Miso soup is a beloved and nourishing traditional Japanese dish, cherished for its rich umami flavor and adaptability. This straightforward recipe will walk you through creating a timeless miso soup featuring tofu, seaweed, and green onions, offering a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine.
4 cups dashi stock (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
3 tablespoons miso paste (white or red, to taste)
1/2 cup cubed tofu
2 sheets of dried seaweed (nori), cut into strips
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon mirin (optional, for sweetness)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for aroma)
Join me and let's see how to make Miso Soup
Instructions:
Step 1
Start by preparing the dashi stock. You can use store-bought dashi granules or make it from scratch by simmering kombu seaweed and dried bonito flakes in water for about 15 minutes. Strain and reserve 4 cups of the stock.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, mix the miso paste with a small amount of the dashi stock to create a smooth paste.
Step 3
Return the dashi stock to a clean pot and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Be careful not to boil it vigorously, as it can affect the flavor.
Step 4
Add the cubed tofu to the simmering stock and let it cook for a few minutes until it's heated through.
Step 5
Stir in the miso paste mixture, making sure it dissolves completely into the stock. You can use a fine-mesh strainer to prevent any lumps.
Step 6
Add the seaweed strips to the soup and let them soften for a minute or two.
Step 7
If desired, add soy sauce and mirin for extra depth of flavor.
Step 8
Remove the soup from heat and stir in the sliced green onions.
Step 9
Optionally, drizzle with a bit of sesame oil for a fragrant finish.
Step 10
Serve your homemade miso soup hot in bowls, and enjoy this comforting Japanese classic!