Miso soup
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Instructions
Soup
Filling
To serve
Perfect your vegetable prep
The way you prepare your vegetables can make a big difference. Slice the mushrooms thinly to ensure even cooking, and cut the spring onions into fine rings for a slight crunch that does not feel overpowering. Pak choi works best when quartered so the leaves can soften while keeping some bite in the stalks. When sautéing, avoid overcooking; this will ensure the vegetables stay crisp and vibrant, adding a satisfying texture to your soup without becoming too soft.
Customise the texture of your miso soup
Adjust the water-to-miso ratio to tailor the consistency. For a lighter broth, add more boiling water. If you prefer a thicker texture, add more miso paste gradually. Simmering the broth longer will reduce it and deepen the flavour, resulting in a more velvety soup.
Questions about miso soup
Explore the subtle nuances of miso soup with our questions and answers about the recipe below.
Ingredients
Soup
|
Light or dark miso
|
2 tbsp |
|---|---|
|
Fish bouillon powder
|
1½ tbsp |
|
Boiling water
|
1 l |
|
Soy sauce
|
2 tbsp |
|
Fresh ginger, finely shredded
|
2 tsp |
Filling
|
Butter
|
20 g |
|---|---|
|
Mushrooms, in thin slices
|
200 g |
|
Spring onions, in thin rings
|
150 g |
|
Bok choy, quartered
|
1 |
Garnish
|
Black sesame seeds
|
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Enjoy a delicious miso soup with mushrooms
Savour the warmth of this homemade miso soup with soft mushrooms bringing an extra layer of texture. This Japanese classic perfectly balances the rich, umami miso paste with the tender mushrooms that complement the smooth consistency of the broth.
Spring onion and pak choi for colour and texture
Spring onions and pak choi contribute colour and texture to the miso soup. Their freshness adds a lightness that enhances the savoury broth. The contrast between the crisp vegetables and the smooth broth creates an appealing, irresistible texture in every bite. The different textures of the bright green vegetables ensure delicious, interesting bites with crunchy spring onions and tender pak choy leaves next to firm stalks.
The green of the pak choi looks delicious against the warm tones of the broth, while the spring onions provide a gentle bite with an intense but delicate flavour. Together, they add a fresh, lively element to the soup, making it both visually appealing and satisfying to eat.
The right topping to make the soup extra tempting
A generous sprinkle of black sesame seeds finishes the bowl. They add a nutty flavour and a nice crunch to the miso soup. The dark seeds create a striking contrast against the light broth and bright green vegetables, making the soup look as good as it tastes. This final touch really pulls the dish together, giving it a tasty, simple, yet beautiful finish that is sure to impress.
Serve as a starter, lunch, or dinner
Miso soup is the ultimate versatile soup, fitting effortlessly into any meal from lunch to dinner. As a starter, its light broth and delicate flavours set the stage for the rest of the meal without overwhelming the palate. It is also delicious as a side dish for dinner served in small bowls along with sushi, rice, or grilled fish or simply as the main course. The quick preparation time makes it an easy yet scrumptiously tasty choice for lunch.
If you like Japanese cuisine, you might also want to try our recipe for Tantanmen ramen. You can also take a trip to Thailand with our delicious Tom yum soup or try a Vietnamese pho soup with beef.
Get creative with the recipe
Miso soup is a wonderful base for experimenting with different flavours and ingredients. You can start by choosing between different types of miso. White miso, or Shiro miso, gives a lighter, sweeter flavour, while red miso, or aka miso, brings a deeper, more robust umami. You can also try blending the two for something a little more complex.
Adding seaweed, such as wakame or nori, brings a nice contrast in texture without needing to cook it separately. It rehydrates quickly in the broth and adds a subtle, salty, and briny touch. You can also vary the vegetables in the soup. Shiitake mushrooms offer a more substantial bite, while daikon radish adds a refreshing crunch. For a fresh twist, try adding spinach or watercress to the mix.
When it comes to garnishes, black sesame seeds are a classic choice, but do not be afraid to get creative. You could try a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a light sprinkle of chilli flakes if you like a bit of heat.
