1. Prepare the Shrimp

Begin by preparing the shrimp. If they are not already peeled and deveined, do so carefully, leaving the tails on or removing them based on your preference. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispy texture when frying.

2. Make the Breading Mixture

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the egg. In another shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. The breading station will allow you to easily coat the shrimp for frying.

3. Bread the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally, coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. The panko breadcrumbs will give the shrimp a crispy, crunchy exterior.

4. Fry the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded shrimp to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

5. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp are frying, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (if using). The combination of creamy mayo, sweet chili sauce, and spicy sriracha creates a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more sriracha if you like it spicier.

6. Cook the Pasta

While the shrimp are frying and the sauce is being prepared, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later.

7. Toss the Pasta with the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the bang bang sauce. Toss the pasta well, ensuring each strand is coated in the creamy, spicy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help thin it out and create a silky, smooth coating.

8. Assemble the Dish

Once the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce, transfer it to a serving platter or individual plates. Arrange the crispy fried shrimp on top of the pasta, adding a beautiful crunch and contrast in texture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta immediately, while the shrimp are still crispy and the pasta is hot and creamy. You can also add a side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal.