There’s something magical about a warm bowl of miso soup—it's like a hug in a bowl.
Rich umami flavors combine with the simple, wholesome ingredients to make a comforting bowl of soup that nourishes your body and mind.
Traditionally, Miso soup is made using fish stock (Dashi), but vegans can enjoy this delicious soup with some minor modifications.
Imagine curling up on a chilly evening with a steaming bowl of vegan miso soup or serving it as an elegant, heartwarming starter that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
You can enjoy all that cozy goodness in a completely vegan way without losing any of the flavor.
Ready to dive in? Here are five of the best vegan miso soup recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
Let’s get cooking!
Looking for a convenient, healthy instant miso soup?
5 Best Vegan Miso Soup Recipes You Need to Try Now
- Easy Vegan Miso Soup
- Authentic Vegan Miso Soup
- Light Vegan Miso Soup
- Rich Umami Vegan Miso Soup
- Quick and Flavorful Vegan Miso Soup
1. Easy Vegan Miso Soup Recipe
Simple is often the best. This vegan miso soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With only a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious miso soup in no time.
Key Ingredients:
- Kombu-based broth
- Ready-made miso paste
- Tofu
- Nori sheets
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broth: Start by simmering a piece of kombu in water for 20 minutes to make a simple dashi.
- Add Tofu: Cut firm tofu into small cubes and add them to the broth.
- Whisk in Miso: To preserve the miso paste's probiotic properties, turn off the heat and whisk it in until it is completely dissolved. Depending on your taste preference, use 2-3 tablespoons of miso paste.
- Finish with Nori: Tear the nori sheets into smaller pieces and sprinkle them into the soup before serving.
This recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings when you crave a warm, comforting bowl of soup but lack the time for an elaborate meal.
2. Authentic Vegan Miso Soup
Traditional Japanese soup doesn't have to be complicated. This simple vegan miso soup recipe is a perfect example. It is made with traditional Japanese ingredients and is bursting with umami flavor and nutritious ingredients.
Key Ingredients:
- Kombu and shiitake mushroom dashi
- Tofu
- Green onions
- Toasted nori
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dashi: Simmer a piece of kombu and a few shiitake mushrooms in water for 30 minutes, then remove the kombu and mushrooms.
- Add Tofu: Cut soft tofu into small cubes and gently add to the simmering dashi.
- Whisk in Miso: Turn off the heat and dissolve miso paste into the broth.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with sliced green onions and crumbled toasted nori.
This recipe is an excellent introduction to making vegan miso soup. It has an authentic taste and texture with minimal effort.
3. Light Vegan Miso Soup
This Light Vegan Miso Soup is a simple, comforting dish that embraces the essence of Japanese soup cuisine while being completely plant-based. This version focuses on fresh, wholesome ingredients to create a flavorful yet delicate broth. Perfect as a starter or a quick meal, this soup is nourishing and easy to prepare.
Key Ingredients:
- Vegetarian dashi
- Wakame seaweed
- Tofu
- Green Onions
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dashi: You can use a packet of vegetarian dashi or make your own by simmering kombu and dried shiitake mushrooms in water.
- Add Tofu and Wakame: Cube silken tofu and add it to the pot along with a handful of hydrated wakame seaweed.
- Whisk in Miso: Turn off the heat and add the miso paste once the tofu is warm.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped green onions for flavor and color.
This light miso soup is perfect for those who want a nutritious and satisfying meal without feeling weighed down.
4. Rich Umami Vegan Miso Soup
Delight in a robust umami flavor with this veggies-inspired miso soup. Perfect for vegans and vegetarians, this recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Key Ingredients:
- Kombu
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Red and white miso blend
- Silken Tofu
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dashi: Simmer kombu and shiitake mushrooms in water for 20 minutes to create a rich, flavorful broth.
- Add Tofu: Once the dashi is ready, remove the kombu and shiitake mushrooms, cube firm tofu, and add it to the pot.
- Whisk in Miso: Turn off the heat and whisk in a red and white miso paste blend to achieve a deeper umami flavor.
- Serve: Add back slices of the rehydrated shiitake mushrooms before serving.
This recipe offers a richer, more complex flavor profile thanks to the combination of red and white miso and the savory depth of shiitake mushrooms.
5. Quick and Flavorful Vegan Miso Soup
Get ready for a soup that balances speed and taste! This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want a delicious soup without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients:
- Vegetable broth
- Kombu
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Red miso
- Silken Tofu
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetable Broth: Simmer kombu in vegetable broth for 20 minutes.
