Shiso Butter Pasta

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Written By Azusa
 
Shiso Garlic Butter Pasta
 
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Shiso Butter with Shimeji Mushrooms for Wafu Pasta (Japanese Style)

There are always a few ingredients sitting quietly in the fridge that suddenly need to be used up right away. For me, it was a bundle of shiso leaves starting to get a little dark around the edges. I didn’t want them to go to waste, so I turned them into a quick homemade shiso butter and tossed it with pasta and shimeji mushrooms.

The result was simple but incredibly flavorful. The butter becomes fragrant from the garlic and shiso, while the soy sauce adds a savory finish that makes the pasta feel comforting and light at the same time.

This Shiso Butter Pasta is perfect for busy lunches, easy dinners, or those moments when you want something cozy without spending too much time cooking.

What is Shiso?

Shiso is a Japanese herb with a fresh, slightly minty, citrus-like, and aromatic flavor. It’s often used in Japanese cooking for sushi, noodles, salads, and rice dishes. Either green shiso or red shiso pair well with butter, soy sauce, and mushrooms, making it perfect for Japanese-style pasta dishes like this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Wafu Pasta (Japanese-style pasta) is easy and quick to make

  • Great way to use leftover shiso leaves

  • Packed with buttery umami flavor

  • Pasta is ready in under 20 minutes

Tips for the Best Shiso Butter Pasta

  • Use freshly cooked pasta for the smoothest sauce.

  • Don’t skip the pasta water — it helps create a silky coating.

  • Add extra shiso on top before serving for a brighter flavor.

  • This shiso butter also tastes amazing on grilled cheese, grilled fish, or toast.

Variations

Add Protein - you can try:

  • Bacon

  • Shrimp

  • Chicken

  • Tofu

Make it Spicy - you can add:

  • Red pepper flakes

  • Yuzu kosho

  • Japanese chili oil

Use Different Mushrooms:

  • Maitake mushrooms

  • Enoki mushrooms

  • Shiitake mushrooms

RECIPE

Servings: 1

Time: 15 min

Ingredients:

For the Pasta

  • 1 serving pasta

  • 1/2 pack shimeji mushrooms

  • 2 tbsp shiso butter

  • 1/4 cup pasta water

  • 1/2 tbsp soy sauce

  • cooking oil

For the Shiso Butter

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 10–12 shiso leaves, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, grated

Instructions:

  1. Make the Shiso Butter

    Soften the butter in a bowl.

    Mix in the salt, chopped shiso leaves, and grated garlic until evenly combined.

    Shape the butter into a log using plastic wrap or parchment paper.

    Refrigerate until firm.

  2. Cook the Pasta

    Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

    Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.

  3. Cook the Mushrooms

    Heat a pan with a splash of cooking oil over medium heat.

    Separate the shimeji mushrooms and sauté for about 1 minute until slightly softened.

  4. Combine Everything

    Add the shiso butter to the pan.

    Once melted, add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water.

    Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.

    Add the soy sauce and mix well.

    Serve immediately while hot.

 

My Kitchen Tool

Oven safe skillet

 
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FAQ

What does shiso taste like?

Shiso has a fresh herbal flavor with hints of mint, basil, and citrus. It’s commonly used in Japanese cooking.

Can I freeze shiso butter?

Yes. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Slice off pieces as needed.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Spaghetti works great, but linguine or fettuccine also pair well with the buttery sauce.

Where can I buy shiso leaves?

You can usually find shiso leaves at Japanese grocery stores or Asian supermarkets.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. This recipe is naturally vegetarian as long as you use vegetarian-friendly pasta.

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