Miso Butter Onions Recipe on Food52 (2024)

5 Ingredients or Fewer

by: Food52

October15,2020

4.6

20 Ratings

  • Prep time 15 minutes
  • Cook time 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Serves 6 as a side

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Author Notes

Reprinted from Ottolenghi Flavor. Copyright © 2020 by Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage. Photographs copyright © 2020 by Jonathan Lovekin. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.Food52

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Watch This Recipe

Miso ButterOnions

Ingredients
  • 8 small onions or 8 large shallots (about 5 1/4 ounces / 150 grams each; 2 2⁄3 pounds / 1.2 kilograms total)
  • 7 tablespoons(100 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cupplus 1 tablespoon (100 grams) white or other miso paste
  • 1 quart(1 liter) warm water
Directions
  1. Heat the oven to 500°F (240°C fan).
  2. Halve the onions or shallots lengthwise, discarding the papery skin, as well as the layer beneath if it is tough or dry. Trim the tops and a little off the bottom (not too much—you want to ensure the onion halves stay held together at the base).
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, miso, and warm water until fully combined.
  4. Place the onion halves, cut-side down and spaced apart, in a 9x13-inch (23x33-centimeter) high-sided baking dish or pan and pour in the miso water. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and turn the onions over so they are cut-side up (take care to ensure they remain intact). Baste the onions very well, then return to the oven, uncovered, for another 45 to 50 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until the onions are very soft, deeply browned on top, and the sauce has reduced to a gravy consistency.
  5. Carefully transfer the onions to a platter, pouring the sauce over and around them, and serve at once.

Tags:

  • Japanese
  • European
  • Onion
  • Miso
  • 5 Ingredients or Fewer
  • Vegetarian
  • Side

Popular on Food52

17 Reviews

Carol January 19, 2023

These onions were so delicious! It did seem like a lot of water but the sauce came out perfect and not salty. I served these with a beef tenderloin and then used the extra sauce for French Dip! Highly recommend this recipe! So savory!

Wendy K. November 23, 2022

I've made these before, and am making them again this Thanksgiving. In the past, I threw the whole thing in the blender and used it as gravy. It's a little sweeter than your average gravy, but this would solve the problem of it having too much liquid. I'm making a buttermilk brined turkey breast so there's not to much to make gravy with. This is a good solution.

Steven W. October 15, 2022

I'm guessing you could substitute a curry or even a good tomato paste? It's a very different vibe, but I have those on hand more than miso paste. Either way, you can hardly go wrong with braised onions.

aclincol June 19, 2022

I use 3/4 of the water and it turned out beautifully. I also had to reduce the heat a bit because it was browning too quickly. Great flavor - we had it as a simple dinner with rice and it was lovely.

Wendy H. July 25, 2021

As others have commented, there is at least 50% more water than necessary for the amount of time given for reduction. I left mine in at least another 45 minutes before the liquid was almost reduced like the picture, and even removed some to add to a pork roast pan sauce. They were almost too salty, which I attribute to the type of miso used.

Barbara July 5, 2021

An entirely engaging video. THANKS. I shall try.

Julie January 20, 2021

This is soooo good! A quart of water seemed like a lot of liquid at first but I ended up keeping it in the oven an extra ten minutes for the sauce to cook down. The onions and sauce spooned on top of rice accompanying roasted chicken is the tastiest comforting meal ever!! So easy. Will definitely be making again.

Jwiner January 18, 2021

Mine came out very salty, I followed the recepie exactly. it was very tasty but too salty, has anyone experienced also this?

miwucs February 12, 2021

What kind of miso did you use? Most miso pastes have around 12 g of salt per 100 g, but white miso is often around 6 g, sometimes even lower. I think the recipe is tailored for white miso. Using a reddish miso, I lowered the quantity from 100 g to 60 g and it was delicious.

MRubenzahl January 3, 2021

Ooooh, this is sooooo good.

I thought it was too much liquid but I trusted the recipe and let it cook. At 500°F, the liquid reduced and thickened to a very flavorful sauce in less than the indicated time. In fact, mine was done 10 or 15 minutes before and it burns very quickly — so keep an eye on it.

