Japanese Miso Soup | Traditional Japanese Miso Soup with Tofu
Japanese Miso Soup is a comforting, light, and deeply savory soup made with dashi broth, miso paste, tofu, wakame seaweed, and fresh green onions. A staple of Japanese cuisine, miso soup is enjoyed throughout the day and is especially popular as part of a traditional Japanese breakfast or alongside rice-based meals.
The soup gets its distinctive umami flavor from dashi and fermented miso paste. Silken or soft tofu provides a delicate texture, while wakame adds a subtle ocean flavor and pleasant chewiness. Green onions bring a fresh finish that balances the rich, savory broth.
The key to preparing delicious miso soup is to avoid boiling the soup after adding the miso. Gentle heating helps preserve its delicate flavor and aroma. This simple recipe comes together quickly and makes a wonderful starter, side dish, or light meal.
Cooking Method
- Pour the dashi broth into a saucepan.
- Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add the dried wakame and simmer for 2–3 minutes until rehydrated.
- Add the cubed tofu carefully.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Place the miso paste in a small bowl.
- Add a little hot broth to the miso and whisk until completely smooth.
- Pour the dissolved miso mixture back into the saucepan.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Add soy sauce if desired.
- Heat gently for 1–2 minutes, but do not allow the soup to boil.
- Turn off the heat.
- Add the sliced green onions.
- Drizzle with a tiny amount of sesame oil if desired.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Share this Recipe
Link copied to clipboard!