Miso Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Miso Soup is a beautifully balanced dish, offering layers of flavor without being too heavy. The umami-rich dashi base, combined with the smoothness of miso paste, gives the soup a depth of flavor that is uniquely comforting. Silken tofu adds a soft texture that contrasts perfectly with the crisp scallions. It’s a quick and easy soup that’s naturally gluten-free and packed with healthy ingredients. Whether you’re craving something light, healing, or simply delicious, this miso soup is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

For the Dashi:

• 4 cups water
• 1 (3 inch) piece kombu (dried black kelp)
• 1/2 cup loosely packed dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi)

For the Miso Soup:

• 3 tablespoons white miso paste
• 6 ounces silken tofu, drained and cut into very small cubes (1/4-inch to 1/2-inch on each side)
• 2 medium scallions, diced very small, divided

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Dashi:

1. Prepare the Dashi: In a medium pot, combine 4 cups of water and the piece of kombu. Let the kombu soak in the water for about 15-20 minutes to rehydrate.
2. Heat the Dashi: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the water to a near-boil. Just before it begins to boil, remove the kombu from the pot and discard it.
3. Add the Bonito Flakes: Once the kombu is removed, add the dried bonito flakes to the water. Allow them to steep for about 3-4 minutes until the water becomes aromatic.
4. Strain the Dashi: Remove the pot from the heat and strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the bonito flakes. You are left with a clear, flavorful dashi base for the soup.

For the Miso Soup:

5. Prepare the Miso: In a small bowl, take a small amount of the strained dashi (about 1/2 cup) and whisk in the white miso paste until fully dissolved, creating a smooth miso mixture.
6. Combine the Dashi and Miso: Add the dissolved miso mixture back into the remaining dashi in the pot. Stir gently over low heat, making sure the miso is fully incorporated into the broth.
7. Add Tofu and Scallions: Gently add the cubed silken tofu and most of the diced scallions (save a few for garnish). Stir carefully to avoid breaking the tofu. Heat the soup gently until it’s warmed through, but do not let it come to a boil, as this can cause the miso to lose its delicate flavor.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining scallions. Serve hot, and enjoy the soothing, savory flavors of this comforting miso soup.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Miso Soup: For a spicy version, add a spoonful of chili paste (such as gochujang or sambal oelek) or a few slices of fresh chili to the soup.
• Vegetarian Version: Use a vegetable-based dashi or make a vegan dashi using dried shiitake mushrooms and kombu for a fully plant-based miso soup.
• Add Seaweed: You can add a handful of wakame (dried seaweed) or other edible seaweeds for extra texture and flavor.
• Other Vegetables: Add thinly sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy to the soup for additional freshness and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover miso soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The soup can be refrigerated with the tofu and scallions, but the tofu may absorb some of the broth’s flavor.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid bringing it to a boil, as this can alter the flavor of the miso. Add extra dashi or water to thin it out if it becomes too thick.

FAQs

Can I use instant dashi powder for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute instant dashi powder for homemade dashi. Follow the instructions on the package to make the appropriate amount of dashi, and use it in place of the homemade version.

Can I use a different type of miso paste?

Yes, while white miso paste is the most commonly used for miso soup due to its mild flavor, you can use yellow or red miso paste for a richer and stronger flavor. Just keep in mind that red miso can be quite salty and intense, so you may want to use less.

Can I add other proteins to this soup?

Yes, you can add other proteins like cooked chicken, shrimp, or fish cakes to the soup for a more filling meal. Just add them towards the end of cooking to ensure they stay tender.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, miso soup can be made ahead of time. The flavors will meld together as it sits, making it even more flavorful. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Traditional miso paste can contain traces of gluten, but many brands offer gluten-free miso paste. Be sure to check the label to confirm it is gluten-free if you’re following a gluten-free diet.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes, you can make this soup spicy by adding chili paste, fresh chilies, or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. This will give the soup a nice kick without overpowering the delicate miso flavor.

Can I freeze miso soup?

While you can freeze miso soup, it’s not ideal, as the tofu can change texture when frozen. If you do freeze it, make sure to store it without tofu and add fresh tofu when reheating.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, you can make this soup vegan by using a plant-based miso paste and preparing a vegetable-based dashi. You can also skip the tofu or use a tofu substitute like tempeh or seitan for additional protein.

Can I use a different type of tofu?

Silken tofu is best for miso soup due to its soft, smooth texture. However, if you prefer firmer tofu, you can use firm tofu, but you’ll need to cut it into smaller cubes to mimic the texture of silken tofu.

Conclusion

Miso Soup is a wonderfully comforting, simple dish that packs a lot of flavor into a light, nourishing bowl. The combination of homemade dashi, miso paste, tofu, and fresh scallions creates a soup that’s both soothing and delicious. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or a light meal, this miso soup is sure to provide the warmth and satisfaction you crave, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection.

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