9 Delicious Ways to Use Miso Paste

Have you got a packet of miso sitting in your pantry and are not sure how to unleash its flavour and health benefits? You’re in the right place! Join us as we explore 9 delicious ways to use miso paste. From soups to dressings and mouth-watering sauces, this umami-rich ingredient adds a unique twist to any dish. 

What Is Miso, and Is It Good for You?

Originating in China over 13000 years ago, then transferred to Japan around a thousand years ago, miso is a fermented blend of soybeans, salt, and koji—a mould instrumental in soy sauce and sake production. 

Praised for its potential health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting the immune system, it’s no wonder miso is sweeping across kitchens worldwide. 

What Does Miso Taste Like?

Miso paste has a unique flavour profile that is often described as savoury, salty, and umami-rich. The taste can also be a little sweet, with a smooth, slightly earthy, and somewhat nutty flavour. Its forms are numerous, from the light, sweet white miso paste (Shiro) to the more robust, savoury red (Aka) miso. It’s worth noting that miso paste is quite concentrated, and a little can go a long way. When used in cooking, it infuses the dish with its distinct flavour and aroma, providing depth and character.

Its flexible, savoury charm has helped it transcend traditional boundaries, starring in diverse dishes—transforming simple dressings, enriching hearty soups, and forming the foundation of complex sauces. So, stay tuned as we journey through some delicious ways to use miso paste in your dressings and sauces that will surely bring the enchanting flavours of miso to your dining table.

1. Miso Ginger Salad Dressing Recipe

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92oy35yFTd0&t=41s

Introduce an exotic twist to your regular salads with this Miso Ginger Salad Dressing recipe, where oriental flavours blend to create a tantalising, robust, and refreshing dressing.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of fermented red miso paste
• 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons of water
• 1 clove of garlic, grated
• 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
• Juice from half a lemon

Instructions

1. Begin by combining the red miso paste, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, and water in a bowl, stirring until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
2. Proceed to incorporate the grated garlic, ginger, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Your dressing is now splendidly prepared!
3. Drizzle this miso dressing over your favourite salads for a delightful burst of Asian-inspired flavours.

2. Tahini Miso Dressing

httpss://www.youtube.com/shorts/eh0t5tSCC_U

It is one of the easiest vegan miso dressings that you can prepare in under 3 minutes. What is unique about it is the mix between the Middle-Eastern and Asian cuisines. Use this dressing to elevate your simple roasted vegetables or leafy greeny salads into rich and creamy dishes.

Ingredients

• Half a cup of Tahini
• A quarter cup of your chosen miso paste
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves
• An equivalent amount of fresh ginger to your garlic
• 3 tablespoons of water

Instructions

Place all the ingredients into your blender and blend until smooth. If the consistency is too thick for your liking, feel free to add more water and blend once more until you achieve a creamy and luscious texture.

3. Super Easy Creamy Miso Dressing

httpss://www.youtube.com/shorts/TpZjd2yAvDU

Whip up a quick and delicious salad dressing with this super one-minute miso dressing recipe. It is vegan and rich in goodness that can take your veggies to the next level.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of organic garlic
• 2 tablespoons of miso paste

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl to create a flavorful blend. Drizzle this over your favourite salads and enjoy!

4. Delectable Umami Miso Sauce

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRYeRNbMMCI

Prepare to indulge in a sublime culinary experience with this easy-to-make and versatile sauce. Enjoy this multi-purpose sauce and use it to enrich your regular chicken, beef, and fish dishes with an Asian touch.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of water
• 1 tablespoon of miso paste
• 2 tablespoons of jam/jelly/preserves
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• A dash of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. In a bowl, blend together water, miso paste, and your selected jam until smooth.
2. Next, warm a pan over medium heat and add in the grated garlic and ginger, stirring until their flavours are released. Turn down the heat, and pour in your prepared miso mix, letting it heat gently for a couple of minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and blend in the butter until it melts seamlessly into the sauce. Finally, stir in a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.
4. Pour this sublime sauce over your beef chops to elevate their flavour.

Remember: Use fig jam for beef, apricot for chicken, and pineapple or mango when serving with fish.

