What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade miso soup recipe brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen with its simple yet delicious flavors. It’s perfect for cozy nights or a quick, nourishing meal.
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Customizable to your taste, allowing you to add your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Full of umami flavor, making it a healthy and satisfying dish everyone will enjoy.
Recipe
Miso soup is a traditional Japanese dish known for its savory umami flavor and simplicity. Made with fermented soybean paste (miso), dashi stock, and various toppings, it’s a comforting and nutritious dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups dashi stock (can be made from kombu and bonito flakes or instant dashi powder)
- 3–4 tbsp miso paste (white or red, depending on preference)
- 1 cup cubed tofu (silken or firm)
- 2–3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: 1 sheet nori (dried seaweed), cut into small pieces
- Optional: ½ cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or enoki)
Instructions:
- Prepare the dashi stock – If using homemade, simmer kombu and bonito flakes in water for 10 minutes, then strain. If using instant dashi, dissolve the powder in hot water.
- Heat the dashi – In a pot, gently warm the dashi stock over medium heat. Do not boil.
- Dissolve the miso – Ladle a small amount of hot dashi into a bowl, add the miso paste, and whisk until smooth. Pour back into the pot.
- Add tofu and mushrooms – Stir in tofu and mushrooms (if using) and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Finish with green onions and nori – Turn off the heat, add green onions and nori, and let sit for 1 minute before serving.
Notes:
- Do not boil the soup after adding miso, as high heat can destroy its delicate flavor.
- Adjust miso quantity based on taste preference—start with less and add more if needed.
Equipment:
- Medium-sized pot
- Ladle
- Small bowl for dissolving miso
- Strainer (if making homemade dashi)
Time:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cuisine:
Japanese
Serving:
4 servings
Nutrition
Miso soup is a low-calorie dish packed with essential nutrients. It provides a good source of vitamins and minerals.
| Nutrition | Per Serving (1 Bowl) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 65 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 7g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my miso soup with steamed rice—it’s a classic combo that makes the meal feel complete. A side of tangy pickled veggies, like radishes or cucumbers, adds a nice crunch and brightens up the flavors. Trust me, these simple pairings turn a bowl of soup into something really special.
Steamed Rice Pairing
Steamed rice is the perfect sidekick for miso soup—it’s simple, comforting, and balances the soup’s savory flavors. I always make a batch of fluffy white rice to serve alongside my homemade miso soup because it soaks up the broth so well, making every bite feel complete. The mildness of the rice contrasts beautifully with the umami-rich soup, creating a harmony that’s hard to beat. I love how it turns a light soup into a filling meal without overpowering the dish. Plus, it’s easy to prepare—just let the rice cooker do the work while I focus on the soup.
Pickled Side Dishes
Though pickled side dishes might seem like a small addition, they can totally transform your miso soup meal. I love how their tangy, crunchy flavors balance the rich, savory broth. My go-to is Japanese pickled radish, or takuan—it’s bright, a little sweet, and adds a revitalizing pop. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll throw in some kimchi for a spicy kick. Pickled cucumbers are another favorite, especially when I want something light and crisp. Don’t stress about making them yourself; store-bought works just fine. Trust me, once you try them together, you’ll wonder how you ever had miso soup without them!
