If you’re ready to shake up your pasta night with a dish that’s bursting with savory, garlicky, and subtly sweet flavors, this Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a must-try. Imagine tender shrimp tossed with spaghetti, bathed in a buttery, miso-infused sauce that’s just rich enough, but brightened with fresh lemon and parsley. It’s the kind of weeknight meal that feels impossibly special yet comes together in under half an hour. The unique touch of white miso not only deepens the flavor but also adds a luscious umami note that makes this dish a total showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this recipe is how accessible the ingredients are—each one brings something essential to the table, layering flavors and creating restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need for the Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe, with each element working its magic for taste, texture, or that perfect pop of color.
- Shrimp: Large and juicy, peeled and deveined for ease—shrimp are the star of this dish!
- Spaghetti or linguine: A tangle of noodles provides just the right texture to capture all that delicious sauce.
- White miso paste: This wonderfully mellow paste delivers creamy umami and melds seamlessly into the sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Butter adds that iconic scampi richness and gives a glossy texture to the sauce.
- Olive oil: It keeps things light and helps the butter from burning while lending a fruity undertone.
- Garlic: Four cloves mean double down on bold garlicky flavor—don’t skimp!
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Use these for a whisper of spicy heat if you like your scampi with a little kick.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Both options add depth; wine gives a crisp edge, while broth is comforting and mellow.
- Lemon juice: A splash of fresh lemon ties everything together with vibrant acidity.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a garden-fresh finish and a fleck of color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to make all the flavors pop—just taste as you go.
- Lemon wedges: Squeeze over at the table for brightness and presentation.
How to Make Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your spaghetti or linguine until it’s perfectly al dente. Be sure to save about half a cup of that precious pasta water before draining—it’ll help you bring the silky miso sauce together later.
Step 2: Make the Miso Mixture
While the pasta bubbles away, grab a small bowl and whisk together the white miso paste with a few spoons of the hot pasta water. This little step ensures the miso integrates smoothly into your scampi sauce, avoiding any clumps and delivering even umami depth.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat both the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and, if you’re a fan of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Let them sizzle for a minute or two—just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—to infuse the oil with aromatic goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Toss your shrimp into the skillet, season generously with salt and black pepper, and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re aiming for those plump, pink lovelies that just turn opaque, which means juicy, tender bites every time.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, giving the pan a little swirl to deglaze and amp up the flavor. Stir in your silky miso mixture and let everything simmer together for another minute or two so the sauce thickens and the shrimp soak up all the goodness.
Step 6: Finish and Toss
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, using that reserved pasta water as needed to make the sauce cling perfectly to every strand. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley just before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
How to Serve Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make your Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe just as beautiful as it is delicious. Scatter freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top, and tuck a few lemon wedges along the side, so everyone can add an extra squeeze of citrus at the table.
Side Dishes
This dish is delightful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Go for a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted broccolini. Warm, crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up every last drop of that luscious miso-butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve the scampi family-style in a big, shallow platter for a rustic look, or twirl the pasta into individual nests on each plate. For a casual gathering, you can even spoon it onto toasted crostini for a fun, bite-sized appetizer inspired by the Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits, so splash in a touch of water or broth when you reheat to bring everything back to life.
Freezing
While shrimp and pasta are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place portions in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
Gently rewarm your Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
You can, but white miso is the best choice for this dish because it’s milder, slightly sweet, and blends seamlessly without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
What’s the best substitute for white wine?
Chicken broth is a fantastic alcohol-free substitute, lending a gentle depth while keeping the overall flavor balanced and family-friendly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring your miso paste is tamari-based, which skips the wheat often found in traditional miso.
Can I substitute another protein for shrimp?
Absolutely! Scallops work wonderfully, or even cubes of tofu if you’d like a vegetarian spin—the miso-garlic sauce is versatile enough to complement both.
What should I do if my sauce looks too thick?
Just add a splash more reserved pasta water and toss everything together—the starch in the water will help create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta without being clumpy.
Final Thoughts
Give this Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe a spot on your dinner table and watch it become an instant favorite. With vibrant flavors and a sauce that’s utterly crave-worthy, it’s the kind of meal you’ll reach for on busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends—no advanced skills required. Dive in, savor every bite, and enjoy the magic of fusion comfort food!
Print
Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion, Japanese-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi recipe combines the classic flavors of shrimp scampi with the umami richness of white miso, creating a delicious fusion dish that is quick to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Prepare the Miso Paste: Whisk the miso paste with a few tablespoons of warm pasta water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, then sauté. Add shrimp, season, and cook until pink.
- Simmer: Pour in wine (or broth) and stir in the miso mixture. Let it simmer briefly.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- White miso adds umami depth without overpowering the classic scampi flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari-based miso and gluten-free pasta.
- You can also substitute scallops or tofu for the shrimp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
