Transform summer zucchini and squash by cooking them in a delicious miso butter that will enhance their flavor and have even the pickiest of eaters enjoying their vegetables. Summer zucchini and squash can be somewhat lack luster when it comes to the veggie world but this miso butter really packs a flavor punch that will make these your new favorite vegetable side dish! The combination of perfectly cooked zucchini, squash, caramelized onions, and melted miso butter is a dynamite combination that you won’t be able to get enough of. These miso butter zucchini and squash are going to be your new favorite summer dish.

What is miso exactly?

Miso is a fermented soybean paste that is made from soybeans, salt, and koji. It is used traditionally in Japanese cooking, but these days it’s gaining popularity for it’s savory umami flavor that it can add to so many dishes besides Asian cooking. It’s a secret weapon in the kitchen that adds a depth of flavor that will have people wondering “what is that delicious flavor” in a number of dishes. Miso has a couple of varieties ranging from red, white, and can be a mix as well. White is the most neutral in flavor which is why I like to use it in non Asian recipes because it never overpowers the main ingredient. But you can really. use whichever you have on hand or prefer.

What other vegetables can I use in this recipe?

You can use a variety of vegetables in this recipe and even swap them based on the season. You can use this same method and cook green beans, carrots, winter squash like butternut and acorn, asparagus, and so much more.

How do I make miso butter?

Simply bring salted butter to room temperature and then stir in miso paste until well combined. This mix can be kept in the refrigerator if you want to make a bigger batch of it to use in different recipes.

Where can I find miso?

Miso paste can be found in most grocery stores on the Asian food aisle.

If you like this recipe, you might want to try the Best Vegetable Soup where I add a little miso to the broth to take it to the next level.

Ingredients:

• 2 Large Zucchini

• 2 Large Yellow Squash

• 1 Cup Sliced Onions

• 2 Tbsp. Salted Butter at Room Temperature

• 1 Tbsp. White Miso Paste

• 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

• 1/2 Tsp. Kosher Salt

• 1/2 Tsp. Black Pepper

Directions:

• Heat a skillet to medium heat and add olive oil.

• Add onions with salt and pepper and sauté until the onions begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes.

• Slice zucchini and squash into 1” thick rounds and then add to the pan and stir to combine with the onions.

• Spread the zucchini and squash into a single layer to create a good caramelization on each surface of the vegetables on both sides. If the pan is too crowded the zucchini and squash will steam and not get a good color on each side and end up with a softer texture.

• Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side and then flip to cook on the second side for another 2 minutes.

• Meanwhile make the miso butter by combining the butter and miso paste until smooth.

• When vegetables are almost done cooking, melt in the miso butter in the skillet and stir to combine the butter with the vegetables until thoroughly coated.

• Serve immediately.

These miso butter zucchini and squash are delicious, healthy, easy to make, and completely irresistible. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try for yourself.