As the days grow shorter and the nights grow cooler, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of miso soup to cozy up with. This traditional Japanese staple is more than just a tasty meal – it’s a symbol of warmth, comfort, and community. And with its rich, savory flavor profile, it’s no wonder miso soup has become a favorite among foodies and home cooks alike.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 hearty miso soup recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From classic combinations like tofu and wakame, to bold twists featuring ingredients like scallops and eggplant, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, these miso soup recipes are sure to provide endless inspiration for cozy nights in.
Classic Miso Soup with Tofu and Wakame
This Japanese-inspired soup is a comforting and flavorful blend of savory miso paste, tender tofu, and wakame seaweed. A perfect bowl for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1/4 cup cubed firm tofu
– 1/4 cup wakame seaweed
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sake (optional)
– Scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring dashi broth to a simmer in a large pot.
2. Whisk in miso paste until dissolved.
3. Add tofu and wakame; cook for 5 minutes or until seaweed is tender.
4. Stir in soy sauce and sake (if using).
5. Ladle into bowls and garnish with scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Miso Ramen Soup with Soft-Boiled Eggs
This Spicy Miso Ramen Soup is a flavorful and comforting Japanese-inspired dish that combines the richness of miso paste with the spiciness of Korean chili flakes. Serve it with soft-boiled eggs for added creaminess.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons miso paste
– 1 teaspoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz ramen noodles
– 4 soft-boiled eggs
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, water, miso paste, chili flakes, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add sliced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions.
5. Crack soft-boiled eggs into the pot; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve the Spicy Miso Ramen Soup with cooked noodles and soft-boiled eggs.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms and Spinach
A classic Japanese-inspired soup that combines the savory flavors of miso paste, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and nutrient-rich spinach. This recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 1/4 cup white miso paste
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 2 teaspoons sake (optional)
– 1/4 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, whisk together dashi broth, miso paste, water, soy sauce, and sake (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add sliced mushrooms, vegetable oil, onion, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Miso Soup with Clams and Ginger
Savory Miso Soup with Clams and Ginger: A harmonious blend of umami flavors from Japan, this hearty soup is perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
– 6 cups clam juice (or 4 cups water and 2 cups clams)
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 12-16 clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Cook onion, garlic, and ginger until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add clam juice (or water and clams), miso paste, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Add clams; cook until they open, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegan Miso Soup with Sweet Potato and Kale
Vegan Miso Soup with Sweet Potato and Kale Recipe
Warm up with this comforting vegan miso soup recipe, packed with sweet potato and kale for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and onion; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the diced sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, and miso paste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the chopped kale and soy sauce (if using). Cook until the kale is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Traditional Miso Soup with Dashi and Green Onions
This classic Japanese soup is a staple of traditional cuisine, made with dashi broth, miso paste, and a hint of green onion. Serve as a warm, comforting start to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dashi broth (see note)
– 1 tablespoon white miso paste
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions
– 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium pot, combine dashi broth and miso paste. Whisk until smooth.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add sliced green onions and grated ginger. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Note: Dashi broth is a traditional Japanese cooking stock made from dried kelp (kombu) and dried bonito flakes. You can find dashi broth mix at most Asian grocery stores or make your own using the ingredients.
Miso Soup with Salmon and Bok Choy
This recipe combines the rich flavors of miso soup with the protein-packed salmon and the crunchy texture of bok choy. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dashi broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
– 1 tablespoon white miso paste
– 1/4 cup sliced salmon fillet
– 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine dashi broth and miso paste. Whisk until dissolved.
2. Add sliced salmon fillet and cook for 3-4 minutes or until cooked through.
3. Add bok choy to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender.
4. Stir in grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Quick Miso Soup with Noodles and Bean Sprouts
Quick Miso Soup with Noodles and Bean Sprouts Recipe
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to whip up a comforting and flavorful miso soup that’s perfect for a quick meal or snack. This Japanese-inspired dish is packed with nutrients from the bean sprouts and noodles.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon white miso paste
– 1/4 cup firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 8 ounces soba or udon noodles
– 1/2 cup bean sprouts
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the miso paste until dissolved.
3. Add the tofu, noodles, and bean sprouts to the pot.
4. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the noodles are cooked through.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with soy sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
This recipe makes one serving. You can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve a larger crowd.
