Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta (20-Minute Recipe)

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The Ultimate Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: A 20-Minute Weeknight Wonder

Prepare for a culinary revelation with Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta! Imagine tender, crispy shrimp coated in a luxuriously creamy, perfectly spicy, and subtly sweet sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. This dish is a flavor explosion that captivates your senses from the first bite. Inspired by the legendary Bonefish Grill appetizer, this easy shrimp pasta recipe brings that iconic taste home, elevated into a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal. Best of all? This quick weeknight dinner can be on your table in under 20 minutes, offering a simple, speedy solution that truly outshines takeout.

What Exactly is Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta?

At its core, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a brilliant adaptation of the immensely popular « Bang Bang Shrimp » appetizer. The ‘Bang Bang’ refers to its distinctive sauce: a perfect marriage of creamy mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, and a fiery hint of Sriracha. This irresistible combination with perfectly cooked, crispy shrimp creates an utterly addictive flavor profile.

Unlike traditional creamy shrimp pasta dishes like scampi or alfredo, this spicy shrimp pasta stands out with its unique sweet chili and Sriracha kick. Our recipe transforms this appetizer into a complete, vibrant meal, tossing it with pasta for a harmonious blend of crunchy shrimp and lusciously coated noodles, delivering a sweet, savory, and spicy experience unlike any other.

Why You’ll Be Obsessed with This Recipe

This isn’t just a meal; it’s a game-changer for your dinner routine. Here’s why this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta will become your new go-to:

Incredibly Fast: Prep to plate in under 20 minutes – the ultimate 20-minute shrimp pasta.
Packed with Flavor: A flawless balance of creamy, sweet, spicy, and savory. This sweet chili shrimp pasta is pure delight.
Simple Ingredients: Crafted from readily available pantry staples. Master your homemade bang bang sauce in minutes!
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress everyone with this Bonefish Grill copycat recipe that tastes luxurious without the fuss.
Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels or incorporate your favorite vegetables.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s your checklist:

For the Crispy Shrimp:

Shrimp: Raw, peeled, deveined, medium to large (31-40 count). Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat very dry for optimal crispiness.
Cornstarch: Key for that light, delicate, crispy coating.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Oil: Neutral oil (canola, avocado) for pan-frying.

For the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce:

Mayonnaise: Creamy base. Quality full-fat mayo (like Kewpie) for richness, essential for your creamy shrimp pasta recipe.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Crucial for signature sweet and mild spicy notes of this sweet chili shrimp pasta.
Sriracha: Provides distinctive heat. Adjust to desired spice level for a perfect spicy shrimp pasta.
Lime Juice: A splash brightens the sauce, balancing richness.
Honey or Rice Vinegar (Optional): Fine-tune sweetness or add a subtle tang, perfecting your homemade bang bang sauce.

For the Pasta and Garnish:

Pasta: Long pastas like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are ideal. Shrimp linguine or fettuccine with shrimp are classic. Gluten-free options work.
Green Onions: Sliced for fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
Cilantro (Optional): A fresh, citrusy garnish.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple, numbered steps to create your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Sauce

Cook chosen pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
Whisk mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, Sriracha (to taste), and fresh lime juice in a bowl. This forms your signature sriracha mayo pasta sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Crispy Shrimp

Pat thawed shrimp very dry. Toss with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Heat 1-2 tbsp neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and opaque. Remove immediately for perfect crispy shrimp pasta.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Drain cooked pasta; return to pot. Add prepared bang bang sauce and cooked crispy shrimp.
Add reserved pasta water, ¼ to ½ cup at a time, stirring. This emulsifies the sauce, beautifully coating every strand and shrimp, for luscious Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta.
Garnish with green onions and optional cilantro. Serve hot!

Pro Tips for Recipe Success

Achieve perfection with your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta every time with these expert tips:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast! 2-3 minutes per side is usually all it takes. Overcooked shrimp are tough, so remove promptly once opaque.
The Magic of Pasta Water: This starchy liquid emulsifies your sauce, creating a silky texture that clings perfectly to your shrimp linguine or fettuccine with shrimp.
Pat Your Shrimp Dry: Essential for crispiness! Removing excess moisture allows the cornstarch coating to crisp beautifully in the hot oil.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your homemade bang bang sauce. Adjust Sriracha for spice, sweet chili sauce for sweetness, or lime for zing, tailoring it to your palate.

Delicious Variations and Substitutions

This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Customize it to your liking!

Protein Swaps: Instead of shrimp, try crispy chicken, seared scallops, or baked tofu for a fantastic vegetarian take.
Make it Gluten-Free: Simply use your preferred gluten-free pasta and verify your sweet chili sauce and mayo are GF-certified.
Add Some Veggies: Boost nutrition with steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or wilted spinach for a more substantial and potentially healthy bang bang shrimp meal.
Alternative Shrimp Cooking: For lighter options, consider air fryer bang bang shrimp or baked bang bang shrimp. Toss coated shrimp with a little oil. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 min, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 min. Both methods yield delicious pasta with breaded shrimp.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Complement your delicious spicy shrimp pasta with simple, refreshing sides. Here are ideas for what to serve with shrimp pasta:

Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans offer a fresh, contrasting texture.
A Crisp Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the creamy richness of the creamy shrimp pasta recipe.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that irresistible sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While best fresh for optimal shrimp crispiness, leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low-medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. The shrimp won’t be as crispy, but the flavors remain excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Curious about making the best Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta? Get your answers here!

What is bang bang sauce made of?

The core ingredients for bang bang sauce are mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Lime juice is often added for brightness. This blend creates a unique creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor, forming a fantastic homemade bang bang sauce.

Is Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta very spicy?

The spice level is easily customizable. As written, it’s typically mildly to moderately spicy. You control the heat by adjusting the Sriracha amount. Reduce or omit for less spice, or add more for a truly spicy shrimp pasta tailored to your preference.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

For optimal crispy shrimp texture, serve Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta immediately. However, you can prep components ahead: make the bang bang sauce and chop garnishes a day in advance. Cook pasta and shrimp just before serving for this easy shrimp pasta.

What is the best type of shrimp to use?

Medium to large raw shrimp (31-40 count per pound), peeled and deveined, are ideal. Whether fresh or thawed frozen, ensure they are thoroughly patted dry before cooking for the crispiest results in your crispy shrimp pasta.

Can I use cooked shrimp for this recipe?

Not recommended. The crispy coating and cooking are designed for raw shrimp. Re-cooking pre-cooked shrimp will make them tough and rubbery, compromising the texture and deliciousness of your pasta with breaded shrimp.

[Printable Recipe Card Here]

Conclusion

You’ve just unlocked the secret to an incredible, restaurant-worthy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, easily made at home. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a vibrant experience, offering the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy with irresistible crispy shrimp. It’s the ultimate quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for guests. Don’t wait – dive into this fantastic creamy shrimp pasta recipe tonight! We’d love to hear your thoughts and creations, so please share your experience in the comments below.

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