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**Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: A Deliciously Creamy and Spicy Delight**
If you’re in the mood for a meal that combines bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a hint of spice, **Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta** is the dish for you! Inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, this recipe transforms the classic into a creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. With crispy shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce over a bed of pasta, it’s a mouthwatering fusion that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
### Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
1. **Quick and Easy**: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties.
2. **Creamy and Flavorful**: The combination of a creamy sauce with the crunch of fried shrimp creates an irresistible contrast of flavors and textures.
3. **Customizable**: Adjust the spice level to your preference, or add extra vegetables to make it your own.
4. **Crowd-Pleaser**: With its rich flavors and appealing presentation, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
– **For the Bang Bang Shrimp**:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
– **For the Bang Bang Sauce**:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
– 1 teaspoon lime juice
– **For the Pasta**:
– 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
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### Step-by-Step Instructions
#### Prepare the Pasta:
**1. Cook the Pasta**:
– In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
#### Prepare the Bang Bang Shrimp:
**2. Marinate the Shrimp**:
– In a bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk for about 15 minutes. This will help tenderize the shrimp and add flavor.
**3. Bread the Shrimp**:
– In a shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each shrimp first in the flour mixture, then dip in the buttermilk again, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
**4. Fry the Shrimp**:
– Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded shrimp in batches and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
#### Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
**5. Mix the Sauce**:
– In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. Stir until well blended. Adjust the Sriracha to your preferred spice level.
#### Combine Everything:
**6. Sauté Garlic**:
– In the same skillet used for the shrimp, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. If desired, add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
**7. Combine Pasta and Sauce**:
– Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic oil. Pour in the Bang Bang sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
**8. Toss in the Shrimp**:
– Gently fold in the crispy Bang Bang shrimp, making sure they are well coated in the sauce and mixed with the pasta.
### Serve Your Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
**9. Plate and Garnish**:
– Divide the pasta and shrimp among serving plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
### Tips for Success
– **Shrimp Quality**: Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp works well, too—just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
– **Make it Ahead**: You can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat the sauce and quickly fry the shrimp right before serving.
– **Vegetarian Option**: For a vegetarian twist, consider substituting the shrimp with crispy tofu or cauliflower.
– **Spice Control**: Adjust the amount of Sriracha and red pepper flakes to suit your taste. You can always serve extra sauce on the side for those who like it spicy!
### Conclusion
**Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta** is a deliciously indulgent dish that brings together the best of seafood and creamy pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Try it out, and watch your family and friends rave about this flavorful fusion dish!