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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with savory, bright, and slightly spicy flavors yet remains quick and approachable, this Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender shrimp kissed with Creole Cajun seasoning and a luscious scampi sauce enhanced with the depth of white miso, creating a delightful harmony of East meets West. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends over the weekend, this recipe delivers a stunning plate of seafood perfection with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe lies not only in its incredible flavor but also in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in layering taste, texture, and color — from the spicy seasoning on the shrimp to the rich, umami-packed miso in the sauce, down to the fresh parsley that brightens the whole dish.
- Fresh large shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp provide a tender and juicy base for this dish.
- Creole Cajun seasoning: Adds a vibrant, zesty kick that wakes up the shrimp.
- Olive oil: Divided for sautéing and marinating, it ensures a silky richness.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a velvety, luscious scampi sauce that coats every bite.
- Shallot: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses the sauce with that unmistakable pungency and warmth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a hint of heat to balance flavors perfectly.
- Dry white wine: Sauvignon blanc introduces acidity and a nuanced fruitiness.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh citrus punch.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce light, not heavy.
- White miso paste: A key umami booster that rounds out the sauce with a subtle fermented complexity.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley: Adds freshness and a splash of green to finish the dish beautifully.
- Crusty bread or cooked pasta (optional): Perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce.
How to Make Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp completely dry — this helps them sear beautifully. Then, give them a generous coating of Creole Cajun seasoning, which will infuse them with a lively, spicy flavor. Drizzle with half of the olive oil and let the shrimp marinate for about 30 minutes. This step not only tenderizes the shrimp but allows the seasonings to fully penetrate, setting the stage for an unforgettable bite.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp, cooking them for about one and a half minutes on each side until they turn a brilliant pink with just a slight caramelized crust. Avoid overcooking; shrimp cook quickly and should remain juicy and tender. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside their flavorful juices for later.
Step 3: Build the Delicious Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Toss in the finely chopped shallot and sauté until it turns translucent and soft, releasing a slightly sweet aroma. Next, add the garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant — this step is crucial for layering those complex garlic notes without bitterness.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the dry white wine along with freshly squeezed lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits left from the shrimp — that’s pure flavor gold. Let this mixture simmer briefly to mellow the alcohol and concentrate the fruity brightness.
Step 5: Stir in Broth and Miso
Lower the heat and add the chicken broth and white miso paste, stirring thoroughly until the miso dissolves completely and the sauce gains a smooth, rich texture. This unique addition of miso adds a subtle, earthy umami undertone that lifts the traditional scampi sauce to a whole new level.
Step 6: Return Shrimp and Finish
Slide the shrimp back into the skillet along with their marinating juices and a tablespoon of chopped parsley. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly in the glossy sauce. Allow everything to mingle over the heat for another minute to combine flavors perfectly. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining parsley for a fresh finish.
How to Serve Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the classic choice to add vibrant green color and a bright herbal note that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the sauce. For a touch of zing, consider adding a few lemon wedges on the side — guests can squeeze fresh juice to their liking.
Side Dishes
This Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe shines when served over a bed of al dente pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti, to soak up all the buttery, miso-infused goodness. Alternatively, crusty bread makes for a satisfying pairing, perfect for dipping and savoring every last drop of sauce. If you prefer something lighter, steamed asparagus or a simple green salad provide a fresh, crisp balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, serve this dish in elegant shallow bowls with the shrimp artfully arranged atop pasta nests. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an eye-catching presentation. You can also spoon the shrimp and sauce over creamy polenta or roasted vegetables to vary textures and create an elevated dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any shrimp scampi left over, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two days. The sauce may thicken after chilling, but a quick gentle reheat with a splash of broth or olive oil will restore its silky texture.
Freezing
While shrimp can become slightly rubbery when frozen and reheated, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve quality as much as possible.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this dish is on the stovetop over low heat. Warm the sauce slowly, stirring often, then add the shrimp just long enough to heat through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to overcook shrimp quickly and toughen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat dry the shrimp before marinating to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the seasoning properly.
What if I don’t have white miso paste on hand?
If miso isn’t available, you can substitute with a teaspoon of soy sauce for some umami, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich or complex. The miso is a signature ingredient that really elevates this recipe.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is mild and customizable. The Creole Cajun seasoning brings a gentle heat, while the optional red pepper flakes add a bit more kick if you like it spicy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free Creole seasoning and chicken broth, and check that your miso paste does not contain barley or wheat ingredients.
What white wine works best for the scampi sauce?
Sauvignon blanc is an ideal choice because of its bright acidity and citrus notes, which complement the seafood and lemon juice beautifully. Other dry white wines like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay will work as well.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorite dishes to whip up when I want something impressive yet effortless. The way the miso marries with classic scampi flavors creates a dish that’s comforting, sophisticated, and downright addictive. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Japanese-American)
Description
This Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi recipe combines succulent shrimp with a flavorful miso-infused scampi sauce, enhanced by garlic, shallots, white wine, and a touch of Creole Cajun seasoning. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish offers a delightful fusion of umami and zesty lemon notes, finished with fresh parsley and served best over crusty bread or pasta.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb fresh (or thawed frozen) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- Creole Cajun Seasoning (homemade or store-bought), to taste
Cooking Fats
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 8 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc recommended)
- 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty bread or cooked pasta (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which helps in better seasoning adherence and cooking.
- Season Shrimp: Sprinkle the shrimp evenly with Creole Cajun seasoning to infuse them with a mild spicy and flavorful kick.
- Oil the Shrimp: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the seasoned shrimp and toss gently to coat them well.
- Marinate: Let the shrimp marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the seasoning and oil for enhanced flavor.
- Heat Skillet: Warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, preparing to sauté the shrimp.
- Sauté Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for about 1 1/2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Set Aside: Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to avoid overcooking.
- Make Scampi Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add the butter and finely chopped shallot, sautéing until the shallot becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Heat: Stir in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic releases its aroma but does not brown.
- Deglaze: Pour in the white wine and fresh lemon juice, gently scraping the skillet bottom to lift any browned bits, then simmer to reduce slightly.
- Incorporate Miso and Broth: Add the chicken broth and white miso paste to the skillet, stirring continuously until the miso dissolves completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Shrimp: Return the sautéed shrimp along with any collected juices back into the skillet, adding 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley.
- Finish Cooking: Toss everything together and cook for another minute to meld the flavors and heat the shrimp through.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining chopped parsley on top for a fresh herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve the miso shrimp scampi hot, accompanied by crusty bread or over your choice of cooked pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with firm tofu or mushrooms and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust the amount of Creole Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor; bottled lemon juice may alter taste slightly.
- White wine should be dry and good enough to drink, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Allow shrimp to marinate but do not exceed 30 minutes as acid from lemon juice may start cooking them.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
