If you enjoy quick and cozy noodle bowls that offer restaurant-quality comfort food, this Miso Garlic Butter Shrimp Udon Bowl is sure to become your new favorite weeknight meal. It’s rich and savory, packed with the irresistible umami flavor of red miso paste, garlic, and butter. Best of all, it has a fancy taste but can be prepared in just 15 minutes.

This dish is inspired by my love for easy high-protein meals that don’t sacrifice taste. The buttery miso base pairs beautifully with juicy shrimp and chewy udon noodles, creating that perfect balance of creamy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Miso Garlic Butter Shrimp Udon

• Fast and easy: Ready in 15 minutes with minimal prep.
• High in protein: Shrimp adds lean protein that fits perfectly into a pescatarian, high-protein lifestyle.
• Restaurant-worthy flavor: The miso garlic sauce gives this dish a rich depth that feels indulgent but still light.
• Flexible: You can use frozen udon, dried udon, or even soba noodles, whatever you have on hand.

If you’ve followed my other noodle recipes like the Salmon Pepper Lunch or Spicy Garlic Peanut Noodles, you already know I’m a fan of bold, comforting flavors that come together fast. This one hits that same sweet spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For 1 serving:

• 8 oz Argentinian shrimp
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/4 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted corn
• 1 tsp red miso paste (for that deep, savory umami flavor)
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp mirin (adds a touch of sweetness and balance)
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 150g udon noodles (fresh or frozen)
• Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Udon

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook udon noodles according to package instructions. If using frozen udon, boil for about 2 minutes until soft and chewy. Drain and set aside.

Pro Tip: Do not overcook the noodles. They should still have a slight chew for the best texture.

2. Build the Miso Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, and mirin until smooth. Set aside.

3. Sauté the Shrimp and Udon

In a large nonstick pan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onion and sauté until slightly softened.

Place the cooked udon in the center of the pan, then arrange the shrimp around the noodles. Add the roasted corn. Top the noodles with a small pat of butter, green onion and drizzle the miso sauce over everything.

Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, allowing the shrimp to turn pink and the noodles to absorb the sauce.

Pro Tip: Use Argentinian shrimp for their sweet, lobster-like flavor.

4. Combine Everything

Toss the shrimp, noodles, and corn together until everything is evenly coated in the miso garlic butter sauce.

5. Garnish and Serve

Transfer to a serving bowl and top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and glossy.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of butter and miso is magic. The butter gives the dish that silky richness, while the miso paste adds depth and umami. Together with soy sauce and mirin, you get a perfectly balanced sauce that clings to the udon.

Shrimp cooks quickly, making this dish ideal for busy weeknights, and because it’s high in protein and lower in fat, it fits perfectly into a balanced pescatarian lifestyle.

Pro Tips for the Best Udon Bowl

• Use white or red miso paste: White miso is milder and sweeter than red miso; just choose the one you prefer.
• Save noodle water: It helps emulsify the sauce so it clings better to the noodles.
• Don’t overcook shrimp: They should be pink and tender, not rubbery.
• Add heat if you like: A touch of chili oil or togarashi adds a nice kick.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Meal prep tip: Cook the sauce and shrimp ahead of time, then toss with fresh noodles before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and swap the udon for rice noodles.

Can I use another protein?

Definitely. Scallops, cod, or tofu all work beautifully with the miso butter sauce.

What kind of miso should I use?

White or red miso paste is best for this recipe. Choose the one you prefer.

Is this spicy?

Not by default, but you can easily make it spicy by adding chili oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

More High-Protein Recipes to Try

If you loved this Miso Garlic Butter Shrimp Udon, try these next:

• Salmon Pepper Lunch Bowl – sizzling and loaded with flavor.
• Hot & Spicy Salmon Belly – meal-prep-friendly favorite.
• Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice with Crispy Tofu – high protein and packed with flavor.
• Shrimp Toasts – crispy and creamy appetizer perfection.

Join the MelsHealthyBowl Community

If you make this recipe, tag me on Instagram @melshealthybowl and show me your version.

For more high-protein pescatarian recipes, subscribe to my website and YouTube channel. I share new easy recipes every week to help you hit your protein goals while keeping meals exciting and flavorful.