This miso butter recipe is a delightful blend of rich unsalted butter and savory white miso. When you roast onions with this buttery combo, it creates a perfectly warm and comforting side dish that’s simply irresistible!
This recipe addresses the issues of bland onions and lack of umami flavor that many home cooks encounter with traditional roasting methods.
Sometimes, I find myself struggling to make simple flavors shine, especially when time is short. This recipe really tackles that problem by allowing you to effortlessly create something special with just a few straightforward ingredients.
What sets this recipe apart is its simple yet robust flavors, and the roasting time of about 50-60 minutes lets the onions become beautifully caramelized. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip this up for a busy weeknight or unexpected guests!
If you’re searching for another savory side, consider my Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo for a delicious pairing.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Umami Flavor Miso butter packs a flavor punch with its deep savory notes. The combination of miso and butter brings a creamy and bold profile that complements a variety of dishes.
- Unique Ingredient Switch-Up Using chives or onions enhances the butter’s taste and adds a fresh pop. This little twist takes it from standard to something special, perfect for adding interest to everyday meals.
- A Versatile Spread Miso butter isn’t just for vegetables. Spread it on toasted bread or use it in sauces to infuse your favorite dishes with heartiness and flavor.
- Long-Lasting Freshness Store miso butter in the fridge, and it stays fresh for weeks. This make-ahead option is a time-saver for busy cooks looking to add rich, homemade flavor to meals easily.
Miso Butter with Chives or Onions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 70 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: side dish
- Method: Roasting/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious miso butter roasted onions, perfect as a side dish or spread.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons white miso
- 3/4 pounds (340 g) yellow onions
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (for caramelizing onions)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional, for flavor enhancement)
- Salt, to taste (optional, depending on miso saltiness)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, mash the white miso together with the room temperature unsalted butter using a fork until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This step is important for even flavor distribution and a harmonious taste.
- Step 2: Peel and slice the yellow onions evenly to ensure uniform cooking and consistent caramelization.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir gently to coat them with the oil.
- Step 4: Cook the onions, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent burning and encourage even browning. After about 20 minutes, the onions will start to turn translucent and soften, gradually developing a golden-brown color as they caramelize. Continue cooking for a total of 50-60 minutes, until deeply caramelized.
- Step 5: Once the onions have browned, add a small splash of water or broth to the pan. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This will enhance flavor and help form a natural sauce with the caramelized onions.
- Step 6: Stir the caramelized onions thoroughly into the miso butter mixture until everything is well coated and combined.
- Step 7: Sample the mixture and adjust salt or butter amounts according to your preference. If the mixture is too salty, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to balance the flavor. If firmness has developed from chilling, let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
- Step 8: Spoon the miso butter roasted onions over your favorite dishes. They serve well as a side to grilled meats, spread on toast, or paired with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. Optionally, top with sesame seeds, fresh herbs, chili oil, or a drizzle of lemon juice to add brightness.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store the miso butter mixture in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 7 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to prevent absorption of other odors.
- Freezing: Freeze in a suitable freezer container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
- Stir onions every 10 minutes during caramelizing to avoid uneven browning and burning.
- If onions are not caramelizing well, increase heat slightly and add 1 tablespoon additional neutral oil.
- If miso butter is lumpy, mash vigorously with a fork until smooth for the best texture.
- If miso butter is too salty, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to mellow the flavor.
- Allow miso butter to warm at room temperature for 10 minutes if too firm after refrigeration for easier spreading.
- Warm gently in a pan over low heat or at room temperature to soften before use. Avoid high heat to prevent separating.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or grilled meats for an umami flavor boost.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or steamed rice for a comforting meal addition.
- Use as a spread on garlic bread or in sandwiches.
- Add to roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed greens for added depth.
- Substitute green onions for chives for a stronger bite if preferred.
- Use different types of white miso to vary umami intensity while maintaining milder butter flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative and adjust salt accordingly.
- White miso is recommended for its mild taste and harmonious blending with butter. Keep refrigerated to preserve freshness.
- Use fresh, good-quality unsalted butter to avoid excess saltiness and allow miso flavor to shine.
- Choose fresh chives or green onions with vibrant color and no blemishes for best flavor addition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Not specified
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: Not specified
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified
- Cholesterol: Not specified
Ingredient Notes
- Miso: Choose white miso for a milder taste that blends well with the butter. It’s key for the umami flavor in this recipe! Store in the fridge to keep it fresh.
- Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for a balanced flavor. It allows the miso to shine through without added saltiness, so make sure to use fresh, good-quality butter.
- Chives or Onions: Fresh chives give a subtle onion flavor, but if you want more bite, use green onions. Look for vibrant, unblemished greens for the best taste.
- Miso: Choose white miso for a milder taste that blends well with the butter. It’s key for the umami flavor in this recipe! Store in the fridge to keep it fresh.
- Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for a balanced flavor. It allows the miso to shine through without added saltiness, so make sure to use fresh, good-quality butter.
- Chives or Onions: Fresh chives give a subtle onion flavor, but if you want more bite, use green onions. Look for vibrant, unblemished greens for the best taste.
Recipe Tips
- If your miso butter is lumpy, mash it vigorously with a fork until smooth, which is essential for even flavor distribution.
- When caramelizing onions, stir them every 10 minutes during cooking to avoid uneven browning and prevent burning.
- If your onions aren’t caramelizing well, increase the heat slightly and add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil to facilitate browning.
- When your miso butter is too salty, mix in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to mellow the flavor effectively.
- If the texture is too firm after refrigerating, let the miso butter sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before spreading.
Serving Suggestions
Serve miso butter with roasted vegetables or grilled meats for an umami boost. Pair it with mashed potatoes or steamed rice for additional flavor.
Use miso butter to make savory garlic bread or a tasty spread for sandwiches. Add to roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed greens for a delicious twist.
Top with sesame seeds or a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or coriander. A drizzle of chili oil or lemon juice also adds brightness.
Recipe variations
- You can use 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter as the base for this miso butter recipe, ensuring a creamy texture ideal for spreading or melting over dishes.
- Add 2 tablespoons of white miso and 2 tablespoons of chopped chives to the butter for a mild umami and fresh onion flavor, blending well for uniform taste.
- Either caramelized yellow onions or fresh chives work in this recipe; if using onions, sauté 3/4 pound with 2 tablespoons neutral oil until golden brown for depth.
- If you need more servings, multiply the recipe by two or three times, keeping the same ratio of miso to butter, similar to adjustments made in my Roasted Onions recipe.
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How to Store?
To keep your miso butter with chives or onions fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days, keeping it away from heat and direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 7 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to prevent odor absorption.
Freezing: Place in a freezer container or wrap in plastic wrap, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before use.
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