Fried Rice with Miso and Brown Butter

Fried rice always hits the spot, whether you’re looking for a quick and tasty lunch option or chowing down at 2am. This fried rice is made extra special by featuring nutty browned butter and miso. Each grain of rice soaks up the flavor of the sweet miso, making each bite better than the last. The recipe can be easily tailored to be made vegan or dairy free.

Miso means Flavor

We are taking plain rice to the next level with the addition of miso paste. What is miso? Miso is a fermented bean paste, the miso in this dish adds a sweet umami flavor. We pair the miso with browned butter, giving the rice a lovely nutty flavor. The miso we are using comes in a paste, which is usually located in the vegetarian refrigerated area of your local grocery store. If you don’t want to chop vegetables, then feel free to use a frozen mixed medley of veggies.

washing your rice

It is very important to wash your rice. Washing your rice will remove any extra starch stuck on the outside of the grains. Washing your rice will ensure the grains do not stick together and we will avoid a mushy result. To wash your rice, simply pour your rice into a bowl and fill it with water. Swirl it around and carefully drain the water using your hand or a fine mesh strainer. Repeat this process until the water turns from milky to clear. Usually, 3-4 times is sufficient. To cook your rice, I use a 1:1 ratio, one part rice to one part water.

ingredients needed to make Fried Rice with miso and brown butter

• Rice (cooked and cooled or leftover)

• Onion (fresh or frozen)

• Carrot (fresh or frozen)

• Peas (I used frozen)

• Garlic 

• Cooking Oil

• Butter (regular or dairy free)

• White Miso Paste 

• Soy Sauce 

• Sesame Oil 

• Scallions (garnish)

how to make fried rice with miso and brown butter step by step

STEP 1: Prepare your rice. Wash the rice in cold tap water and drain. Bring 1 ½ cups rice and 1 ½ cups of water + 2 tbsp of water to a boil. Once your rice is boiling reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook the rice for 15 minutes. Once cooked allow to cool.

STEP 2: Prepare your veggies. Dice the onion and carrots. Chop the garlic. Thinly slice the green onions and set aside to garnish. Heat a large pan to medium heat. Add the cooking oil to the pan and cook the onions and carrots for 5 minutes until softened. 

STEP 3: While the onions and carrots cook, start browning your butter in a saucepan, over medium heat. When the melted butter begins to foam and turn a Carmel color your brown butter is ready. Turn off the heat and add the miso paste. Stir well to combine. 

STEP 4: Add your cooked rice, chopped garlic, and frozen peas to the onions and carrots. Using the back of a spoon break up the rice. Add in the miso butter, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Sauté the fried rice for 5 minutes. Add scallions and serve immediately. Enjoy!

notes for success

Add your favorite vegetables or protein to the dish. It is important to wash your rice before cooking and if possible, use leftover and chilled rice.

storage

You can store your browned butter miso vegetable fried rice in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

Are you looking for more dinner recipes with rice? Here are some of my favorites~

• Sheet Pan Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli

• Sweet Thai Peanut Chicken

• Vegetarian Korean Bulgogi

If you make this Fried Rice with Miso and Brown Butter, be sure to leave a comment and rating. Suggestions and substitutions are welcome. I appreciate your support and feedback and I try my best to respond to each and every comment! Thank you!