Miso butter popcorn is a unique flavor twist on a classic favorite snack! Crisp, salty popcorn gets a flavor boost with savory, umami-packed miso butter drizzled on top. It’s the best way to elevate a classic bowl of popcorn and transform it into an extra delicious snack!
This umami-packed treat is bursting with flavor and is so easy to make.
We love what miso butter can do to dishes (like this Oven Baked Miso Salmon).
But the great thing about miso butter is it’s not just for dinner parties and main course dishes. You can easily elevate basic popcorn with just a few simple ingredients for the ultimate late-night snack.
Why This Miso Popcorn Recipe Works
The secret ingredient in this tasty and crispy popcorn recipe is white miso paste.
With savory, umami flavors, a little bit of miso paste mixed into your melted butter turns into a delicious sauce for your stovetop popcorn.
It’s buttery. It’s rich. It’s salty. It has all the tasty qualities and depth of flavor that are a must when it comes to a phenomenal popcorn topping.
- The easiest homemade treat for your next movie night or simple snack!
- Big on flavor and the perfect fluffy yet crispy popcorn texture.
- Quick to prepare with just a few simple steps required.
- A tasty spin on classic popcorn that the whole family will find irresistible.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a look at what you will need to make this popped corn:
- Vegetable oil. This neutral oil can withstand a high heat and is perfect for popping corn!
- Popcorn kernels. The main ingredient for homemade popcorn. Use your favorite brand/type.
- Butter. Salted or unsalted butter? It’s completely your choice!
- White miso paste. This is what adds the rich umami flavor to the buttery topping. You can find it at most grocery stores, sometimes in a squeezable pouch.
- Salt. Add salt to taste. If you choose to use salted butter, you will likely need less salt.
How to Make Miso Butter Popcorn
Here’s a look at the simple steps in this easy process. This savory snack comes together in just a few minutes, and is a great snack when you’re craving something salty and flavorful.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full recipe card with all of the ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.
- Pour the oil and popcorn kernels into a 4-quart pan (or large pot) and set it over medium-high heat.
- Cover the pan with the lid but leave it partially cracked.
- Let the popcorn heat up. As it begins to pop, shake the pan occasionally. When popping slows to just a few pops, remove it from heat and tip it into a large mixing bowl for serving.
- Add the butter and miso paste to a small bowl or pitcher and melt it in the microwave. Stir, then pour the savory butter over the popcorn. Toss to coat all of the popped kernels, then serve.
Recipe Variations
Miso Caramel Twist
Turn it into a miso caramel delight by whipping up some homemade caramel sauce. When the caramel sauce is hot and bubbly, toss it with the popcorn then spread it out on a baking sheet until the caramel sets.
Buttery Furikake Explosion
Garlic miso and furikake popcorn is a fantastic flavor! Add some furikake seasoning and some sesame seeds then toss everything together. The result is a burst of savory flavors with a hint of seaweed and sesame.
Spicy Adventure
Add a kick to this snack by mixing in a dash of garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder. If you like it really spicy, add a touch of cayenne.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to pop the corn kernels in a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point. If you don’t have vegetable oil, other alternatives are avocado oil, grapeseed oil or canola oil.
- For an even quicker butter popcorn you can use microwave popcorn. Just follow the instructions for popping, then pour the miso butter on top.
Keep in mind that many microwaveable popcorn bags have butter flavor already added so we recommend choosing one that is more “natural” or flavored with just sea salt. - Store any leftovers in an airtight container like a Ziplock bag or Tupperware, for 3-5 days or until it loses its freshness.
Other Ways to Enjoy Miso Paste
If you love this flavor here are a few other recipes you’d enjoy!
- Miso Brownie Bites– Fudgy, bite-sized brownies are dipped in a rich chocolate ganache and sprinkled with chopped walnuts.
- Miso Glazed Sea Bass– A fusion of Asian flavors, buttery sea bass fillets are marinated in a delicious, sweet-salty sauce that features Japanese miso paste and Chinese green Sichuan pepper oil. It’s an elevated dinner that is easy to prepare!
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- large saucepan with lid
- small pitcher
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Buttery Miso Popcorn
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoon white miso paste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Pour the oil and popcorn kernels into a 4-quart pan set over medium-high heat.
- Cover the pan leaving the lid partially cracked.
- As the corn begins to pop, shake the pan occasionally. When popping slows to just a few pops, remove from the heat and tip into a large bowl.
- Add the butter and miso paste to a small dish or pitcher and melt in the microwave.
- Pour the miso butter over the popcorn, toss and serve.
Notes
- Pop the corn using a high-smoke oil such as avocado, grapeseed or canola.
- Microwave popcorn can also be used, follow manufacturer's’ instructions.
