Miso Butter Shrimp: Your Ultimate 30-Minute Garlic Ginger Weeknight Meal
Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this sensational **Miso Butter Shrimp** recipe! Featuring plump, juicy shrimp coated in a luscious, savory sauce, this dish is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. The harmonious blend of creamy white miso, aromatic garlic, warming fresh ginger, and rich butter creates a sauce so irresistible, you’ll want to lick the spoon clean. It’s an effortlessly elegant meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend entertaining. Trust us, this one’s a keeper!
Why This Miso Butter Shrimp Recipe is a Must-Try
What makes this Miso Butter Shrimp so exceptionally good? It’s the perfect flavor trifecta, meticulously balanced for an unforgettable culinary experience. Imagine the deep, salty, and slightly sweet umami of white miso paste intertwining with the pungent warmth of fresh garlic and the bright, zesty kick of fresh ginger. This dynamic trio dances together, creating an incredibly rich and dreamy sauce that perfectly complements succulent shrimp.
Beyond its incredible taste, this recipe is a true marvel for its speed and versatility. It’s a lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes, yet it’s also elegant enough to impress guests at a weekend gathering. The generous amount of creamy, flavorful sauce ensures there’s plenty to spoon over your accompanying steamed rice and favorite vegetables, transforming simple sides into an integral part of the Miso Butter Shrimp experience. It’s a simple, protein-packed meal that caters to diverse palates, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How to Select and Prepare the Best Raw Shrimp for This Recipe
Choosing the right shrimp is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Miso Butter Shrimp. Grocery stores today offer a wide variety of shrimp sizes and types. For this recipe, we highly recommend using **large or jumbo raw shrimp**. The larger size ensures a satisfying, meaty bite that holds up beautifully to the rich sauce.
When looking at shrimp packaging, you’ll often see a number range like “13-16 per pound” or “31-40 count per pound.” This number indicates how many individual shrimp are in one pound. **The smaller the number, the larger the shrimp.** While sizing guides can vary slightly online, here’s a general idea to help you make the best choice:
- Medium Shrimp: 41-50 count per pound (Often used in stir-fries or as smaller additions)
- Large Shrimp: 31-40 count per pound (A good bite-sized option, versatile for many dishes)
- Jumbo Shrimp: 16-25 count per pound (Ideal for this recipe, offering a substantial texture)
- Colossal Shrimp: 15 count or less per pound (The largest option, great for grilling or standalone presentation)
For convenience and food safety, it’s generally best to buy **frozen raw shrimp**. They are typically flash-frozen shortly after being caught, preserving their freshness. Thaw them slowly in the refrigerator overnight (about 12 hours, depending on size) or under cold running water for a quicker method just before cooking. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent potential food safety issues.
To save time and effort, look for shrimp that are already **peeled and deveined**. If you can find them this way, you’ve hit the jackpot! If not, peeling shrimp is straightforward: simply remove the outer shell, starting from the head end. Deveining involves making a shallow slit along the back curve of the shrimp and removing the dark digestive tract. Most grocery stores now offer deveined shrimp, even if not peeled, which significantly reduces prep time.
Essential Ingredients for Your Miso Butter Shrimp
Crafting this flavorful dish requires a handful of key ingredients, each playing a vital role in building the depth and richness of the Miso Butter Shrimp sauce. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
- Garlic-Infused or Neutral Oil: We highly recommend garlic-infused oil for an extra layer of savory flavor right from the start. If unavailable, a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil will work perfectly.
- Kosher or Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper (White or Black): Seasoning is key! A tiny pinch of salt enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp, while pepper adds a subtle warmth. White pepper is often preferred in Asian dishes for its milder flavor and color, but black pepper is a fine substitute.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: We opt for low-sodium Japanese soy sauce, such as Kikkoman, to control the saltiness and allow the nuanced flavors of the miso to shine. It adds a crucial umami depth.
