Here’s a delicious recipe for Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta, combining crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce and pasta for a flavorful dish!
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Pinch of salt
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour and cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Dredge the marinated shrimp in the flour-cornstarch mixture, coating them evenly.
- Fry the shrimp in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less Sriracha according to your preference.
3. Cook the Pasta:
- While the shrimp is frying, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and stir, bringing it to a gentle simmer. If the sauce looks too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce until well coated.
5. Assemble the Dish:
- Add the fried shrimp to the pasta and toss gently to combine.
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top of the shrimp and pasta. Toss again to coat the shrimp with the sauce.
6. Serve:
- Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. You can also drizzle a bit more Bang Bang sauce on top for extra flavor.
Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them.
- Feel free to adjust the spiciness of the sauce based on your preference, adding more or less Sriracha.
- You can also add some veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the pasta for added color and flavor.
Enjoy your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta—a perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and crispy shrimp with tender pasta!