Traditional Japanese Miso Soup
This traditional Japanese Miso Soup recipe is a cherished family favorite passed down from my grandfather. It's a comforting, umami-rich soup that serves as the perfect starter or side dish. The base is a simple yet flavorful broth made with dashi and miso, offering a delicate balance of savory and earthy flavors. Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite leftovers, such as tofu, hard-boiled eggs, fresh vegetables, or even shredded cooked chicken or pork. For a heartier meal, you can add somen or soba noodles, or a scoop of steamed rice. The addition of green onions at the end gives it a fresh contrast and brightness. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a light lunch, this miso soup is sure to warm your heart and soul.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
5-6 cups (as needed)
instant dashi stock
1 teaspoon (powdered)
miso
1/2 cup (preferably white or red, depending on taste)
green onions
3 (chopped)
optional extras
to taste (such as tofu, eggs, vegetables, cooked meats, noodles, or rice)
Ajinomoto (MSG)
optional, a dash (for enhanced flavor)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, add the instant dashi stock and stir until fully dissolved.
3
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the miso paste, ensuring it is completely dissolved into the broth. Taste and adjust the flavor as necessary.
4
If desired, add any optional extras (tofu, vegetables, cooked meats, etc.) at this stage and let them heat through.
5
Finally, remove the pot from heat and garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Japanese Miso Soup?
It is a comforting, umami-rich soup made with a dashi and miso base, often served as a starter or side dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this miso soup?
This is a quick recipe that can be prepared in less than 15 minutes.
What is the base of the broth?
The broth is made from a simple yet flavorful base of water, instant dashi stock, and miso paste.
What type of miso paste should I use?
You can use either white or red miso paste, depending on your personal taste preference.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Yes, you can customize the soup with tofu, hard-boiled eggs, or shredded cooked chicken or pork.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian-friendly.
What kind of noodles can I add?
For a heartier meal, you can add somen or soba noodles to the soup.
How much water is required?
The recipe requires 5 to 6 cups of water.
What is the first step in making the soup?
The first step is to bring the water to a rolling boil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
How do I prepare the dashi stock?
Add 1 teaspoon of powdered instant dashi stock to boiling water and stir until fully dissolved.
Why should I reduce the heat before adding miso?
Reducing the heat to low before stirring in the miso paste ensures it dissolves completely without losing its delicate flavor.
When should I add the green onions?
Green onions should be added as a garnish after the pot has been removed from the heat.
Is MSG required for this recipe?
Ajinomoto (MSG) is optional; a dash can be added if you wish to enhance the savory flavor.
Can I use leftovers in this recipe?
Yes, it is highly customizable and perfect for using up leftover vegetables or cooked meats.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a cherished family favorite passed down from the creator's grandfather.
How much miso paste is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of miso paste.
Can I add rice to miso soup?
Yes, adding a scoop of steamed rice can turn the soup into a more filling meal.
What vegetables go well in this soup?
Any fresh vegetables can be added and heated through just before serving.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The soup offers a delicate balance of savory and earthy umami flavors.
How do I prepare the green onions?
Three green onions should be chopped and ready to use as a fresh garnish.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy and is a light yet nourishing dish.
Can I use red miso instead of white?
Yes, the recipe allows for white or red miso depending on your preference.
What is dashi?
Dashi is a Japanese soup stock that provides the essential umami base for miso soup.
How do I adjust the flavor if it's too weak?
You can taste the broth after adding the miso and adjust by adding more paste if necessary.
When do I add optional extras like tofu?
Add any optional extras after the miso has dissolved and let them heat through before serving.
Can I serve this as a main course?
While traditionally a side or starter, adding noodles, rice, or meat can make it a heartier main meal.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy soup and a quick recipe suitable for any skill level.
What is the recommended heat setting for dissolving miso?
The heat should be reduced to low to properly incorporate the miso paste.
What is the purpose of the green onions?
They provide a fresh contrast and brightness to the warm, earthy broth.