Imagine a dish that combines the silky texture of udon noodles, the rich umami of miso, the nutty depth of brown butter, and succulent shrimp - all in one incredible meal that takes less than 40 minutes to prepare. This Shrimp Udon with Miso Brown Butter is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your taste buds and dinner guests with this extraordinary Japanese-inspired creation that's about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz udon noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp miso paste
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the udon noodles are ready to be cooked and the shrimp are peeled and deveined.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the udon noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until they are tender but still chewy. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the miso brown butter. In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the butter melts and starts to bubble.
- Continue to cook the butter until it turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Once browned, remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the miso paste until fully incorporated.
- In the same skillet, return to medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, add the soy sauce and sesame oil to the skillet, stirring to combine all the flavors.
- Next, add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the noodles are well coated with the miso brown butter and shrimp mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions, reserving a few for garnish if desired.
- Serve the shrimp udon hot, garnished with the remaining green onions. Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Udon with Miso Brown Butter!
Tips
- Brown Butter Mastery: The key to this recipe is achieving the perfect brown butter. Watch it carefully and remove from heat the moment it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma to prevent burning.
- Shrimp Cooking Technique: Don't overcook your shrimp! They're done when they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes only 3-4 minutes. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
- Miso Paste Selection: Use high-quality white or yellow miso paste for the best flavor. Each variety will bring a slightly different nuance to the dish.
- Noodle Texture: Cook udon noodles just until they're tender but still have a slight chew. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process if needed.
- Flavor Layering: Add the garlic briefly before the shrimp to infuse the butter with its aromatic flavor without risking burning.
- Optional Enhancements: For extra depth, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of chili flakes for some heat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 220mg