And it says it serves 6 but these are so delicious, I would say it serves 4.

alejita December 30, 2020

Taste is a 10+. The sauce took 3 hours in the oven to reduce to more-or-less decent consistency. Next time, 2/3 of the water.

J M. December 12, 2020

I think there has to be a mistake with the recipe. The quart of water literally leaves your onions swimming! Mine fell apart and became a nice soup. Word of warning, maybe half the water and baste as needed while in oven.

Kiyom December 26, 2020

I agree. There was way too much liquid. I had to scoop some out!

Kate H. November 27, 2020

This was challenging to make with shallots because they were too short for the quantity of liquid called for and floated all around the roasting dish. The flavors were incredible if a bit strong so I don’t think I splice serve it as a stand-alone side, but it was heavenly with some potatoes.

Steven W. October 15, 2022

I wonder if split leeks might work?

Elizabeth T. November 26, 2020

This is sooo good. On a whim, I pureed leftovers which became an amazing gravy.

Änneken November 16, 2020

Beautiful recipe. They feel like a wonderful warm hug during the cold winter months.

Miso Butter Onions Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

What to serve with Ottolenghi miso onions? ›

Ottolenghi recommends serving these supple onions with roast chicken or over grilled bread, mashed potatoes or rice.

What does miso paste do to a dish? ›

Its ultra-savoury, umami flavour gives all sorts of dishes a lovely depth. Use miso paste in soups, broths, as a glaze or in dressings; or use it in Jamie's gorgeous Seared sesame tuna recipe from 5 Ingredients – Quick & Easy Food. Miso also goes really well with aubergine, mushrooms or tofu.

What style of food is Ottolenghi? ›

It became a place with no single description but was a clear reflection of our obsessive relationship with food. From this, Ottolenghi has developed a style of food which is rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, but which also draws in diverse influences and ingredients from around the world.

What does miso taste good with? ›

The typically recommended foods that go well with miso are considered to be the savory foods like meat, fish, and vegetables. However, there is a growing body of recipes out there that use miso in just about every way and with every type of food you can imagine.

Can you eat too much miso paste? ›

Miso consumption is generally safe for most people. However, it does contain a large amount of salt. Thus, it may not be a good choice for individuals who need to limit their salt intake due to a medical condition. Finally, most varieties are made from soybeans, which could be considered a goitrogen.

What is the secret ingredient in miso paste? ›

Miso paste is a fermented soy bean paste that's used a lot in Japanese cooking. It's made by fermenting steamed soy beans with salt, grains (usually rice or barley) and koji, a type of fungus. But don't let that put you off – it's a phenomenal way to add flavour to meat, fish and more.

Does miso need to be refrigerated? ›

Miso should be stored in a covered container and to maintain its colour and flavour, refrigeration is best. As a general rule, the lighter the colour and flavour, the more careful you will need to be and refrigeration is best. Sweet miso should be consumed within three weeks of opening, white miso within 3 months.

What do you eat with marinated onions? ›

Sliced red onions, marinated in red wine vinegar, olive oil and oregano make a fantastic side dish for salads and grilled meats. They're tangy, with a bit of crunch and a lovely silky coating. I love to serve them with salads, grilled meats, on kebabs or with a Greek mezze board.

What foods go well with miso? ›

It is especially good with rustic flavours such as alliums, root vegetables and seaweed, but it has some less likely partners, too.
  • Carrot.
  • Chives.
  • Chocolate.
  • Corn.
  • Egg.
  • Green beans.
  • Honey.
  • Pecan nuts.
May 13, 2023

What to serve Nasu Dengaku with? ›

Nasu Dengaku is usually served as a side, but also makes a great vegetarian main. Simply add some plain rice (or cilantro lime rice), a few toasted cashews, lime slices, and enjoy! You can also serve with a side of quinoa, bulgur or black beluga lentils.

What is traditionally served with miso soup? ›

This comes down to personal preference, although typical additions include crisp or sliced spring onions, tofu, wakame seaweed mushrooms, fish, and/or shellfish. The soup is generally served as a small portion side dish to complement a meal, such as a bowl of rice, sashimi or steak.

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