Instant Pot Miso Butter Edamame and Buckwheat

Name: Instant Pot Miso Butter Edamame and Buckwheat
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1½ cups (270 g) buckwheat groats (hulled, unroasted), dry, not rinsed; 2½ cups (600 ml) low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth; 1½ cups (225 g) frozen shelled edamame, thawed; 2 tablespoons (36 g) white or light mellow miso paste; 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, cold; ½ teaspoon (2½ ml) toasted sesame oil; to taste sea salt; to taste freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon (9 g) white or black sesame seeds (or a mix), toasted (optional garnish) (optional); 1 stalk (25 g) scallion (green onion), thinly sliced on the bias (optional garnish) (optional)

From the MyKitchenBank Kitchen

A nutty, savory side dish that combines tender buckwheat groats and frozen edamame, finished with a umami-rich miso butter glaze and a whisper of toasted sesame. Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal hands-on time, this pairs beautifully with roasted fish, grilled chicken, or as part of a vegetarian grain bowl.

Prep: 5 min
Cook: 12 min
Wait: 3 min
Total: 20 min
Makes: 4 servings (about 3/4 cup per serving)

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Steps

Before you start

Measure buckwheat in a dry measuring cup (do not rinse it first—this helps it toast slightly and adds nutty flavor)
Have the Instant Pot insert ready on the base unit
Gather all ingredients and prep items within arm's reach

1
Toast buckwheat and sauté aromatics
- Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function on medium-high heat.
- Pour the dry buckwheat groats directly into the pot base (no oil needed) and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes, until the buckwheat becomes fragrant and turns a shade darker.
- Listen for a subtle toasty aroma; this brings out the nutty flavor.
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Ready when: Buckwheat is fragrant and lightly browned
Tip: Stir constantly to prevent uneven browning or burning. Dry toasting without oil is essential for nutty flavor.
2
Deglaze and add broth
- Pour the broth into the pot, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any toasted bits.
- Stir to combine with the buckwheat and ensure no grains are stuck to the bottom.
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Ready when: Broth is well mixed and no stuck bits remain on the pot bottom
Tip: Scrape the bottom well to avoid a burn warning; stuck bits can trigger the pot's safety mechanism.
3
Pressure cook buckwheat
- Cancel the Sauté function.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing.
- Select High Pressure and set the timer for 7 minutes.
- The pot will take 2–3 minutes to reach pressure.
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Ready when: Pressure indicator shows the pot has fully pressurized; timer counts down from 7 minutes
Tip: Do not skip the come-to-pressure time—it's part of the cooking process and ensures tender grains.
4
Quick release and add edamame
- When the timer beeps, carefully switch the valve to Venting to release pressure quickly.
- Once fully vented (about 30 seconds), open the lid.
- The buckwheat should be tender but still have a slight chew.
- Stir in the thawed edamame, breaking up any clumps with the spoon.
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Ready when: Buckwheat is tender; edamame is broken up and mixed through
Tip: Use a kitchen towel to shield your hand from steam when venting. Be patient—pressure release takes time.
5
Create miso butter glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste and 2 tablespoons of warm broth from the pot (or warm water).
- Whisk until smooth with no lumps.
- Add the cold butter and whisk until incorporated and glossy.
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Ready when: Miso and butter are fully combined into a smooth, glossy paste
Tip: Whisking the miso with warm liquid first prevents lumps; adding cold butter creates a silky emulsion.
6
Finish and season
- Pour the miso butter glaze over the buckwheat and edamame.
- Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté on low heat and gently fold the glaze through the grains for 1–2 minutes, ensuring even coating.
- Drizzle in the sesame oil and fold once more.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Turn off the Instant Pot.
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Ready when: Miso butter is evenly distributed throughout; grains glisten and sesame oil aroma is present
Tip: Use low heat to prevent the miso from scorching; folding gently keeps the grains intact.
7
Garnish and serve
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl.
- Scatter toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallion over the top if desired.
- Serve warm as a side dish alongside fish, poultry, or vegetables.
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Ready when: Dish is plated and garnished
Tip: Garnish just before serving so sesame seeds stay crispy and scallion stays fresh.

Good to know

Tips

Miso is a live culture; never boil it once added. Keeping the heat on low when folding it in preserves its complex umami flavor and beneficial enzymes.
If your buckwheat turns mushy, you may have added too much liquid or cooked it too long. Next time, reduce the broth to 2.25 cups (540 ml) and check the texture at 6 minutes under pressure.
For a creamier finish, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt after removing from the heat.
Toasting the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes before garnishing brings out their nuttiness and enhances the overall dish.

Storage & reheating

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave (30–40 seconds) or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth to restore moisture. The dish does not freeze well due to the butter emulsion.

Substitutions

buckwheat groats (hulled, unroasted) → Roasted buckwheat groats (kasha). Use the same quantity and reduce the toasting time to 1–2 minutes. Roasted groats are already darker and more nutty.
white or light mellow miso paste → Red or barley miso. Use the same quantity. Red miso is deeper and more assertive; start with 1½ tablespoons and adjust to taste.
toasted sesame oil → Walnut oil or a neutral oil infused with a drop of soy sauce. Sesame oil is key to the flavor; if unavailable, a small pinch of toasted sesame seeds crushed into neutral oil mimics the taste.
frozen shelled edamame → Shelled peas (fresh or frozen) or diced sugar snap peas. Use the same quantity. Peas offer a slightly sweeter note; adjust salt slightly as they are milder.