Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Indulgent Bang Bang shrimp pasta transforms ordinary dinner into a memorable feast by combining crispy, succulent shrimp with a perfectly balanced sweet-spicy sauce draped over tender pasta. This innovative fusion marries the bold flavors of Asian-inspired sauce with Italian pasta traditions, creating an irresistible dish that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Last weekend, I served this Bang Bang shrimp pasta at a casual dinner gathering, and my guests couldn't stop raving about the perfect balance of flavors. The sauce was so popular that several friends requested extra portions to drizzle over their salads.

Essential Components

• Large shrimp: Choose fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp, ensuring they're deveined and peeled for the crispiest results
• Cornstarch: Creates that signature light, crispy coating that seals in the shrimp's moisture
• Sweet chili sauce: Provides the perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat while adding gorgeous gloss to the sauce
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base that clings perfectly to both pasta and shrimp
• Sriracha: Delivers that essential kick of heat that can be adjusted to your preference
• Fresh lime juice: Brightens all flavors and cuts through the richness of the sauce
• Quality pasta: Select pasta that holds sauce well, like spaghetti or fettuccine

Creating Your Masterpiece

Prepare the Shrimp

Season these ocean jewels with salt and pepper, then coat in cornstarch until evenly dusted. Heat oil until shimmering, then carefully place each shrimp in the pan, allowing space between them for proper crisping. Watch as they transform into golden treasures, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Master the Sauce

Combine your sauce ingredients in a bowl, starting with mayonnaise as the base. Add sweet chili sauce, followed by Sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Whisk until perfectly smooth and creamy, ensuring all components are fully incorporated.

Perfect the Pasta

Bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, reserving some cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid becomes liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency later.

Final Assembly

Return your pan to medium heat, adding a swirl of olive oil and fresh garlic. Toss in your cooked pasta, coating it in the aromatic oil. Pour your prepared Bang Bang sauce over the pasta, gently tossing until every strand is gloriously coated. Add your crispy shrimp, giving everything a final toss to combine.

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Perfect Pairings

Transform this vibrant dish into a complete feast by serving alongside fresh garlic bread brushed with herb-infused butter. For a lighter approach, pair with a crisp Asian-inspired slaw dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Consider adding a bright citrus-dressed arugula salad to cut through the richness.

Customize Your Creation

Experience new flavor dimensions by incorporating pan-seared scallops alongside the shrimp for an elevated seafood feast. Transform this dish into a vegetarian delight by substituting crispy tofu cubes for shrimp, maintaining that essential textural contrast. Health-conscious diners might prefer zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash as their base, while the sauce remains unchanged for that signature Bang Bang flavor.

Keep It Fresh

Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in your refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce's silky texture. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For optimal results, store the crispy shrimp separately from the sauced pasta, reheating them in a hot oven to restore their crunch.

I've perfected this recipe through countless iterations in my kitchen, discovering that the key lies in achieving the perfect balance between sauce and pasta. My favorite moment is watching guests take their first bite, seeing their eyes light up as they experience the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This dish truly represents the joy of bringing people together around a memorable meal.

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Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I make this pasta dish less spicy?

Yes! Simply reduce the amount of Sriracha sauce or skip it completely. The sweet chili sauce gives plenty of flavor without too much heat.

→ What's the best type of pasta to use?

Spaghetti or fettuccine work great, but you can use any pasta shape you like. Long noodles tend to hold the creamy sauce really well.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

The bang bang sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.

→ What can I use instead of shrimp?

Try crispy chicken pieces or tofu for a vegetarian version. The sauce works great with both alternatives.

→ Why coat the shrimp in cornstarch?

Cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating on the shrimp when fried. This helps the sauce stick better and adds nice texture.