Craving a dish that combines the irresistible flavors of crispy shrimp with creamy, spicy pasta? This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen. The signature sweet and spicy bang bang sauce transforms ordinary shrimp and pasta into an extraordinary meal that’s both comforting and exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This bang bang shrimp pasta brings together the best of both worlds – succulent, crispy-coated shrimp and silky pasta in a sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet, spicy, and creamy. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
The bang bang sauce creates an addictive flavor profile that coats every strand of pasta and piece of shrimp. Unlike heavy cream-based pasta dishes, this recipe offers a lighter yet satisfying alternative that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down. The crispy texture of the shrimp provides a delightful contrast to the smooth pasta, creating a dining experience that engages all your senses.
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Step-by-Step Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Set up three stations: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third. Dredge each shrimp in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with panko.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Adjust spice level by adding more or less sriracha to taste.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil to 350°F in a large skillet or deep fryer. Fry breaded shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Combine Everything: In the same pot used for pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add cooked pasta, half the bang bang sauce, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until pasta is well coated.
Final Assembly: Gently fold in the crispy bang bang shrimp, being careful not to break the coating. Add remaining sauce as needed and garnish with green onions and cilantro.
Important Things to Remember
Don’t overcook the shrimp – they should be golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Pat shrimp completely dry before breading to ensure the coating adheres properly.
Keep the oil temperature consistent at 350°F for optimal crispiness. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the shrimp cooks through. Too cool, and the shrimp will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
Reserve pasta water before draining – the starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates a silky texture. Add it gradually to achieve the perfect consistency.
What to Serve With Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
This flavorful pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad dressed with light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or dinner rolls complement the dish without overwhelming it.
For vegetables, consider steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach. The fresh, green flavors provide a nice contrast to the spicy-sweet bang bang flavors.
A chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness while complementing the seafood. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lime or iced green tea.
Creative Ways to Mix Up Your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Transform this recipe by substituting shrimp with crispy chicken pieces or scallops for variety. The bang bang sauce works equally well with different proteins.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn to increase nutrition and add color. Toss them in during the final combining step to maintain their crunch.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of some mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce, or serve over zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
Try different pasta shapes – penne, rigatoni, or bow ties all work well and hold the sauce beautifully in their curves and ridges.
Keeping Your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Fresh
Store leftover bang bang shrimp pasta in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. The shrimp coating will soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat rather than the microwave to help maintain some texture in the shrimp coating. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the pasta seems dry.
The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored separately. This actually allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Essential Kitchen Tips for Perfect Results
Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for consistent frying results. Maintain proper temperature by not overcrowding the pan when frying shrimp.
Don’t skip the pasta water reservation – it’s the secret to restaurant-quality pasta that clings to the sauce properly.
Taste and adjust the bang bang sauce before final assembly. Some prefer it spicier, others sweeter – customize it to your preference.
Work quickly once the shrimp is fried to maintain maximum crispiness when serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying? Yes, bake breaded shrimp at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. While not as crispy as fried, it’s a healthier alternative.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs? Regular breadcrumbs work, though panko creates superior crispiness. You can also crush cornflakes or crackers for coating.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce? The heat level is moderate and customizable. Reduce sriracha for milder flavor or add extra for more heat.
Can I make this gluten-free? Substitute regular flour and pasta with gluten-free alternatives. Ensure your breadcrumbs are also gluten-free certified.
Conclusion
This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with home kitchen convenience. The combination of crispy shrimp, creamy spicy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a memorable meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish strikes the perfect balance between impressive presentation and achievable preparation. The versatility of the recipe allows for endless customization while maintaining the signature bang bang flavors that make this pasta so irresistible.
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar to make the bang bang sauce.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Fry breaded shrimp in oil heated to 350°F for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In the pasta pot, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add cooked pasta, half of the sauce, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat.
- Gently fold in the fried shrimp and add remaining sauce to taste. Garnish with green onions and cilantro.