- Jumbo Raw Shrimp (Peeled and Deveined, Thawed): As discussed, large or jumbo shrimp (13-16 count per pound) are best. They cook quickly and are an excellent lean protein source, making this a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Fresh Ginger: This ingredient is non-negotiable! Freshly grated ginger provides a vibrant, slightly sweet, and peppery warmth that is essential to the dish’s Asian-inspired profile. Its aromatic notes elevate the entire sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic offers a robust, pungent flavor that perfectly balances the other ingredients. While garlic powder can be used in a pinch (use about 1/4 teaspoon per fresh clove), fresh garlic provides a superior aroma and taste.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: This liquid forms the base of our luscious sauce, adding another layer of savory flavor and helping to deglaze the pan, capturing all those delicious browned bits.
- White Miso Paste: The star of the show! White miso (Shiro miso) is widely available and preferred for this recipe due to its mild, sweet, and subtly salty umami flavor. Always use fresh miso paste for maximum flavor and probiotic benefits (though cooking will diminish the latter).
- Unsalted Butter: Butter is vital for emulsifying the sauce, giving it a rich, velvety texture and a luxurious finish. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of the dish.
- Fresh Lemon Wedges: Do not skip this! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the butter and miso with a refreshing zesty note.
- Sliced Scallions/Green Onions (for Garnish): These add a pop of color, a fresh, mild oniony flavor, and a pleasant textural contrast to the finished dish.
Step-by-Step Directions for Miso Butter Shrimp
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Miso Butter Shrimp. Remember, preparation is key, so have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking!
- Prepare your Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. A large skillet ensures the shrimp have enough space to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Season the Pan: Add your chosen oil (garlic-infused or neutral) to the hot skillet, along with a pinch of kosher or sea salt, white or black pepper, and soy sauce. Allow the oil to heat gently for about 30 seconds.
- Cook the Aromatics and Shrimp: Add the thawed, peeled, and deveined raw shrimp to the pan, along with your finely minced fresh garlic and ginger. Stir everything to combine.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Sauté the shrimp for about 4-5 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery. Extra-large shrimp might need an extra minute.
- Remove Shrimp: Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate. This prevents them from overcooking while you prepare the sauce.
- Deglaze the Pan: Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the hot skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This process, called deglazing, adds incredible flavor to your sauce. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Whisk in Miso Paste: Reduce the heat slightly if needed. Add the white miso paste to the broth mixture. Whisk continuously until the miso paste is completely dissolved and smoothly incorporated into the liquid. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Add the Butter: Add the unsalted butter to the sauce. Continue whisking until the butter is fully melted and integrated, creating a creamy, emulsified sauce.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the luscious miso butter sauce. Gently toss the shrimp to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your Miso Butter Shrimp hot over a bed of fluffy steamed rice and your favorite cooked vegetables.
- Generously Spoon Sauce: Don’t forget to spoon plenty of that delicious sauce over the shrimp, rice, and veggies for maximum flavor.
- Finish with Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the entire dish just before serving. The bright acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing finish.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with thinly sliced scallions or green onions for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal. Enjoy your magnificent Miso Butter Shrimp!
Perfect Serving Suggestions for Miso Butter Shrimp
This Miso Butter Shrimp recipe comes together so quickly, it’s best to have your sides prepared in advance. While the shrimp is cooking, you can easily prepare your preferred accompaniments. For an incredibly fast weeknight meal, consider using microwaveable cooked rice and some frozen broccoli, quickly steamed or sautéed. If you have a little extra time, my Charred Cabbage steaks are an absolutely delicious pairing, adding a smoky sweetness that complements the miso. Noodles are also a fantastic alternative to rice; think saucy udon or ramen noodles, which soak up all that incredible miso butter goodness! Other great options include steamed green beans, asparagus, bok choy, or a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. The key is to have something that can absorb that amazing sauce!
