Miso Soup with Mushrooms - Well Seasoned Studio (2024)

Miso soup, a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, is a celebration of umami, the savory “fifth taste.” While traditionally the soup tends to be left simple, I really love the addition of earthy mushrooms. Alongside miso paste, which adds a salty, savory depth, the mushrooms are the star of the show.

Be sure to add a few garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and micro greens or scallions if you are a texture fanatic like me! Tofu is delicate in nature, so while I love the added protein, I find I really crave a little crunch.

This easy soup recipe makes a perfect weeknight meal, either on its own or alongside pickled vegetables, steamed rice, or as an appetizer to a larger Japanese-inspired menu. Did I mention it’s ready in just 25 minutes total?!

I am a serious miso lover, so if you, like me, find yourself with extra miso paste lying around the house, consider trying one of these recipes next: miso salmon bites, miso cod, or the best ever browned butter miso chocolate chip cookies — trust me, they’re divine.

Ingredient Notes

• Shiitake or white button mushrooms and a little neutral oil (such as grapeseed or avocado oil) to sauté them in.
• Ginger paste or fresh ginger root
• Garlic
• Water
• Reduced-sodium soy sauce (or tamari, if gluten-free)
• Mirin
• Hondashi powder,
• Seaweed
• Soft tofu
• Greens, such as baby bok choy, spinach, or Swiss chard
• Red miso paste, though white or yellow miso also work!
• Green onions
• Hot chili oil

Optional garnishes: toasted sesame seeds, watercress or microgreens, and sesame oil, all of which add texture and flavor!

Ingredient Substitutions

• Miso paste: While I like the rich, earthy flavor ofred miso paste here, you can certainly usewhite miso paste (which I seem to always have on hand for miso salmon or miso steak tips) or yellow miso paste. Slightly different flavors, but all delicious!
• Tofu: Replace tofu with tempeh or edamame for a different texture and added protein.
• Crab: Hear me out! The very best miso soup I’ve ever had in my life included sweet crab and the combination with the earthy mushrooms was a match made in heaven!

How To Make Miso Soup with Mushrooms

1. Sauté the aromatics. Heat a little neutral oil in a large pot, then add thinly sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add grated garlic and ginger.
2. Make the broth. Pour in water, bring to a rapid boil, then add flavorings like soy sauce (or tamari), mirin, hondashi powder, crumbled seaweed, and cubed tofu.
3. Stir in any greens. This is where you add any fresh greens, such as spinach, baby bok choy, or Swiss chard. Cook for about 1 minute, or until wilted.
4. Add the miso paste. Turn off the heat — this is important! Place a few tablespoons of red miso paste into a fine mesh sieve, then gently lower it onto the soup. Use a spatula or small whisk to help dissolve the miso into the water, then remove the strainer. Garnish with sliced scallions, then serve hot with a drizzle of chili oil. I also like to add toasted sesame seeds, a little sesame oil, and a handful of micro greens. Enjoy!

FAQs

Make-Ahead, Leftovers, & Storage

Miso soup is best when fresh, but you can prepare the broth and chop the vegetables in advance. Store them separately and combine just before serving.

• Leftovers and storage: Store leftover miso soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling to maintain the flavor and nutrients of the miso.
• To freeze: Miso soup can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it without the tofu and miso paste. Add these ingredients fresh when reheating. Freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and microgreens for a fresh, nutty crunch. To make a complete meal, serve alongside a bowl of steamed rice or a side salad. Adding pickled vegetables on the side, such as pickled daikon radish or pickled cucumber, is a nice touch.

For a heartier soup, add cooked noodles or leftover rice before serving.

Warm, nourishing, and comforting no matter the time of year. You’re going to love this miso soup!

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25-Minute Miso Soup with Mushrooms

Miso soup is a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine, known for its comforting warmth, rich umami flavor, and nutritional benefits. This version, featuring mushrooms, takes the classic dish to another level. The earthy mushrooms complement the savory miso paste perfectly, creating a savory, yet balanced soup that is both nourishing and satisfying. Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free adaptable with tamari.

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 316kcal

Nutrition

Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 1473mg | Potassium: 456mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3016IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 223mg | Iron: 3mg