Description
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring crispy shrimp, a creamy spicy sauce, and tender pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe offers a flavor-packed experience with a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce. The dish is customizable, allowing you to adjust spice levels or swap shrimp for chicken or tofu.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Coat shrimp in cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika. Fry in hot oil until crispy.
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions, reserving some pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic.
- Toss Pasta: Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Combine: Add crispy shrimp to the pasta, toss everything together, and garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped green onions. Optional: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Notes
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to make it as spicy as you like.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp for crispy tofu for a plant-based variation.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.