If you think homemade Japanese miso soup is difficult, you’ll be surprised! This simple recipe takes only 10 minutes and tastes just like the miso soup served in Japan.
Many people believe you have to make dashi from scratch using kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes. While that method is delicious, it’s not necessary for everyday cooking. By using Dashi powder (Instant dashi granules) and a little Shiro Dashi (Japanese soup base), you can enjoy an authentic Japanese flavor with almost no effort.
This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, beginner cooks, or anyone who wants a warm and healthy meal. It’s light, comforting, and full of umami. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 1¾ cups (400 ml) water
- 1 tsp Dashi powder (Instant dashi granules)
- 2 tbsp Shiro Dashi (Japanese soup base)
- 1½–2 tbsp miso paste (white or awase miso works well)
- ½ block (about 5 oz / 150 g) silken tofu, cut into small cubes
- 1 tbsp dried wakame seaweed
- ¼ Japanese long green onion (or 1–2 green onions), thinly sliced
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the soup base.
Pour the water into a small pot. Add the Dashi powder and Shiro Dashi, then bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Add the tofu and wakame.
Carefully add the cubed tofu and the dried wakame. Simmer for about 1 minute until the wakame softens and expands.
- Turn off the heat and add the miso.
Turn off the heat. Place the miso paste in a ladle or small strainer and slowly dissolve it into the soup until completely mixed.
👨🍳 Chef’s Tip:
Never boil miso after adding it! High heat can reduce its wonderful aroma and delicate flavor. Turning off the heat before adding the miso is the secret to delicious homemade miso soup.
- Finish with green onions.
Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the soup and serve immediately.
Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of authentic Japanese miso soup!
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FAQ / Substitutions
How should I store leftover miso paste?
Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for several months. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Miso soup is very flexible. Try adding:
- Cabbage
- Onion
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Napa cabbage
Just cook harder vegetables until tender before adding the miso.
I can’t find silken tofu. What can I use?
Soft tofu or medium tofu are both great substitutes.
Is Shiro Dashi required?
No. If you don’t have it, simply use a little more Dashi powder. Shiro Dashi adds extra depth of flavor, but the soup will still be delicious without it.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based dashi powder made with kombu and shiitake mushrooms instead of bonito-based dashi.
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