Miso Butter Corn with Toasted Sesame and Chili Flakes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sautéed sweet corn kernels with a rich miso butter sauce, toasted sesame seeds, and a hint of chili for a savory Japanese-inspired side dish. This japanese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 15 minutes pairs (from about 4 ears) fresh corn kernels, unsalted butter, white miso paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups fresh corn kernels to the skillet and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and begins to brown slightly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tsp soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp chili flakes, mixing thoroughly to coat the corn evenly and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant and the miso thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the corn, tossing gently.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped scallions for a fresh finish. Serve warm as a flavorful side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso Butter Corn with Toasted Sesame and Chili Flakes take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Miso Butter Corn with Toasted Sesame and Chili Flakes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso Butter Corn with Toasted Sesame and Chili Flakes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Miso Butter Corn with Toasted Sesame and Chili Flakes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Miso Butter Corn with Toasted Sesame and Chili Flakes vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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