This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a crazy mix of crunchy shrimp and creamy noodles. It's kinda sweet and a bit spicy, and it sticks to every strand of pasta so you get flavor in each bite. You'll often see it on menus since people love that crunch and bold sauce, making it a top pick for seafood fans.
Bang Bang shrimp started out as a fun twist on classic seafood apps at some restaurants. Chefs wanted something new, so they fried shrimp and tossed them in a creamy, spicy sauce. Not long after, someone thought, “Why not mix it with pasta?” and just like that this dish was born. It went from a small appetizer to a full meal that brings shrimp and pasta together in one bowl.
What makes it work so well? The creamy, spicy sauce hugs the pasta, while the shrimp adds a satisfying bite. This mix takes an ordinary dinner and makes it feel special, so home cooks and foodies can’t stop trying it.
What is Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang shrimp is a popular seafood dish that’s all about contrast. The shrimp are lightly battered and fried until golden, giving a nice crunch. Then they’re coated in a creamy sauce made of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha—which gives it a sweet heat. The combo of textures and flavors makes it addictive.
You'll find Bang Bang shrimp as an appetizer in plenty of places. Diners love it before the main course, but lots of folks now make it at home too. Some even tweak the spiciness or add garlic and green onions for extra flavor.
The Sauce: Characteristics and Ingredients
The real star is the Bang Bang sauce. It’s creamy, a little spicy, and just sweet enough. Here are the key parts:
- Mayonnaise: Gives a smooth, creamy base.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds mild heat and sweetness.
- Sriracha: Brings a sharper, spicy kick.
- Garlic & Green Onions (optional): Can be added for extra taste.
This mix makes the shrimp shine and also works great with pasta, since the sauce clings to each noodle.
The Perfect Pasta Pair
Picking the right pasta helps the sauce stick and makes every forkful enjoyable. Try these:
- Linguine: Thin and flat, it holds sauce nicely without being too heavy.
- Fettuccine: Wider noodles that grab lots of sauce for a hearty bite.
- Spaghetti: Classic long strands that twirl up shrimp and sauce.
Cooking Pasta Perfectly
Follow these simple tips to get al dente pasta:
- Use a Big Pot: Give the noodles room to move so they don’t stick.
- Salt the Water: Makes the pasta taste better from the inside out.
- Test Early: Start checking a minute or two before the package time. It should be firm but cooked.
- Save Some Water: Keep a cup of starchy pasta water to thin the sauce if it’s too thick.
Preparing Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: Detailed Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha (more or less to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
- For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
- Optional:
- Bell peppers or snap peas
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Prep the Shrimp: Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Set up three bowls: flour, egg, and panko. Coat each shrimp in flour, dip in egg, then press into panko. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water. Before draining, save a cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, garlic, and onions. Taste and adjust spice.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a skillet over medium. Fry shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Combine: Toss pasta and sauce in the skillet. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Add shrimp on top.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro or parsley. Serve with lime wedges for a fresh kick.
Expert Advice
- Don't crowd the pan when frying shrimp or they won’t stay crispy.
- Add veggies like bell peppers for color and nutrition.
- Adjust the Sriracha to make it mild or super spicy.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Best Wine and Drinks
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great.
- Sparkling: Prosecco or champagne adds a bubbly touch.
- Cocktails: Try a light mojito or a spicy margarita.
Side Dishes
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up extra sauce.
- Green Salad: A simple salad with citrus or avocado lightens things up.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasonal vegetables go well and add color.
Health Considerations
- Shrimp is low in calories and high in omega-3 fats good for your heart.
- Pasta gives energy; choose whole grain for more fiber.
- For a lighter sauce, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt and use less sweet chili sauce.
FAQs
1. What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
It’s usually mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, garlic, and green onions.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before breading.
3. Any pasta substitutes?
Zucchini noodles or other spiralized veggies work great if you want gluten-free.
4. How spicy is it?
You control the heat by adding more or less Sriracha.
5. Can I make it ahead?
You can prep shrimp and sauce in advance, but mix with pasta just before serving so it’s fresh.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a fun, tasty dish that mixes crunchy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce all over perfectly cooked pasta. Give it a try at home for your next dinner—you’ll love how simple ingredients turn into something special.
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 large sauté pan or skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 slotted spoon
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 tongs or pasta fork
- 4 serving plates
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce Adjust to taste.
- 2 green onions sliced for garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For frying.
- fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, place the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each shrimp first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure they are coated well.
- In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully add the breaded shrimp in a single layer, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce. Adjust the levels of sweetness and spiciness according to your taste.
- In the sauté pan (remove excess oil if necessary), combine the cooked pasta with the Bang Bang sauce, tossing until the pasta is coated.
- Add the crispy shrimp on top of the pasta and toss gently. Garnish with sliced green onions and, if desired, fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately on plates while hot.
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