Miso Soup (2024)

Packed with umami-rich ingredients, miso soup is a Japanese mainstay. Though it’s commonly enjoyed for or with breakfast, heartier variations may be served for lunch or dinner. At its core miso soup consists of fermented soybean paste stirred into dashi—a delicate oceanic stock made with kombu (a type of sea kelp) and katsuobushi (a.k.a. bonito flakes), which is used extensively in Japanese cooking. The flavorful broth may be garnished with an array of ingredients, including daikon radishes, clams, dried seaweed, tofu, and more.

This simple miso soup recipe calls for silken tofu, scallions, and shiro miso (sometimes called sweet or white miso paste), which is made with both soybeans and rice, and offers a somewhat milder flavor than other types of miso, such as aka (red miso paste) or hatcho (a very dark, robust variety made exclusively with soybeans). (Read more in our guide to miso.) The resulting soup is balanced and complex, with generous cubes of soft tofu and tender but chewy pieces of rehydrated wakame seaweed. A garnish of thinly sliced green onions adds fresh bite to the dish. Try it with a classic Japanese breakfast spread of rice, eggs, fish, and pickles.

More of our favorite miso recipes, right this way →

Miso Soup (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay to eat miso soup every day? ›

Miso soup is low calorie, low fat, and high in nutrient content, so it is safe to eat daily. However, it does have a high salt content. So, those on blood thinning medication or who have heart problems (including high blood pressure and heart disease) may want to limit their consumption of miso soup.

What is the general rule with miso? ›

Miso should be stored in a covered container and to maintain its colour and flavour, refrigeration is best. As a general rule, the lighter the colour and flavour, the more careful you will need to be and refrigeration is best. Sweet miso should be consumed within three weeks of opening, white miso within 3 months.

What temperature kills probiotics in miso? ›

To avoid cooking off the lactic acid when making miso soup, you can make sure to turn off the heat and cool the pot until 120°F-158°F (50C°-70°C) (the probiotics will die above 158°F/70°C). But most Japanese people don't take an exact temperature reading and turn off the heat when adding miso to the pot.

Why does miso soup make me gassy? ›

However, some people might experience severe side effects after consuming fermented foods. The most common reaction to fermented foods is a temporary increase in gas and bloating. This is the result of excess gas being produced after probiotics kill harmful gut bacteria and fungi.

Is too much miso soup unhealthy? ›

It depends on how much and which kind of miso paste is used to make the soup. If you buy packaged miso soup, compare and read labels to see how much sodium is in a single serving. Eating too much sodium can raise your risk of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

What does miso soup do for your gut? ›

Miso fermentation helps improve the body's ability to digest and absorb foods. The condiment also contains probiotics that can promote gut health and digestion.

Why should you not boil miso? ›

Boiling miso can harm the probiotic bacteria. At temperatures above 115 degrees Fahrenheit these delicate bacteria are destroyed. We recommend adding miso paste to soups just prior to serving.

How do you know if miso is working? ›

Some people return to the clinician's office to take misoprostol, while others take it at home. Your body should begin to cramp and bleed within 24 hours of taking the second medication. It's common to pass the pregnancy within 4 hours, but it can take a few days for some people.

Can I live off of miso soup? ›

As mentioned above, miso paste calories are just 56 calories for 28 grams. However, if a miso soup diet to you means consuming nothing but this soup all day for a couple of days, then this is not a good idea.

Who should avoid miso? ›

Soy Allergy

Because miso is made with soybeans, those who are allergic to soy should avoid miso and other soy-containing products.

What type of miso is healthiest? ›

If you want to avoid sodium, your choice should be White. If you don't need to avoid sodium intake, then Red is the most nutritious. The site says that White Miso makes you relaxed and gives you a good night sleep.

How to add miso without killing probiotics? ›

Adding it to boiling water will kill the probiotics in the miso, nixing the health benefits it typically offers, like better digestive health. Wait until the soup has been taken off the heat and then stir or whisk in miso to taste. The paste-like texture will melt into the soup thanks to the residual heat of the stock.

What are the negative effects of miso? ›

The consumption of miso soup is associated with salt intake, and the reduced consumption of miso soup has been recommended. Recent studies have demonstrated that the consumption of miso soup can attenuate an autonomic imbalance in animal models. However, it is unclear whether these results are applicable to humans.

Does miso have a laxative effect? ›

Miso is a good source of probiotics, particularly the strain A. oryzae. 4 Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help boost gut health by improving digestion and reducing symptoms like gas, constipation, bloating, and diarrhea.

Why do I feel better after having miso soup? ›

Being made from soya beans, miso offers an array of vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, including isoflavones. The fermentation process used to produce miso may be especially helpful as it helps support digestion and may enhance immunity.

How much miso can I eat a day? ›

For greatest benefit miso should be used in small amounts on a regular basis. One to two tablespoons per day would be average use. When seasoning soup, begin by adding a small amount of miso — one to two teaspoons per cup of liquid — add- ing more if needed. Miso soup should taste neither too salty nor too bland.

What does I want to eat your miso soup everyday mean? ›

It's a staple of breakfast and dinner tables, especially when paired with rice (which is common, to say the least), and is a very traditional dish with a long history. It's such a big deal, even, that the question “I want to eat the miso soup you make every day,” is a stereotypically Japanese marriage proposal.

Is miso soup healthy for weight loss? ›

If you're looking to shed some pounds, you'll be glad to know that the nutritional profile of miso soup can support your weight loss goals. Not only is Miso soup great for digestive health but it is also low in calories, typically containing around 40-60 calories per serving.

References

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