Miso soup is a warm and savory dish cherished by many around the world. This comforting soup offers a rich umami flavor thanks to its key ingredient: miso paste. People love miso soup for its simplicity, deliciousness, and ability to be customized to personal taste. It’s perfect for a light meal or as a side dish with lunch or dinner. What truly makes this soup special is how it brings a taste of Japan into your home kitchen, using just a few accessible ingredients.
Why make this recipe
Making miso soup at home is not only easy, but it also gives you a wholesome taste that is often better than store-bought options. It requires minimal time and effort, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or a soothing weekend treat. The ingredients are typically budget-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious meal without breaking the bank. Plus, this recipe is family-approved and a fun way to explore new flavors together.
How to make Miso Soup
This recipe for miso soup is simple and stress-free. You simply heat the dashi broth, mix in the miso, and add the other ingredients as you go. The whole process is manageable, even for beginners. You can have a comforting bowl of homemade miso soup ready in less than 20 minutes. It’s a perfect dish for anyone looking to boost their cooking skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is easy. You’ll need items that are simple to find in most grocery stores. Here’s what you need for the perfect miso soup:
- 4 cups dashi broth
- 3 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 cup silken tofu, cubed
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup seaweed (wakame), rehydrated and chopped
Directions
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your miso soup:
- In a pot, heat the dashi broth over medium heat.
- Once warm, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the miso paste until dissolved.
- Add the silken tofu and let it warm through without boiling.
- Stir in the rehydrated seaweed and green onions.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
How to serve Miso Soup
Miso soup is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a warm breakfast, as an appetizer before lunch or dinner, or even as a comforting snack. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with rice, grilled fish, or a side of vegetables. When serving, you can garnish with extra green onions for added flavor and freshness.
How to store Miso Soup
Storing miso soup is simple. If you have leftovers, you can keep them at room temperature for a few hours. However, it’s best to refrigerate them if you’re not eating them right away. In the fridge, the soup stays fresh for about 2-3 days. Miso soup is not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the tofu may change. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove without bringing it to a boil.
Tips to make Miso Soup
Here are some helpful tips to make your miso soup even better:
- For a creamier texture, gently stir the tofu after adding it but avoid breaking it too much.
- Use different types of miso paste (red, white) for unique flavor profiles.
- Avoid boiling the soup after adding miso, as this can alter its taste.
- If you’re unsure, start with less miso paste; you can always add more to taste later.
Miso Soup
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A warm and savory miso soup with rich umami flavor, great for a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups dashi broth
- 3 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 cup silken tofu, cubed
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup seaweed (wakame), rehydrated and chopped
Instructions
- In a pot, heat the dashi broth over medium heat.
- Once warm, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the miso paste until dissolved.
- Add the silken tofu and let it warm through without boiling.
- Stir in the rehydrated seaweed and green onions.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Notes
Miso soup can be customized with various vegetables or noodles for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Variations
Miso soup is highly adaptable. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or carrots for extra nutrients. If you’re looking for a heartier version, consider adding noodles. For those on a gluten-free diet, opt for a gluten-free variety of miso paste. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
FAQs
Can I store leftover miso soup?
Yes, you can store leftover miso soup in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just make sure to cool it before refrigerating.
What can I substitute for dashi broth?
If you don’t have dashi broth, vegetable broth or chicken broth can be used as alternatives, though they will change the flavor slightly.
Is miso soup a good make-ahead meal?
Miso soup is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the broth and ingredients ahead of time. Just mix them together when you’re ready to serve.
