Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: A Symphony of Spice and Creamy Indulgence

Prepare to elevate your dining experience with a dish that harmonizes the bold flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp with the comforting embrace of pasta. The Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a delightful fusion of spicy, creamy, and savory elements that dance on your palate. In this culinary journey, we’ll explore the art of crafting this mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a weeknight indulgence or a dinner party sensation.

Ingredients

For the Bang Bang Shrimp:

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup (125g) cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60g) Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For the Pasta:

  • 16 oz (450g) linguine or spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Bang Bang Shrimp:

  1. Coating the Shrimp:
    • In a bowl, combine cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat each shrimp evenly with this mixture.
  2. Frying Perfection:
    • In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the coated shrimp until golden brown and crispy. Remove and let them drain on a paper towel.
  3. Creating the Bang Bang Sauce:
    • Whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Set aside.

Cooking the Pasta:

  1. Perfect Pasta:
    • Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Buttery Garlic Infusion:
    • In a large pan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Creamy Symphony:
    • Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and let it thicken slightly.
  4. Cheesy Elegance:
    • Add grated Parmesan cheese to the creamy mixture, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Marriage of Shrimp and Pasta:
    • Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated. Gently fold in the crispy Bang Bang Shrimp.
  6. Bang Bang Magic:
    • Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over the pasta and shrimp, gently tossing to combine and coat every strand.
  7. Garnish and Serve:
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta hot, allowing your guests to savor the symphony of flavors.

Cook Notes

  • Crispy Shrimp Secret:
    • To maintain the crispiness of the shrimp, coat them with the Bang Bang Sauce just before serving.
  • Adjusting Spice Levels:
    • Tailor the spice level by adjusting the amount of Sriracha in the Bang Bang Sauce to suit your taste preferences.
  • Fresh Herb Upgrade:
    • Elevate the dish by using fresh cilantro for a burst of herbaceous freshness.

Variations

Vegetarian Twist:

  • Replace shrimp with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets for a delightful vegetarian version.

Seafood Symphony:

  • Expand the seafood experience by adding scallops or chunks of crab meat to the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta.

Protein Powerhouse:

  • Introduce grilled chicken or thinly sliced beef to create a protein-packed variation.

Keto Versions

Zoodle Marvel:

  • Swap traditional pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) to create a keto-friendly version.

Cauliflower Creaminess:

  • Substitute heavy cream with cauliflower cream for a lower-carb alternative without compromising creaminess.

Almond Flour Crunch:

  • Dust the shrimp with a mixture of almond flour and seasoning for a keto-friendly crispy coating.

Low-Carb Versions

Spaghetti Squash Substitution:

  • Use roasted spaghetti squash strands as a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.

Broccoli Base:

  • Create a base using steamed broccoli florets instead of pasta for a low-carb, nutrient-rich option.

Creamy Avocado Drizzle:

  • Infuse a creamy avocado drizzle into the sauce for added richness without the carbs.

A Culinary Crescendo

In conclusion, the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a culinary crescendo that brings together the vibrant flavors of spicy shrimp and creamy pasta. Whether you follow the classic recipe or opt for a keto or low-carb adaptation, this dish promises a symphony of satisfaction.

With its crispy shrimp, luscious cream sauce, and the kick of the Bang Bang Sauce, each forkful is a delightful journey for the taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the aromatic dance of flavors, and indulge in the magic of Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta.

May this recipe become a star in your culinary repertoire, adding a touch of spice and a burst of flavor to your dining experiences. Here’s to the joy of cooking and the pleasure of savoring a dish that marries spice and creaminess in perfect harmony!