If you love creamy pasta dishes with a bold, spicy kick, this Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipe is about to become your next obsession. Inspired by the famous Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, this homemade version transforms that beloved flavor into a complete, restaurant-quality meal. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfectly balanced — featuring crispy shrimp, tender pasta, and a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests, this dish delivers both comfort and excitement in every bite. The combination of crispy golden shrimp and velvety pasta makes it one of the most addictive seafood recipes you’ll ever try.
A Brief History: From Appetizer to Full Meal
The Bang Bang Shrimp craze began at Bonefish Grill, a popular American seafood restaurant. Their signature appetizer — crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce — quickly became a fan favorite. The name “Bang Bang” refers to the explosion of flavors: the heat from sriracha, the sweetness from chili sauce, and the creaminess from mayonnaise.
Creative home cooks soon began transforming this starter into a main course pasta dish, adding noodles to soak up the incredible sauce. What started as a restaurant trend has now become a global comfort food, loved by seafood enthusiasts everywhere.
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
This recipe stands out for its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation:
- Restaurant-quality flavor at home – Recreate the Bonefish Grill experience with simple ingredients.
- Customizable spice level – Adjust the heat from mild to fiery to match your taste.
- Versatile pairing – Goes beautifully with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies.
- Quick yet elegant – Ready in about 30 minutes but feels like a gourmet treat.
- Crowd-pleasing combination – Creamy, crispy, spicy, and slightly sweet — it’s impossible not to love.
Ingredients Overview
For the Bang Bang Sauce
The heart of this recipe lies in its legendary Bang Bang Sauce — creamy, spicy, and perfectly balanced.
- Mayonnaise – Forms the smooth, rich base of the sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds sweetness and mild heat.
- Sriracha – Brings a fiery punch and depth of flavor.
- Honey – Softens the spice and enhances sweetness.
- Lime Juice – Adds brightness and prevents the sauce from feeling too heavy.
💡 Pro Tip: If you like it spicier, increase the sriracha. For a milder version, add a little more honey or mayo. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
For the Shrimp
Perfectly cooked shrimp are the star of the show. You’ll want them crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Large Shrimp – Fresh or thawed; peeled and deveined.
- Cornstarch – Ensures a light, crisp coating.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Adds crunch and texture.
- Egg – Helps the coating adhere.
- Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper – Basic yet essential seasonings.
- Vegetable Oil – Ideal for frying or air-frying for a healthier alternative.
💡 Tip: Always pat the shrimp dry before coating — this helps them turn golden and crispy instead of soggy.
For the Pasta
The pasta ties everything together, absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Spaghetti or Linguine – Classic choices that hold sauce well.
- Butter & Garlic – Add flavor depth and aroma.
- Green Onions & Parsley – Bring freshness and color.
- Optional Add-ins – Try red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, or a splash of cream for extra indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust spice or sweetness to your liking.
- Set aside and allow the flavors to meld for at least 15 minutes.
✅ Pro Tip: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also works great as a dip for fries, chicken, or grilled vegetables.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
- Clean and Season:
- Peel and devein shrimp, pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season lightly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- Bowl 1: Cornstarch
- Bowl 2: Beaten egg
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs
- Coat Each Shrimp:
- Dredge shrimp in cornstarch, then dip into egg, and finally coat with panko.
- Press gently so the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Fry to Perfection:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
💡 Alternative: For a healthier option, air fry shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- In the same skillet used for shrimp, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter.
- If it seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the crispy shrimp to the skillet.
- Pour the Bang Bang Sauce over the shrimp and pasta.
- Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and green onions for color and freshness.
- Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Don’t overcook shrimp – They cook quickly; once they turn pink and firm, they’re done.
- Use fresh lime juice – Bottled lime juice can taste bitter.
- Keep shrimp crispy – Add them to the pasta just before serving, not too early.
- Balance the sauce – The right ratio of chili sauce, mayo, and sriracha is key to the signature flavor.
- Make it creamier – Add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or Greek yogurt to the sauce before mixing.
Variations to Try
1. Healthier Version
- Baked Shrimp: Bake coated shrimp at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
- Greek Yogurt Sauce: Replace mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy version.
- Air-Fried Shrimp: Crispy without oil, yet equally delicious.
2. Low-Carb or Keto Options
- Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
3. Vegetarian Option
- Replace shrimp with crispy tofu, cauliflower bites, or mushrooms.
- Use the same Bang Bang Sauce — it pairs wonderfully with vegetables.
4. Extra Spicy Variation
- Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or extra sriracha.
- Mix chili oil with garlic butter for an extra fiery twist.
5. Add More Vegetables
Enhance the nutritional value and texture:
- Sautéed bell peppers
- Broccoli florets
- Snap peas or mushrooms
These vegetables add crunch, color, and nutrition, making your dish more balanced.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Shrimp turning soggy: Ensure oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding.
- Sauce separating: Whisk ingredients thoroughly; add a splash of warm water if it thickens too much.
- Overcooked pasta: Always cook until al dente — it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
- Too spicy or too sweet: Taste and balance before mixing with pasta. Adjust using lime juice or honey.
- Loss of crispiness: Add shrimp to the sauce at the last minute for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is indulgent enough to shine on its own, but you can elevate your meal with these sides:
- 🥖 Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- 🥗 Crisp Green Salad: Refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
- 🥦 Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, zucchini, or carrots.
- 🍋 Citrus Garnish: A squeeze of lemon or lime enhances brightness.
💡 Presentation Tip: Serve in wide pasta bowls and arrange shrimp on top for a restaurant-style look.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
(Values are approximate and vary based on ingredients used.)
Storage & Reheating
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store pasta and shrimp separately in airtight containers.
- Pasta: Up to 3 days
- Shrimp: Up to 2 days
- Freezing: Not recommended for fried shrimp, but pasta and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips
- Pasta: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or water.
- Shrimp: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes.
Avoid microwaving shrimp directly — it makes them rubbery.
Refreshing the Sauce
- Add a squeeze of lime juice or a teaspoon of chili sauce before serving again to revive flavor.
FAQs About Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
1. What does Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta taste like?
It’s a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, tangy, and sweet — with crispy shrimp and soft pasta creating irresistible texture contrast.
2. Is Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta spicy?
It’s moderately spicy, but you can adjust the heat easily by adding or reducing sriracha or chili flakes.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and pasta in advance. Cook the shrimp fresh for the best crunch.
4. What’s the best pasta type for this recipe?
Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are ideal because they hold the sauce well. You can also use penne or rigatoni.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
6. How can I make it more protein-rich?
Add extra shrimp or toss in grilled chicken for a surf-and-turf variation.
7. Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes. Replace butter with olive oil and use a vegan mayonnaise brand for the sauce.
Final Thoughts: Why This Recipe Always Impresses
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a flavor powerhouse — the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something special. The combination of creamy heat, golden shrimp, and comforting pasta makes it truly unforgettable. It’s indulgent yet easy to prepare, bold yet balanced.
Whether you’re recreating your favorite restaurant meal or simply craving something rich and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time. Make it once, and you’ll find it hard not to crave it again and again
