If you’ve been searching for a twist on a classic that’s bursting with flavor yet simple enough for a weeknight, you absolutely have to try this Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe. It takes the bright, garlicky goodness of traditional scampi and amps it up with the rich, umami punch of white miso paste, creating a luscious sauce that perfectly complements tender, spicy shrimp. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this dish is bound to become an instant favorite in your meal rotation.

Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and beautiful color. From the plump shrimp that take center stage to the aromatic shallot and garlic, each element works harmoniously for a truly memorable dish.

Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled & deveined): Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp provide a firm, juicy base packed with natural sweetness.
Creole Cajun seasoning: Adds bold, spicy notes that bring a delightful kick without overpowering the miso’s deep umami.
Olive oil (4 tablespoons, divided): Used both for marinating and sautéing to keep shrimp tender and golden.
Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): Offers a rich, creamy backbone that enhances the sauce’s silkiness.
Shallot (1 small, finely chopped): Delivers a mild onion flavor that softens beautifully in the sauce.
Garlic (8 cloves, minced or pressed): Packs a garlic punch that’s absolutely essential for classic scampi appeal.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle heat that balances the miso’s savory tones.
Dry white wine (1/2 cup): Sauvignon blanc or any dry variety deglazes the pan and brightens the flavor.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Gives a lively, zesty contrast to the buttery richness.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Deepens the sauce’s flavor with gentle savory notes.
White miso paste (2 tablespoons): The star ingredient, adding complex umami and subtle sweetness.
Fresh flat-leaf parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, divided): For freshness and a pop of color at both the cooking and garnishing stages.
Crusty bread or cooked pasta (optional): Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious sauce.

How to Make Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry to ensure they sear properly and don’t steam in the pan. Coat them generously with Creole Cajun seasoning and drizzle with two tablespoons of olive oil. Let them marinate for about 30 minutes. This short marinating time allows the spices to permeate the shrimp without overpowering their natural sweetness. It’s the perfect setup for creating those beautifully seasoned bites with every forkful.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for about one and a half minutes on each side until they turn that gorgeous pink color and just start to curl. Don’t overcook here — shrimp cook quickly and remain tender with a quick sear. Once done, set them aside and keep those delicious juices in the pan, as they’ll flavor the sauce wonderfully.

Step 3: Build the Scampi Sauce

Into the same skillet, add the butter and finely chopped shallot. Cook until the shallot becomes translucent, stirring gently so it softens without browning. Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you want that extra kick, cooking just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This step layers in the aromatic base that’s essential for scampi’s signature flavor.

Step 4: Deglaze and Enhance the Sauce

Pour in the dry white wine and fresh lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Let the liquid simmer for a few minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate the brightness and acidity. Then, stir in the chicken broth and white miso paste. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the miso smoothly, bringing a rich, savory depth that elevates the whole dish beautifully.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with any juices they released. Toss everything with one tablespoon of the fresh chopped parsley and cook together for about one minute so the shrimp soak up the sauce’s flavors. Finish by sprinkling the remaining parsley on top to add fresh color and a herbaceous note that balances the richness perfectly.

How to Serve Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a refreshing herbal lift. If you want a little extra zing, grate some lemon zest over the top just before serving. It enhances the citrus notes and gives that beautiful fragrance that wakes up your senses before the first bite.

Side Dishes

While the shrimp scampi shines on its own, pairing it with crusty bread is a game changer—you’ll have the perfect vehicle to mop up every drop of that divine miso-infused sauce. For something heartier, serve it atop a bed of al dente pasta such as linguine or spaghetti. Lightly steamed or sauteed green veggies or a crisp salad also provide a great textural contrast and fresh balance to the buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family-style meal, serve the shrimp scampi in a large shallow bowl with a generous side of bread or pasta around it. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few extra red pepper flakes at the table lets everyone customize their plate. To impress guests, plate individual portions over ribbons of zucchini noodles or creamy polenta for a trendy, delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, let your Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to two days. Keeping the shrimp separate from pasta or bread during storage will help maintain the best texture.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but shrimp can become rubbery when thawed. For best results, freeze just the sauce in a sealed container. When ready to eat, gently reheat the sauce and toss freshly cooked shrimp into it to revive that perfect texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the scampi sauce gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add the shrimp towards the end to avoid overcooking. If serving with pasta or bread, reheat those separately to preserve their texture. This method keeps all the bright, savory flavors vibrant and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating and cooking. Properly thawed shrimp will absorb the flavors beautifully and cook evenly.

What type of miso paste is best for this recipe?

White miso paste is recommended because of its mild, slightly sweet flavor which complements the shrimp and scampi sauce without overpowering the dish.

Is the red pepper flakes ingredient necessary?

Nope, it’s optional. Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that balances the richness, but if you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to leave them out without missing out on any deliciousness.

Can I make this Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure your Creole Cajun seasoning and chicken broth don’t contain gluten, which many store-bought versions do not. Also, serve with gluten-free pasta or bread if needed.

What wine pairs well if I want to serve with this dish?

A Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the miso shrimp scampi, enhancing the citrus and buttery notes while cutting through the richness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something flavorful, quick, and comfortingly gourmet, this Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe is your new secret weapon. It marries the beloved garlic butter sauce of traditional scampi with the nuanced savoriness of miso in a way that’s both approachable and unforgettable. Grab your skillet and get cooking—once you try it, it’s destined to become one of your favorite go-to dishes!

Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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3.9 from 31 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A flavorful and quick Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi recipe that combines succulent shrimp with a savory miso-infused scampi sauce, enhanced by garlic, lemon, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect for a delightful weeknight dinner served with crusty bread or pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp Marinade

1 lb fresh (or thawed frozen) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
Creole Cajun Seasoning (homemade or store-bought), to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Scampi Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small shallot, finely chopped
8 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup dry white wine (sauvignon blanc)
2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons white miso paste
2 tablespoons fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided

For Serving

Crusty bread or cooked pasta (optional)

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Instructions

Prep Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which helps in better seasoning and cooking.
Season Shrimp: Evenly coat the shrimp with Creole Cajun seasoning to infuse flavorful spices into the seafood.
Marinate: Drizzle the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let them marinate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, preparing for sautéing the shrimp.
Sauté Shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 1 1/2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Prepare Scampi Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and the finely chopped shallot. Sauté until the shallot becomes translucent, releasing its sweetness.
Add Garlic and Pepper Flakes: Stir in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
Deglaze Pan: Pour in dry white wine and fresh lemon juice, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer to reduce slightly.
Add Broth and Miso: Stir in chicken broth and white miso paste, mixing well until the miso is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp along with their juices to the skillet. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley and toss gently to coat the shrimp with the flavorful sauce. Cook together for 1 more minute to heat through.
Serve: Garnish the dish with the remaining parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread or your choice of cooked pasta for a complete meal.

Notes

Marinating the shrimp for 30 minutes enhances the flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
White wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth if preferred.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.
For a vegetarian option, swap shrimp with firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American