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Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Creamy Spicy Sauce

crispy bang bang shrimp pasta - featured image

A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring crispy shrimp tossed with linguine and a creamy, spicy homemade sauce that balances heat and tang.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a lighter crunch)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (canola preferred)
  • 8 ounces (225g) linguine or spaghetti (gluten-free pasta optional)
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise (Hellmann’s recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha or favorite chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Chopped scallions or fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry 1 pound (450g) shrimp. In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup (60g) flour, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss shrimp in this mixture until evenly coated. Do not overcrowd; coat in batches if needed. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Adjust spice or sweetness to taste. Set aside. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water. Toss pasta with a bit of oil or butter to prevent sticking. (Cook time: 10 minutes)
  4. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove shrimp to paper towels to drain excess oil. Avoid moving shrimp too often to let crust set. (Cook time: 6-8 minutes)
  5. Toss cooked pasta with creamy spicy sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen sauce if needed. Gently fold in crispy shrimp. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Use medium-high heat for frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fry shrimp just before serving to keep crunch. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in fridge. For baking shrimp, cook at 425°F for 10-12 minutes flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: bang bang shrimp, crispy shrimp, creamy spicy sauce, shrimp pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, quick pasta recipe