Succulent Shrimp and Flavorful Bacon Pasta
Succulent Shrimp and Flavorful Bacon Pasta
A Simple Yet Satisfying One-Bowl Meal: Shrimp and Bacon Pasta Recipe
Introducing a recipe for shrimp and bacon pasta that makes a special meal easy to prepare even on busy days. This dish features plump shrimp, savory bacon, and fresh vegetables, offering a rich taste and texture. It’s a simple yet elegant one-bowl pasta that anyone can master.
Main Ingredients- 5 plump shrimp
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 slice carrot (approx. 5cm)
- 1 slice bell pepper (approx. 5cm)
- 3 strips bacon
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 100g spaghetti pasta per serving (total 3 servings)
- 1 handful mini king oyster mushrooms (approx. 50g)
Seasoning & Condiments- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp salt (for boiling pasta)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp salt (for boiling pasta)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables for the pasta. Slice the garlic thinly to enhance its aroma, and cut the carrot and mini king oyster mushrooms into bite-sized pieces (about 1cm thick). Slice the bell pepper similarly. Finely chop the green onion to add a fresh fragrance.
Step 2
Now it’s time to cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1/2 Tbsp of salt and the spaghetti. Cook for about 10 minutes, or slightly less than the package directions, to achieve a perfect ‘al dente’ texture.
Step 3
Rinse the frozen shrimp under cold water to thaw, then thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. Lightly coat a pan with olive oil and cook the shrimp on both sides until they turn pink and opaque. This helps retain their succulent texture and reduces any fishy smell. Set the cooked shrimp aside on a plate.
Step 4
You can use the shrimp as they are, or for easier eating, you can remove the heads and make a small cut along the back with scissors to devein them. This makes peeling them simpler and allows the sauce to penetrate better, enhancing the flavor.
Step 5
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic, carrots, and mini king oyster mushrooms. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the carrots begin to soften, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Step 6
Once the vegetables are lightly sautéed, pour 1 Tbsp of soy sauce into the pan. Adding the soy sauce along the edge of the pan can create a subtle smoky flavor, adding depth to the dish. Stir briefly to combine.
Step 7
Now, add the cooked spaghetti to the pan along with 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water (pasta water). Stir-fry everything together. The pasta water helps to create a silky sauce consistency and allows the pasta to absorb the flavors beautifully.
Step 8
Next, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and the chopped green onion. Drizzle in a little more olive oil and sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the green onions release their fresh aroma. This step greatly enriches the pasta’s flavor profile.
Step 9
When the pasta water has reduced slightly, add a little more olive oil and another splash of pasta water. Adding the pasta water in two stages helps to keep the sauce smooth and moist, preventing the pasta from drying out. Continue stirring to coat the ingredients evenly with the sauce.
Step 10
Cut the bacon into approximately 2cm pieces and cook over high heat until crispy. Cooking bacon over high heat renders out excess fat and results in a wonderfully crispy texture. Once golden brown and crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Step 11
Finally, add the sliced bell pepper and sauté briefly to maintain its crispness – avoid overcooking. Add the prepared shrimp and crispy bacon back into the pan. Toss everything together lightly to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. Your delicious shrimp and bacon pasta is ready to be enjoyed immediately!