Substitutions and Variations for This Recipe
One of the best things about this Miso Butter Shrimp recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these suggestions to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
While you technically can, we highly recommend using raw shrimp. Cooking raw shrimp directly in the pan allows it to absorb more of the initial flavors and creates a more tender, flavorful result. Cooked shrimp can become rubbery if reheated or cooked for too long in the sauce, and you’ll miss out on the rich flavor developed from sautéing it from raw.
Miso paste is quite unique, but if you absolutely need a substitute, you could try a blend. For a savory umami, you might use a touch of fish sauce or tamari (if gluten-free) mixed with a tiny bit of nutritional yeast for a creamy, earthy note. A very small amount of anchovy paste can also provide umami. Kitchn.com has some great alternatives to Miso if you’re looking for more specific suggestions.
Absolutely! This sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with various types of fish. Flaky white fish like cod, halibut, or snapper work beautifully, as does richer salmon. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your fish fillets. For salmon, searing skin-side down first for a crispy skin would be a great approach before adding the sauce.
A wide array of vegetables can be served with this dish. Prepackaged Asian vegetable blends are a convenient choice. Other excellent options include steamed or stir-fried broccoli, sautéed cabbage (like our charred cabbage recipe), snap peas, snow peas, bok choy, bell peppers, or even asparagus. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes or mushrooms would also be delightful.
While fresh ginger provides the best flavor, if you only have ginger powder, you can use it as a substitute. A general rule of thumb is that 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger equals about 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger powder. Adjust to your taste preference.
Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a delightful heat.
- Sesame Richness: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the very end (after cooking) can add a nutty, aromatic depth.
- Herbaceous Twist: Fresh cilantro, chopped and stirred in at the end, can add a bright, herbaceous note.
- Vegetarian Option: This sauce is so good, it could even be adapted for firm tofu or tempeh. Pan-fry the tofu/tempeh until golden brown, then toss with the miso butter sauce.
More Quick & Delicious 30-Minute Meals
If you love the idea of quick and flavorful meals like this Miso Butter Shrimp, you’re in luck! Our kitchen is full of fabulous options designed to get delicious food on your table without spending hours. Explore more of our 30-minute meal recipes here. You’ll discover a variety of mouth-watering pastas, fresh salads, comforting soups, and other delightful dishes that prove fast food can be healthy and incredibly tasty. Happy cooking! 🤗
If you tried and loved this Miso Butter Shrimp recipe, please consider leaving a comment below and sharing some stars! Your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy these delicious meals. We truly appreciate you! 🫶🏼
All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com
Miso Butter Shrimp
Ana | Claudia’s Table
January 20, 2025
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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1 large skillet (12-inch suggested)
Ingredients
For the Miso Butter Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon garlic-infused or neutral oil (Garlic-infused oil adds an extra layer of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 Pinch kosher or sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper (or black ground pepper)
- 1 pound jumbo raw shrimp (thawed, peeled, and deveined; 13-16 count per pound recommended)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (finely minced)
- ¾ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 whole lemon (cut into four wedges for serving)
- 2 scallions (thinly sliced for garnish)
Optional for serving
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 3 cups cooked vegetables
Instructions
How to make Miso Butter Shrimp
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Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add oil, a pinch of salt, white pepper, and soy sauce.
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Add raw shrimp, garlic and ginger.
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Saute until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes for extra-large shrimp.
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Once the shrimp is cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
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Add vegetable or chicken broth to deglaze the pan; about 2 minutes.
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Whisk in the miso paste. Continue whisking until the miso paste is dissolved in the broth mixture.
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Add the butter and whisk until it is melted and integrated into the sauce.
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Add the shrimp back into the pan with the sauce and toss so the shrimp is fully coated with the Miso butter sauce.
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Serve over steamed rice and your favorite vegetable.
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Make sure to spoon some of the sauce over the shrimp, rice and veggies.
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Squeeze lemon over the Miso Butter Shrimp, rice and veggies.
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Garnish with sliced scallions or green onions, and enjoy!
Notes
Approximately 4-5 shrimp with sauce, 3/4 cup of cooked rice, and 3/4 cup of vegetables per serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.
All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com
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