5. Savory Miso Dip Sauce

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7LEZMd7D3E

Discover a tantalizing sauce that boosts your fish dishes. Miso paste, Dijon, and honey blend harmoniously, while grated garlic and ginger add delightful aromas. Enhance the flavour of your fish dishes with this fresh and utterly delicious sauce.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of miso paste
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (you may increase to 1.5 teaspoons for a spicier kick)
• 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• A splash of sesame oil
• 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce
• A dash of water
• 1/2 teaspoon of ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. In a preheated pan, combine the miso paste, dijon mustard, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and water.
2. Stir the mixture until it’s well-emulsified and heated through.
3. Turn off the heat, and then stir in the ginger and toasted sesame seeds.
4. Spoon a modest portion over your favourite fish dishes to enrich their taste!

Our upcoming collection of recipes will guide you through “how to make miso soup” at home. From the traditional tofu and seaweed variety to inventive versions with mushrooms, noodles, and other tempting add-ins, we’ll help you master this classic dish. So get ready to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of miso soup making!

6. Miso Soup with Wakame and Tofu (Japanese Style)  

With this easy-to-make 3 ingredients recipe, you will learn how to make genuine-style Japanese miso soup that you can eat on its own or use as a base for many soup recipes of your choice. 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of cubed tofu
• 1 teaspoon of dried wakame seaweed
• 2 teaspoons of dashi miso paste (if using regular miso paste, add 1/2 teaspoon of dashi granules)

Instructions

In a pot with boiling water, add the cubed tofu and let it cook for a few minutes. Follow by adding the wakame seaweed and allow it to simmer. Finally, stir in the miso paste until it’s fully dissolved and distributed throughout the soup. Serve your miso soup hot for the best experience.

7. Egg Miso Soup

It is a nourishing and protein-packed soup with a medley of enoki mushrooms, onions, and carrots that offers a delightful mix of flavours and textures. This hearty and comforting soup bowl is perfect for a light and warm dinner in winter.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup of enoki mushrooms (or any of your choice)
• Finely sliced onions
• Julienne carrots
• 1 tablespoon of miso paste

Instructions

In a pot with boiling water, add the sliced onions, carrots, and mushrooms and allow them to simmer for a while. Next, incorporate the miso paste and stir until it’s fully dissolved. Crack the eggs into the soup, then let it simmer once more. For the most delightful texture, serve the soup before the eggs are completely cooked, keeping the egg yolk a bit runny. You can add udon noodles to get a carb kick!

8. Creamy Miso Noodle Soup

Korean noodle dishes have gained worldwide popularity due to their distinct and robust flavours, often combining elements of spiciness, sweetness, saltiness, and umami. This one-pot creamy soup is super easy to make and ultimately delicious.

Ingredients

• 3 tsp miso paste
• 1 tsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
• 1 cup Dashi broth
• 3/4 cup non-sweetened soy milk
• 3 finely minced garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 whole egg
• 1 1/2 tbsp chopped scallions
• 1 packet of instant ramen noodles (discard the included sauce)

Instructions

9. Miso Ramen Recipe

Filled with umami flavours from miso paste, ginger, and shitake mushrooms, this quick and delicious meal will leave you craving for more. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a delightful finishing touch. Relish a flavorful bowl of comfort with this home-cooked miso ramen recipe. 

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced (reserve some for garnishing)
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped
• 2 cups water
• A small cluster of shitake mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon miso paste
• 1/4 cup corn
• 4 bok choy leaves
• 1 small packet of Instant ramen
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Heat a pot over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic and chopped ginger in a bit of sesame oil until fragrant.
2. Add the water and chopped shitake mushrooms to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer gently.
3. Once simmering, incorporate the miso paste, corn, bok choy, ramen, and soy sauce into the pot.
4. Drizzle a few more drops of sesame oil.
5. Continue cooking until everything is well combined and the ramen is cooked to your preference.
6. When ready to serve, garnish each bowl with additional sliced green onions and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.

You can add your desired protein to any of the recipes above as they are pretty versatile, and many ingredients easily combine with them.

Now that you‘ve mastered how to use miso paste and how to make miso soup let’s turn that unsure packet into unforgettable dishes! 

Share with our social media