- Add Mushrooms and Tofu: Add sliced shiitake mushrooms and cubed tofu to the broth.
- Whisk in Red Miso: Turn off the heat and add the miso paste.
- Finish and Serve: Let the flavors meld briefly before serving.
This quick recipe delivers flavorful miso soup that is ready in under 30 minutes. It is perfect for a comforting meal on a busy day.
Tips for The Perfect Japanese Miso Soup
- Whisking Miso Paste: Always whisk miso paste with hot water before adding to the soup to eliminate clumps and ensure an even flavor.
- Experiment with Miso Types: Try different types of miso, such as red, white, or mixed, to find your preferred flavor profile.
- Add Variety with Vegetables: Customize your miso soup with vegetables like carrots, spinach, zucchini, or daikon radish for added nutrition.
Where to Buy Ingredients
Below, we’ve outlined the key ingredients necessary for making miso soup and tips on where to purchase them.
- Miso Paste: The heart of Japanese miso soup is fermented soybean paste. It comes in three main types: white miso (shiro), red miso (aka), and yellow miso (awase). You can find miso paste in local Asian grocery stores, specialty food markets, or online retailers like Amazon or Umami Insider.
- Kombu: This type of seaweed is used to create the flavorful dashi broth. You can find kombu in specialty food markets or online retailers.
- Wakame Seaweed: Dried seaweed adds a signature taste and texture to miso soup. Wakame is widely available at Asian markets or health food stores and can also be ordered online from specialty food websites.
- Tofu: Soft or silken tofu is a common addition to miso soup, providing a creamy texture and subtle flavor. Tofu can be purchased at most major grocery stores, especially in the refrigerated section and in Asian markets.
- Vegetables: Common vegetables used in miso soup include daikon radish, carrots, mushrooms, and green onions. These can be found at most grocery stores or farmers' markets.
With these ingredients, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a delicious and authentic bowl of miso soup at home!
Storing Ingredients
To keep your ingredients fresh and ready for use, it is important to store them properly. Below are some tips on how to store each ingredient:
- Miso paste: Miso paste should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If stored properly, it can last for several months.
- Tofu: Tofu should also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If unopened, it can last up to one week.
- Dried seaweed: Dried seaweed should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. If stored properly, it can last for several months.
Health Benefits of Miso Soup
Miso soup not only offers a delicious and savory taste, but it also provides numerous health benefits. Some of these include:
- Probiotics: Miso is made from fermented soybeans, which contain probiotics that promote good gut health and digestion.
- Vitamins and minerals: Miso paste contains essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, vitamin K, copper, manganese, and zinc.
- Antioxidants: Due to the fermentation process, miso soup is rich in antioxidants that help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals.
- Low calorie and low fat: Miso soup is a low-calorie dish with minimal fat content.
Adding miso soup to your diet can boost your overall health and well-being. It can also be a great addition to your weight loss journey, as it is a filling and satisfying dish without the added calories.
Conclusion
Vegan miso soup is a versatile dish that offers health benefits and a taste of Japan.
With these recipes, you can easily make vegan miso soup at home. For a unique twist on this classic dish, try incorporating different types of miso paste and adding your favorite vegetables.
Whether you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal or a healthy addition, vegan miso soup is the perfect choice. So next time you’re craving Japanese cuisine, skip the takeout and make your own delicious bowl of vegan miso soup!
About Tsubi Soup
Founded by Tsubasa "Tsubi" Nishitani, our soups are crafted with love, using clean, plant-based ingredients and delicious veggies for a taste that’s both comforting and wholesome.
FAQ
What can I use instead of kombu in vegan miso soup?
Additional dried shiitake mushrooms can enrich the broth with umami flavor for a vegan alternative.
How do I retain probiotics in miso soup?
Always add miso paste after turning off the heat to maintain its probiotic properties.
Can I add vegetables to vegan miso soup?
You can customize it with your favorite vegetables like carrots, spinach, zucchini or green onions for added nutrition.
What is the difference between red and white miso?
Red miso (aka) has a stronger, more assertive flavor, while white miso (Shiro) is milder and slightly sweeter. Both can be used in miso soup, either alone or blended.
Is vegan miso soup gluten-free?
Most miso pastes and traditional ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to ensure no added ingredients contain gluten.