauce: This crucial step ensures every bite is coated in the flavorful sauce.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These bang bang shrimp pasta dishes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the shrimp and sauce components in advance, then assemble and freeze the dish before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed when ready to serve.
• Freezing baked: Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
• Reheating: For best texture, reheat the pasta and shrimp separately in the microwave or on the stovetop, then toss together with the sauce. You can also reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the bang bang shrimp pasta in advance?
Yes, this recipe is very make-ahead friendly! You can prepare the shrimp and sauce components up to 3 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, toss everything together, and you’re good to go. You can also freeze the assembled dish before baking for an easy reheat-and-serve meal.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce would pair deliciously with grilled or sautéed chicken, pork, or tofu. You can also use a combination of proteins, such as chicken and shrimp. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly. The key is to ensure the protein is fully cooked through before tossing it with the pasta and sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, there are a few options to make this dish dairy-free. Instead of mayonnaise in the sauce, you can use a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened coconut yogurt or cashew cream. For the pasta, opt for a plant-based variety made from ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, or edamame. These substitutions will result in a creamy, dairy-free version of the bang bang shrimp pasta.
What should I do if the breading falls off the shrimp?
If you find that the breading is not sticking to the shrimp as well as you’d like, there are a few troubleshooting tips to try. First, make sure to thoroughly pat the shrimp dry before breading. You can also try dredging the shrimp in a little extra flour before dipping them in the egg and breadcrumbs. Finally, be gentle when frying the shrimp and avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the breading to come off.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of this bang bang shrimp pasta is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. For a protein boost, grilled or sautéed chicken or tofu would be delicious additions. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes or even try substituting zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a lower-carb option.
Conclusion
These indulgent bang bang shrimp pasta dishes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal, they’re sure to impress with their irresistible combination of crispy shrimp, creamy pasta, and bold, tantalizing sauce. 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 assembly process.
So why wait? Treat your taste buds to the ultimate fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory goodness with this easy-to-make, restaurant-worthy pasta recipe.
Print
Indulgent Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 lb linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
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: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the panko breadcrumbs. Dredge the shrimp first in the flour, then the eggs, and finally the panko, pressing gently to adhere.
• Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the breaded shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and fried shrimp to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
