This article was written with help from AI and edited by Thrive Market’s talented team of human writers.
Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning that has been a cornerstone of East Asian cuisine for centuries. Its deep umami taste and versatility make it an ingredient every home cook should consider adding to their pantry. Bonus: it’s also a fermented food. Whether you’re exploring Asian recipes or just want to add complexity to your cooking, miso can become one of your most-loved culinary flavors.
Miso is a fermented paste made primarily from soybeans, salt, and a mold called koji (usually cultivated on rice or barley). The fermentation process can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years, producing a rich, savory, and often slightly sweet or salty paste.
Miso is packed with umami—the fifth taste that gives food a savory depth. Its flavor can range from mild and sweet to dark and intensely salty, depending on the type and fermentation length.
White Miso (Shiro Miso)
Yellow Miso (Shinshu Miso)
Red Miso (Aka Miso)
Mixed Miso (Awase Miso)
Miso Soup
For this classic preparation, simply dissolve a spoonful of miso in warm (not boiling) dashi broth and add tofu, seaweed, and scallions.
Marinades and Glazes
Mix miso with mirin, sake, soy sauce, and sugar to create a glaze for meats, fish, or vegetables. Miso-marinated salmon or eggplant is a standout dish.
Dressings and Sauces
Whisk miso with vinegar, sesame oil, and honey for a delicious dressing. It also adds body and umami to creamy sauces or mayonnaise-based dips.
Stir-Fries and Noodles
Add a spoonful of miso to your stir-fry sauce to give depth without overpowering the dish. It works well in ramen broths and soba noodle bowls too.
Baking and Beyond
Miso isn’t just for savory dishes. A touch of white miso in caramel, cookies, or even brownies adds complexity and a surprising depth of flavor.
Don’t miss these creative and flavorful recipes featuring miso.
Ginger-Miso Soup With Fish Balls & Soba Noodles
This comforting winter soup combines cilantro-lime fish balls made from cod and shrimp with soba noodles in a ginger-miso broth. The broth is enhanced with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and fresh herbs.
Gluten-Free Miso Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies
A unique twist on a classic treat, these cookies incorporate white miso paste to add a subtle umami flavor that complements the sweetness of butterscotch chips.
Sesame-Miso Yellowfin Tuna Marinade
Ideal for summer grilling, this marinade blends miso paste with sesame oil, mirin, tamari, and a touch of sugar to infuse yellowfin tuna steaks with rich, savory flavors.
Sesame Salmon Salad Rolls with Miso-Infused Quinoa
These nori wraps feature quinoa cooked with miso paste, providing a savory base for fillings like wild pink salmon, spiralized beets, arugula, and yellow bell pepper.
Vegan Nacho Queso with a Miso Kick
In this plant-based nacho recipe by Chef Charity Morgan, a vegan queso is made from blended carrots, cashews, and spices. A teaspoon of white miso paste is added to deepen the flavor, resulting in a creamy, umami-rich sauce that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips.