Miso Soup with Tofu & Seaweed

Light Japanese soup with tofu cubes and wakame seaweed.

Miso Soup with Tofu & Seaweed:

Miso soup is a simple yet deeply flavorful Japanese dish, perfect as a light starter or a nourishing meal. Made with umami-rich miso paste, silken tofu, and seaweed, this soup is both comforting and packed with nutrients. It’s also quick to prepare, making it an easy go-to for busy days.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 tbsp miso paste (white or yellow for mild flavor, red for a stronger taste)
• 1 tsp dashi granules (or use 4 cups dashi broth for an authentic taste)
• ½ cup silken or firm tofu, cut into small cubes
• 2 tbsp dried wakame seaweed (rehydrated in water for 5 minutes, then drained)
• 2 green onions, sliced thinly
• ½ sheet nori (optional, for extra seaweed flavor)
• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for extra depth)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:
   • In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a gentle simmer.
   • Stir in dashi granules if using.
2. Add the Miso Paste:
   • In a small bowl, mix miso paste with a few tablespoons of warm broth. Stir until dissolved, then add back to the pot. (This prevents clumping.)
3. Add Tofu & Seaweed:
   • Gently add tofu cubes and rehydrated wakame seaweed to the soup. Simmer for 2-3 minutes (do not boil, as boiling can affect the miso’s flavor).
4. Finish & Serve:
   • Add sliced green onions and soy sauce (if using). Stir gently.
   • Serve warm and enjoy!

A classic, nourishing Japanese soup that’s simple yet full of umami goodness!

Tips for the Best Miso Soup

• Use Dashi for Authentic Flavor – Traditional miso soup starts with dashi, a broth made from kombu (seaweed) and bonito flakes, but you can use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
• Never Boil Miso – Add miso paste at the end and dissolve it in warm (not boiling) broth to preserve its probiotics and delicate flavor.
• Choose the Right Miso – White miso (shiro miso) is mild and slightly sweet, while red miso (aka miso) has a stronger, more robust taste. Mix them for a balanced flavor!
• Use Fresh Tofu & Seaweed – Silken tofu gives the soup a delicate texture, while wakame seaweed adds a savory, oceanic depth.
• Customize Your Soup – Add mushrooms, green onions, spinach, or even noodles for extra heartiness!

Enjoy your meal!