Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Craving a vibrant and flavorful shrimp dinner? This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is an exciting twist on a beloved appetizer, bringing together crispy shrimp and a creamy, spicy sauce with tender pasta for a meal that’s sure to impress. It’s an easy and delicious way to elevate your weeknight dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp. You can substitute with chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces for a different protein.
- Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti works best. Any long pasta shape is fine.
- Mayonnaise: Regular or light mayonnaise. For a dairy-free option, use vegan mayo.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Essential for the Bang Bang flavor. Find it in the international aisle.
- Sriracha: Adjust to your spice preference. Omit for a milder version.
- Cornstarch: Helps achieve that crispy coating on the shrimp. Flour can be used in a pinch.
- Green Onions: For garnish and a fresh bite. Chives or parsley can be substituted.
Ingredients:
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
For the Shrimp & Pasta:
- 1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails on or off
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or another neutral cooking oil)
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 550 calories
- Tools Needed: Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the sriracha if you prefer more or less heat. Set the sauce aside.
3. Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. In another bowl, toss the dried shrimp with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This helps create a nice crisp.
4. Cook the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked pasta to the large pot (or use the skillet if it’s large enough). Add the Bang Bang sauce and toss to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Add Shrimp and Serve
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp with the sauced pasta. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve your delicious shrimp dinner immediately.
Variation Ideas:
- Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli florets or sautéed bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the shrimp for an extra kick.
- Citrus Zest: A squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of lime zest can brighten the flavors.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat it very dry before coating.
What kind of pasta works best?
Long pastas like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are ideal for catching the creamy sauce.
Is this dish very spicy?
You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce. Omit it entirely for a mild version.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Do not overcook the shrimp. Cook it quickly until it turns pink and opaque, usually 1-2 minutes per side.
What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
Sweet chili sauce is key to the Bang Bang flavor. It’s highly recommended to find it, typically in the international aisle of your grocery store.
