Description

This crowd-pleasing dish combines crispy, golden shrimp with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, all tossed with tender pasta. With a balance of heat, sweetness, and tanginess, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup cornstarch (for dredging)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust for heat)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 garlic cloves, minced

For the Pasta:

8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Add-Ins and Variations:

Vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
Tofu: Substitute shrimp with crispy tofu for a vegetarian version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch.
Lemon Zest: Add for a fresh, zesty kick.

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Shrimp:

Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).

Dredge the shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.

2️⃣ Fry the Shrimp:

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Fry shrimp in batches, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels.

3️⃣ Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes).

Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.

4️⃣ Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic.

Taste and adjust (add more Sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness).

5️⃣ Toss the Pasta with Sauce:

Heat olive oil in the same skillet used for the shrimp.

Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add cooked pasta and toss in the garlic oil.

Pour Bang Bang sauce over the pasta, tossing until coated. Add reserved pasta water if needed.

6️⃣ Combine Shrimp and Pasta:

Add fried shrimp to the skillet and gently toss with the pasta.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, green onions, and red pepper flakes over the top.

7️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:

Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges for a fresh burst of flavor.

Notes

Crispy Shrimp: Ensure the oil is hot before frying to get crispy shrimp. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Custom Heat Level: Adjust the Sriracha to your liking for a milder or spicier dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4