Miso Soup with Chicken and Shiitake Mushrooms
Warm up with this comforting and savory Japanese-inspired soup, featuring tender chicken, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and a rich miso broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (shiitake and cremini), sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tbsp white miso paste
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sake (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chicken and mushrooms in a little oil until cooked through.
2. Add the chicken broth, miso paste, ginger, soy sauce, and sake (if using). Whisk until smooth.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with thinly sliced scallions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Silken Tofu Miso Soup with Seaweed
A comforting and nutritious soup that combines the creaminess of silken tofu, the savory flavor of miso paste, and the oceanic umami of seaweed. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup silken tofu
– 2 tablespoons miso paste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 teaspoons dried wakame seaweed
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine vegetable broth, miso paste, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and add dried wakame seaweed. Let it rehydrate for 5 minutes.
3. Cut the silken tofu into small cubes and add them to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional seaweed if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Miso Soup with Pork and Mustard Greens
Warm up with a bowl of comforting Miso Soup, infused with the rich flavors of pork, mustard greens, and savory miso paste. This hearty soup is perfect for a chilly evening or as a nourishing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cups dashi broth (or chicken broth)
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 bunch mustard greens, chopped
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the dashi broth, miso paste, soy sauce, and ginger. Stir until the miso is dissolved.
3. Bring the soup to a simmer and add the chopped mustard greens. Cook until the greens are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Light Miso Soup with Cucumber and Radish
This refreshing soup is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with the creamy miso broth balanced by the cooling crunch of cucumber and radish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1/4 cup light miso paste
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup sliced radish
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium pot, combine broth and miso paste. Whisk until smooth.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in soy sauce (if using).
5. Add cucumber and radish; stir gently.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm, garnished with additional cucumber slices and radish wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Miso Soup with Scallops and Enoki Mushrooms
This harmonious combination of succulent scallops, delicate Enoki mushrooms, and savory miso soup will transport your taste buds to Japan. A comforting and nutritious bowl perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dashi broth (or chicken/vegetable stock)
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1/4 cup sliced Enoki mushrooms
– 12 large scallops
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium pot, combine dashi broth and miso paste. Whisk until smooth.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add Enoki mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
4. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Pat scallops dry and add to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Umami-Rich Miso Soup with Eggplant and Garlic
This comforting miso soup combines the deep umami flavors of miso paste, savory eggplant, and pungent garlic to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons miso paste
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine broth, miso paste, and soy sauce. Whisk until smooth.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add the eggplant slices and cook for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
4. Stir in garlic and sesame oil. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Miso Soup with Crab and Corn
A creamy and flavorful soup that combines the richness of miso paste with the sweetness of corn and the savory taste of crab.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons miso paste
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup lump crab meat (jumbo lump or claw meat)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, whisk together miso paste and broth until smooth.
2. Add corn kernels and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until tender.
3. Stir in crab meat, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until flavors are well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Simple Miso Soup with Daikon and Carrots
Miso soup is a staple of Japanese cuisine, and adding daikon and carrots gives it a sweet and savory twist. This comforting soup is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 1 tablespoon white miso paste
– 1/4 cup sliced daikon radish
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 green onion, thinly sliced
– Salt to taste
– Optional: tofu or other garnishes of your choice
Instructions:
1. In a pot, combine dashi broth and miso paste. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add daikon and carrots to the pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onion and your choice of tofu or other toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Miso Soup with Shrimp and Snow Peas
This recipe is a twist on the classic Japanese Miso Soup, adding succulent shrimp and crunchy snow peas for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 1 tablespoon miso paste
– 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1/4 cup snow peas, trimmed
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine dashi broth and miso paste. Whisk until smooth.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add mushrooms and snow peas; cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
4. Add shrimp; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until pink and fully cooked.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Comforting Miso Soup with Udon and Leeks
A soothing and savory soup that warms the heart and soul, perfect for a chilly day or when you need a comfort food pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons of miso paste
– 4 cups of dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 1 medium leek, thinly sliced
– 8 oz udon noodles
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine miso paste and dashi broth. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add sliced leek, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the leek is tender.
4. Add udon noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 5-7 minutes).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get cozy on chilly nights with these 18 hearty miso soup recipes! From classic combinations to innovative twists, these comforting bowls will warm your belly and your soul. Try traditional miso soups with dashi and green onions or add some spice with ramen-style recipes featuring soft-boiled eggs. Or go bold with seafood options like salmon and bok choy or scallops and Enoki mushrooms. Whatever your taste, there’s a miso soup recipe here to suit your mood.