Introduction
Flavorful miso butter combined with sweet corn and crispy bacon creates a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. The umami richness of miso butter complements the natural sweetness of corn, while the bacon adds a savory crunch. This recipe is simple, yet it brings a sophisticated twist to your dinner table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Miso Butter:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1½ tablespoons white miso (shiro miso)
Corn:
– 200 grams (7 ounces) streaky bacon, chopped into 1 cm (½ inch) pieces
– 3 cups corn kernels, preferably freshly cut from 3–4 corn cobs or frozen and thawed
– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 2 tablespoons cooking sake (optional; substitute with mirin or dry sherry)
– ⅛ teaspoon white pepper (substitute with black pepper if preferred)
– 1 cup green onions, cut into 0.5 cm (0.2 inch) slices
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Miso Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and white miso until well combined.
Cook Bacon
Place the chopped bacon in a large, unheated non-stick pan without adding oil. Turn the heat to medium-high; as the pan heats, the bacon fat will render. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bacon becomes golden. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Sauté Corn
If there’s less than 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan, add a bit of butter to compensate. With the heat still on medium-high, add the corn kernels. Stir every minute or so to allow the corn to develop light golden spots, cooking for about 5 minutes until the corn is just cooked and sweet.
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Deglaze Pan
Pour in the cooking sake (or its substitute) and stir until it evaporates, approximately 15 seconds.
Incorporate Miso Butter
Turn off the heat. Add the prepared miso butter to the pan, stirring until it melts and coats the corn evenly.
Season and Serve
Sprinkle in the white pepper, then add the cooked bacon and sliced green onions. Toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
Bacon Selection
Use streaky bacon for a good amount of fat that adds flavor, but other types can be substituted based on preference.
Corn Choice
Freshly cut corn enhances sweetness and texture; however, frozen corn can be a convenient substitute.
Cooking Sake Alternatives
If cooking sake is unavailable, you can use mirin or dry sherry instead for a similar taste profile.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Cook techniques
Preparing Miso Butter
Mix softened unsalted butter with white miso in a small bowl until well combined to create a rich and umami-packed condiment.
Cooking Bacon
Start with a cold non-stick pan and add chopped bacon without any oil. Heat to medium-high and allow the fat to render, cooking until golden brown.
Sautéing Corn
Add fresh or thawed corn kernels to the rendered bacon fat in a heated pan. Stir occasionally to encourage even cooking and slight caramelization, enhancing sweetness.
Adding Garlic
Incorporate minced garlic into the corn after it has cooked for a few minutes, allowing it to release its flavor without burning.
Deglazing the Pan
Pour in cooking sake, mirin, or dry sherry to the hot pan to lift and dissolve any browned bits, infusing the dish with additional flavor.
Incorporating Miso Butter
Turn off the heat before adding the miso butter, ensuring it melts gently and coats the corn without cooking out its flavor.
Seasoning and Serving
Finish the dish by adding cooked bacon and sliced green onions, tossing everything together for a harmonious blend of flavors.
FAQ
Can I use other types of miso?
Yes, you can substitute white miso with yellow or red miso, but it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
What can I substitute for cooking sake?
Mirin or dry sherry are good alternatives if you do not have cooking sake on hand.
Is it necessary to use fresh corn?
Fresh corn provides the best sweetness and texture, but you can use frozen corn if necessary, ensuring it’s thawed before cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, skip the bacon and increase the amount of butter or use plant-based bacon for a vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
This miso butter corn dish is a delightful blend of flavors, combining the umami richness of miso with the sweetness of corn and the smoky essence of bacon. It makes for an excellent side dish that can elevate any meal, captivating the palate with its savory notes and satisfying texture.
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