Miso Noodles with Green Onion Pesto and Shrimp
By: Merritt Allen
Are you tired of the same old dinner options and craving something flavorful and satisfying? Look no further than this delectable recipe for miso noodles with shrimp and green onion. Bursting with umami-rich miso paste, protein rich shrimp, and the fresh green onions, this dish is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. This recipe is quick, easy to follow, and sure to impress your taste buds. So, grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering meal that will leave you wanting more.
The miso is added in two places for this recipe. We mix the green onions in a food processer with oil, miso paste, and garlic to form a type of green onion pesto. The miso is also added with the pasta water at the end so your miso noodles live up to their name!
Common Questions for Miso Noodles:
What Does Miso Paste Taste Like?
Miso paste is salty and full of savory flavor. Both red and white miso paste will have a slightly fermented flavor (in a good way) since miso often contains a fermented element.
Miso is made from soy beans and rice, though ingredients may vary slightly depending on brand! I use white miso paste for this recipe, it is mild and very delicious.
What Type Of Noodles Do You Use For Miso Noodles?
This recipe uses regular wheat noodles. I like using spaghetti noodles for this recipe since they are cheap and easy to find! You can use any type of noodles for miso noodles. The flavors would go well with rice noodles, Udon noodles, or ramen noodles.
The type of noodles for miso noodles is really up to you and depends on preference! I like to use the spaghetti noodles because I can use the pasta water to make a thicker sauce but if you sub out for a gluten free noodle that would work well too!
What is Green Onion Pesto?
Pesto is just a term for a paste that mashes a lot of stuff together. Though we usually think of basil pesto when talking about pesto, you can make pesto out of many other herbs, vegetables, or oils. Green onion pesto combines green onion (or scallion) with olive oil, sesame oil, garlic, and miso paste to make a green onion pesto.
You can make green onion pesto in a a food processor, mortar and pestle, or blender. The stronger the blend, the smoother the pesto will be! I like to use a food processor and make my green onion pesto chunky.
If you want to check out my other pesto sauces you can see my Homemade Basil Pesto and My Bell Pepper Pesto as alternatives for pesto sauces!
What Goes With Miso Noodles?
This dish really stands well on its own! The miso noodles with shrimp and green onion are filling and delicious. I do like to add vegetables either in the pasta or on the side. I have listed a few of my favorite pairings below!
Roasted Tenderstem broccoli is a cheesy and full of garlic. It would make a great pairing!
Green Cabbage Salad with Ginger Dressing is a light and crunchy salad that would go well with miso noodles.
Ingredients for Miso Noodles with Green Onion Pesto and Shrimp:
Recipe for Miso Noodles with Green Onion and Pesto
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles (1/2 lb) You can use any type of pasta for this recipe. You can also use rice noodles for a gluten free option.
- 2 lb shrimp, defrosted. Peeled and deveined is best for qucik dinner. I use medium to large shrimp.
- 1 tbs butter, for cooking the shrimp. You can use any oil to cook the shrimp but butter tastes best.
- 3 large bunches green onions + more for topping. Rough chopped, you want a couple cups of green onion to make a good amount of sauce.
- 3 Tbs white miso paste You can use red miso paste. Decrease to 2 Tbs and add more to taste.
- 2 large garlic cloves You can sub 2 tsp garlic powder if you do not have fresh garlic.
- 2 Tbs olive oil Olive oil helps make the pesto sauce. You can use vegetable too.
- 1 Tbs sesame oil Sesame oil adds lots of deep flavor to the pesto
- 2 Tbs Soy Sauce The soy sauce adds color and salt to the noodles.
- 1/2 tsp salt, to taste
- 1 cup pasta water The starch in the pasta water helps make the sauce creamy and delicious.
- sesame seeds for topping
How To Make Miso Noodles
Cook the Shrimp
To a skillet, add 1-2 Tbs olive oil or butter
When bubbling, add the shrimp in a single layer to the pan. If al the shrimp does not fit in the pan, cook in two batches.
Flip the shrimp as soon as the edges change color, about 1 minute
Cook the other side until just done, about 1 minute. The shrimp will be added back in with the pasta so do not worry if its slightly undercook.
Remove to a plate to let drain.
Make the Green Onion Pesto
To a food processor add the green onion, garlic, miso paste, and oils
Blitz until everything is well combined and uniform. You can continue to blend until very smooth or leave a bit chunkier.
Set aside to add to the skillet.
Make the Pasta and Combine
To a medium sized pot, boil water.
When boiling add the spaghetti noodles and a generous amount of salt.
Cook until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Add the cooked noodles and the green onion pesto to a medium skillet.
Toss with 1/2 of the pasta water until the noodles are well coated.
Add the shrimp and soy sauce and continue to toss until the shrimp is covered, adding pasta water as needed.
Serve with sesame seeds and extra green onion.
Why I Love Miso Noodles:
Miso noodles are a delicious and easy dinner! This recipe comes together so quickly and is versatile to your favorite noodles and favorite protein. The flavors meld together and actually get better as leftovers. The noodles are creamy, full of umami flavor and definitely a dish you will be making over and over again!
Looking For Other Miso Recipes?
Miso is a delicious flavor component and if you can not get enough then check out my other recipes that use Miso!