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    Miso Soup With Mushrooms Recipe

    Author: Karen Palmer
    Published: | Updated:

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Miso soup with mushrooms is a comforting and nourishing dish that brings together the umami-rich flavors of miso paste and the earthy taste of mushrooms. This simple yet flavorful soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is perfect for a light meal or a starter. The addition of tofu provides a protein boost, while green onions add a fresh, aromatic touch. Whether you're familiar with Japanese cooking or trying it for the first time, this recipe is both accessible and satisfying.

    When preparing this recipe, you might find that miso paste is not a common pantry item. Miso paste is a fermented soybean product that adds depth and umami to dishes. It can usually be found in the international or Asian section of most supermarkets. Shiitake mushrooms are another ingredient that might not be readily available; however, they can often be substituted with more common button mushrooms. If you’re new to cooking with tofu, look for firm tofu, which holds its shape well in soups.

    miso-soup-with-mushrooms-recipe

    Ingredients For Miso Soup With Mushrooms

    Water: The base of the soup, providing a neutral medium for the flavors to meld.

    Shiitake or button mushrooms: These add an earthy flavor and texture to the soup.

    Miso paste: A fermented soybean paste that brings umami and depth to the dish.

    Firm tofu: Provides protein and a soft texture that complements the soup.

    Green onions: Used as a garnish, adding a fresh and slightly pungent flavor.

    Technique Tip for Making This Soup

    When preparing miso soup, it's essential to dissolve the miso paste properly to ensure a smooth and flavorful broth. To do this, take a small amount of the hot broth from the pot and mix it with the miso paste in a separate bowl until it forms a smooth mixture. Then, gradually incorporate this mixture back into the pot. This technique prevents clumping and ensures the miso is evenly distributed throughout the soup, enhancing the umami flavor.

    Suggested Side Dishes

    Crispy Vegetable Tempura: Imagine a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gentle warmth of miso soup. This side dish brings a medley of vegetables enveloped in a light, crispy batter, offering a textural symphony that dances on your palate.
    Seaweed Salad: Dive into the oceanic embrace of a refreshing seaweed salad. Its briny, umami-rich flavors complement the earthy notes of the mushrooms in your soup, creating a harmonious balance that transports you to a serene coastal escape.
    Steamed Edamame: Simple yet satisfying, these vibrant green soybeans are lightly salted and served warm. They provide a protein-packed punch that pairs perfectly with the silky tofu cubes in your soup, making each bite a nourishing delight.
    Pickled Ginger: Add a zingy twist to your meal with thin slices of pickled ginger. Its tangy and slightly sweet profile cuts through the richness of the miso paste, refreshing your taste buds with every bite.
    Sesame Cucumber Salad: Cool and crisp, this salad features cucumbers tossed in a nutty sesame dressing. Its refreshing crunch and subtle flavors provide a delightful contrast to the warm, savory notes of your miso soup.

    Alternative Ingredients

    • water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more depth and flavor to the soup compared to plain water.

    • shiitake or button mushrooms - Substitute with cremini mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms have a similar texture and umami flavor, making them a good alternative.

    • miso paste - Substitute with soy sauce and tahini: Mixing soy sauce with tahini can mimic the salty and slightly nutty flavor of miso paste.

    • firm tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh provides a similar protein content and a slightly nutty flavor, which complements the soup well.

    • green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish similar to green onions.

    Alternative Recipes Similar to This Soup

    Tofu And Vegetable Stir-Fry: Dive into a colorful medley of vegetables and tofu in this quick stir-fry. With a splash of soy sauce and a hint of ginger, this dish is both vibrant and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you're craving something light yet fulfilling.
    Shiitake Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in the creamy goodness of risotto infused with the earthy flavors of shiitake mushrooms. This dish is a symphony of textures and tastes, with each bite offering a delightful blend of creamy rice and tender mushrooms.
    Spicy Tofu Ramen: Warm up with a bowl of ramen that packs a punch! This spicy tofu ramen combines the heat of chili paste with the comforting flavors of broth, noodles, and tofu. It's a fiery twist on a classic favorite.
    Vegetable Tempura: Crispy, golden, and utterly delicious, vegetable tempura is a treat for the senses. Lightly battered and fried to perfection, these vegetables are a delightful appetizer or side dish that pairs well with a soy-based dipping sauce.
    Miso Glazed Eggplant: Experience the umami-rich flavors of miso in this delightful dish. The eggplant is glazed with a sweet and savory miso sauce, then roasted to perfection. It's a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the versatility of miso.

    Essential Tools for Making This Mushroom Soup

    • Pot: A large cooking vessel used to boil water and simmer ingredients like mushrooms and tofu.

    • Stove: The heat source used to bring the water to a boil and maintain a simmer for cooking the soup.

    • Ladle: A long-handled spoon used for stirring the soup and serving it into bowls.

    • Knife: A sharp tool used to slice the mushrooms and green onions.

    • Cutting board: A flat surface used to safely chop and slice the mushrooms and green onions.

    • Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the correct amount of water and tofu for the recipe.

    • Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the miso paste accurately.

    • Mixing spoon: A utensil used to dissolve the miso paste into the soup and gently stir the ingredients.

    How to Save Time on This Recipe

    Pre-slice mushrooms: Buy pre-sliced mushrooms to save time on preparation. This reduces the need for washing and slicing.

    Instant dashi: Use instant dashi granules to enhance the flavor quickly without making a separate broth.

    Miso paste in a jar: Keep miso paste in a squeeze bottle or jar for easy measuring and dissolving.

    Tofu cubes: Purchase pre-cubed tofu to skip the cutting step and add directly to the soup.

    Batch prep: Prepare larger quantities of ingredients and store them for future use to cut down on prep time.

    Miso Soup With Mushrooms

    A simple and delicious miso soup with mushrooms, perfect for a quick meal.
    Print Recipe Jump to comment
    Preparation Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: Japanese
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 80 kcal

    Ingredients 

    Main Ingredients

    • 4 cups Water
    • 1 cup Mushrooms, sliced shiitake or button
    • 3 tablespoons Miso paste
    • 1 cup Tofu, cubed firm
    • 2 tablespoons Green onions, sliced

    Instructions 

    1. 1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil.
    2. 2. Add the sliced mushrooms and simmer for 5 minutes.
    3. 3. Reduce the heat to low and dissolve the miso paste in the pot.
    4. 4. Add the cubed tofu and heat for another 2-3 minutes.
    5. 5. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

    Nutritional Value

    Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Sodium: 700mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg

    Keywords

    Miso Soup, Mushrooms
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    FAQ:
    How can I make the miso soup more flavorful?
    If you want to amp up the flavor, you can add a piece of kombu (dried kelp) to the water while it’s boiling. Just remove it before adding the mushrooms. You could also add a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of dashi granules for an extra umami kick.
    Can I use other types of mushrooms?
    Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different mushrooms like enoki, oyster, or even portobello. Each type will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the soup.
    Is there a substitute for tofu if I don't like it?
    If tofu isn’t your thing, you can swap it out for cooked chicken, shrimp, or even some edamame for a plant-based protein option. Just make sure whatever you add is already cooked since the soup doesn’t simmer long enough to cook raw proteins.
    How do I store leftovers?
    You can store any leftover miso soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the tofu might soak up some of the broth, so you might want to add a little water when reheating.
    Can I make this soup ahead of time?
    You can make the broth with mushrooms ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the broth, dissolve the miso, and add the tofu and green onions. This way, the tofu stays fresh and the miso retains its flavor.

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