Miso Shiru
A comforting Japanese miso soup with tender tofu and a savory broth, perfect for cozy meals or light starters, offering umami-rich flavors and warmth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make soup stock by boiling water and dried shrimp (or dashi ingredients) for about 30 minutes; strain.
- Add miso, tofu, and green onions; cook for about 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can enhance the soup stock by adding a piece of kombu (dried seaweed) while boiling the water and shrimp. If you don't have dried shrimp on hand, consider using instant dashi or even a seafood broth as a substitute. Adjust the amount of miso to your taste preference, and feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Miso Shiru as a comforting starter or a light meal alongside steamed rice and pickled vegetables. It pairs beautifully with seafood recipes like Cam'S Shrimp Etouffee or Almost Like Lobster for a full seafood-themed dinner. Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Miso Shiru can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the tofu. You can also add a splash of water if the soup thickens too much after refrigeration.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Miso Shiru contains roughly 147 calories, with 10g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1242mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of dried shrimp?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp for this recipe. Simply peel and devein them before adding to the soup stock. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the shrimp are cooked through, usually about 3-5 minutes, depending on their size.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to miso?
Miso is fermented soybean paste and is typically vegetarian, but if you're looking for alternatives, you can use tahini or a combination of soy sauce and nutritional yeast to mimic the umami flavor. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the taste slightly.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! This soup is versatile, and you can add vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, spinach, or even carrots. Just make sure to add them to the pot along with the tofu to ensure they cook through and become tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).