If you’re on the hunt for a dish that brings a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and just a touch of umami, the Miso Butter Corn with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This dish combines the natural sweetness of corn with the rich creaminess of miso-infused butter, crispy bacon pieces, and fresh green onions that add brightness and crunch. Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or looking for a side that elevates any meal, this recipe packs bold flavors with simple ingredients that come together effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish so irresistible is how straightforward the ingredients are, each bringing its own magic. From the buttery smoothness to the tangy miso and hearty bacon, every component plays a role in balancing flavors and textures, making the cooking process as enjoyable as the eating.
- Unsalted butter (30g / 2 tbsp): Softened for easy mixing and to provide the creamy base that carries the miso flavor beautifully.
- White miso (1 1/2 tbsp): Also known as shiro miso, it adds a mild, savory umami that elevates the sweetness of the corn.
- Streaky bacon (200g / 7oz), chopped: Offers smoky, crispy bites that contrast perfectly with the softness of the corn and butter.
- Corn kernels (3 cups): Freshly cut from 3 to 4 ears of corn or thawed from frozen, they bring natural sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Garlic cloves (2), finely minced: Adds a fragrant bite that complements both the bacon and miso flavors.
- Cooking sake (2 tbsp, optional): Evaporates quickly to impart a subtle depth; mirin or dry sherry work as great substitutes.
- White pepper (1/8 tsp): Provides a gentle heat without overpowering, allowing all other flavors to shine.
- Green onion (1 cup), sliced: Brings freshness and a slight crunch that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Miso Butter Corn with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Miso Butter
Start by blending your softened unsalted butter with the white miso paste until smooth and fully incorporated. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse; the miso’s salty, umami richness marries with buttery creaminess, creating the signature sauce base for the corn.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon to Golden Perfection
Place the chopped bacon in a cold, large non-stick skillet with no added oil. As you turn the heat to medium-high, the bacon fat will slowly render out, crisping the bacon pieces to a beautiful golden color. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until crispy but still tender, then transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet—that’s going to add so much flavor to your corn later.
Step 3: Sauté the Corn
If there’s less than 1 tablespoon of bacon fat left in the pan, add a bit of butter to reach that magic amount. Over medium-high heat, add the corn kernels but resist stirring constantly; letting them sit helps create those lovely golden spots that bring a toasted sweetness. After around 5 minutes, add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds to release its aroma. Pour in the cooking sake and stir until it evaporates, about 15 seconds.
Step 4: Finish with Miso Butter, Bacon, and Green Onions
Turn off the heat and stir in the miso butter mixture until it melts evenly and coats the corn beautifully. Season with white pepper, then fold in the crisp bacon and sliced green onions. Toss everything gently to combine, letting the heat from the pan marry all the flavors into a deliciously cohesive dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
This Miso Butter Corn with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe shines as a side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or steamed rice. You can also get creative and use it as a filling for corn tacos topped with a fried egg and creamy avocado. Seriously, the combination is next level!
How to Serve Miso Butter Corn with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few chili flakes on top can give this dish an exciting crunch or mild kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or a handful of finely chopped parsley add a pop of green and freshness that brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
Because the Miso Butter Corn with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe is rich and flavorful, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, a crisp green salad, or even grilled chicken or fish. These lighter, simple sides help balance the dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your serving game up a notch by spooning the corn into warm tortillas for a tasty taco party, or pile it atop creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. You can also serve it in small bowls as a warm appetizer that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, though the corn might soften slightly, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two.
Freezing
Freezing miso butter corn with bacon is not recommended because the texture of the corn and bacon changes when thawed, potentially becoming mushy. If you need to save leftovers long-term, consider freezing the components separately.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to redistribute the miso butter sauce evenly. Microwaving is possible but may result in uneven heating and loss of crispness in the bacon.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Fresh corn offers the best natural sweetness and texture, but frozen corn works just fine. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before cooking to avoid sogginess.
Is white miso necessary, or can I substitute with other types?
White miso is preferred for its mild and slightly sweet profile that complements the corn nicely. Red or darker miso can be more intense and salty, so if you use those, start with less and adjust to taste.
What can I substitute for cooking sake?
If you don’t have cooking sake, mirin or dry sherry make excellent replacements. They help add a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
How do I prevent bacon from getting too greasy?
Cooking the bacon slowly over medium-high heat allows the fat to render out well. Be sure to drain the crispy bacon on a paper towel to absorb excess fat before adding it back into the dish.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use extra butter or a touch of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor. Adding sautéed mushrooms can introduce a meaty texture as well.
Final Thoughts
This Miso Butter Corn with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels fancy but comes together with ease and simple, familiar ingredients. The marriage of sweet corn, savory miso butter, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions creates a mouthwatering flavor fest that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself craving it again and again!
Print
Miso Butter Corn with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Description
Miso butter corn is a savory and flavorful side dish featuring sweet corn kernels cooked with crispy bacon, garlic, and a rich white miso butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines the umami depth of miso with the sweetness of corn and the smoky taste of bacon, finished with a touch of sake and fresh green onions for brightness. Perfect as a standalone side or as a delightful filling in tacos with fried egg and avocado.
Ingredients
Miso Butter
- 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 tbsp white miso (shiro miso)
Main Ingredients
- 200g / 7oz streaky bacon, chopped into 1cm / 1/2″ pieces
- 3 cups corn kernels, preferably freshly cut off 3 – 4 corn cobs or frozen thawed
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tbsp cooking sake (optional; substitute mirin or dry sherry)
- 1/8 tsp white pepper (substitute black pepper if necessary)
- 1 cup green onion, cut into 0.5cm/0.2″ slices
Instructions
- Mix Miso Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and white miso until fully blended into a smooth mixture.
- Cook Bacon: Place the chopped streaky bacon into a large non-stick pan that is still cold and add no additional oil. Turn the heat to medium-high. As the pan heats, the bacon fat will render out, cooking the bacon in its own fat. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the bacon pieces turn golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon fat in the pan for the next step.
- Cook Corn: If there is less than 1 tablespoon of fat remaining in the pan, add butter to make up the difference. Keep the heat on medium-high and add the corn kernels. Stir the corn only every minute or so to allow golden spots to develop, cooking for around 5 minutes until the corn is tender and sweet. Add in the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the cooking sake and cook, stirring continuously, until the liquid evaporates, about 15 seconds.
- Add Miso Butter and Finish: Turn off the stove and immediately add the miso butter to the warm corn mixture. Stir until the miso butter fully melts and coats the corn evenly. Season with white pepper, then add the cooked bacon and sliced green onions. Toss everything gently to combine and coat with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the miso butter corn hot as a flavorful side dish. It also makes a delicious taco filling when paired with a fried egg and avocado for an extra indulgent meal.
Notes
- Use white miso (shiro miso) for a mild, slightly sweet umami flavor. Avoid stronger miso pastes to keep the delicate balance.
- Fresh corn is preferred for sweetness but frozen corn can be used after thawing.
- Sake can be substituted with mirin or dry sherry depending on availability and taste preference.
