Miso Recipes & Dinner Ideas To Try

Miso recipes are packed with umami flavor - elevate your midweek meals today!

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Easy Miso Recipes

What is Miso?

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji (a type of fungus) and sometimes other ingredients like rice and barley. The mixture is then left to ferment for a period of time, which can range from a few months to several years, depending on the type of miso being made.

The result of this fermentation process is a thick paste with a complex, savoury flavour known as umami. Miso is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often used to make miso soup, a popular seafood dish made by mixing miso paste with a dashi (fish and seaweed broth) and adding ingredients like tofu, seaweed, and green onions.

There are several varieties of miso, and they can vary in colour, flavour, and texture. The most common types include:

White Miso (Shiro Miso)
- Lighter in colour and milder in flavour, white miso is often sweeter and less salty than darker varieties. It's typically made with a higher proportion of rice or barley.
Yellow Miso (Shinshu Miso)
- A medium-bodied miso with a balanced flavour profile. It's versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Red Miso (Aka Miso)
- Darker and more robust, red miso has a stronger, saltier taste and a longer fermentation process. It's often used in heartier soups and stews.
  Miso is not only used in soups but also works as a versatile ingredient in various marinades, glazes, dressings and more. One of the best things about miso is that it can be used in both meat recipes and vegetarian cooking.

Miso Dressing Recipe

Here's a simple recipe for a miso dressing that you can use for various dishes, such as grilled vegetables, tofu or fish:

Ingredients:

1/4 cup white miso paste
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
Optional: 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions: How to make miso dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.
Taste the glaze and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking by adding more maple syrup or soy sauce if needed.
If you prefer a smoother glaze, you can use a blender or food processor to blend the ingredients until smooth.
Use the miso glaze immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later use. The flavours will meld over time, making it even more delicious.
To use the miso glaze, brush it onto vegetables, tofu, or fish before grilling or roasting. You can also use it as a marinade by letting your chosen protein soak in the glaze for a little while before cooking.
Garnish with sesame seeds before serving, if desired.

Feel free to adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile miso glaze in your cooking. You can even use it in one of our delicious miso recipes.

Miso Recipes: FAQs

Is miso vegetarian?

Yes, miso can be vegetarian. However, it's important to check the ingredients list, as some varieties may include additives like fish or seafood products. Look for miso labelled as 'vegetarian' or 'made with only plant-based ingredients' to ensure it aligns with a vegetarian diet.

Is miso easy to use in meals?

Yes, miso is easy to use in meals. In fact, it’s used in a whole host of cuisines including Chinese, Japanese and more. It is commonly used in salads, dressings, stir fries and more and adds a deep flavour to so many dishes.