Vegan Miso Soup Recipe

Miso soup is a warming and comforting recipe that is a staple in many Japanese homes. Here’s a tasty vegan miso soup recipe that you can enjoy at any time of day. Traditionally this soup is made with miso paste, a broth called dashi, and extras like vegetables, tofu, and seaweed. Usually, miso soup is made with bonito (fish) flakes to brew the dashi, so miso soup isn’t typically vegan. However, a good seaweed can still provide that umami flavour so that you won’t be missing out.

We’ve included plenty of ideas for other ingredients to serve it with, everything from freshly cooked rice to kimchi and more.

There are three versions here, so choose the one that most appeals to you.

Each recipe serves 4 people.

Daikon Miso Soup

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons kombu dashi
  • 4 tablespoons miso paste
  • 1/2 daikon radish, julienned
  • 2 scallions, sliced

Method

  1. Add the water, the dashi, and the daikon to a pot over medium heat and simmer till the daikon is tender. Remove the broth from heat and stir in the miso paste over a sieve till it is fully dissolved.
  2. Divide the soup into 4 bowls, then garnish with the sliced scallions.

Wakame Miso Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon dried wakame
  • 3 cups water
  • 3 teaspoons kombu dashi
  • 5 tablespoons miso paste
  • 1 block soft tofu, cut into cubes
  • 2 scallions, sliced

Method

  1. Remove the tofu from the packaging and let the water drain out. You could use a Tofubud tofu press, though you don’t want to apply pressure to the tofu. Let the liquid drain out, and then use it as it is.
  2. Put the wakame in water that’s at room temperature. Let the wakame soak for 5 minutes to rehydrate, then drain it. Squeeze out any excess water and then set it aside.
  3. Put the water and dashi in a pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Turn heat down to low, then add miso paste into a sieve over the broth. Dissolve the miso into the broth, stirring well.
  4. Add the tofu cubes and wakame and stir again. Keep on the stove till the ingredients are heated through (don’t let it boil).
  5. Divide your soup among 4 bowls and top with sliced scallions to serve.

Miso Soup with Spinach

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons kombu dashi
  • 4 tablespoons miso paste
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • 2 scallions, sliced

Method

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the spinach in the boiling water for 20 seconds. Drain it and rinse with cold water.
  2. Squeeze out any extra liquid and press the spinach into a ball.
  3. Add the water and dashi to a pot over medium heat. When the broth begins to simmer, turn down the heat to low. Using a sieve, add the miso paste into the broth and stir to dissolve it.
  4. Add the cooked spinach and let it heat through for 1 minute.
  5. Divide the soup among 4 bowls and serve, topped with the sliced scallions.

Vegan Miso Soup FAQs

What is miso, exactly?

Miso is a paste. As it’s made of fermented soybeans, it is a very nutritious food. It contains manganese, copper, zinc, vitamin K, and B vitamins. Because miso is fermented, it is also beneficial for gut health.

There are three different types of miso paste:

  • Red miso (Aka): This type of miso is aged the longest and has the strongest flavor (most salty, too).
  • Brown miso (Echigo): Brown miso is fermented for less time than red miso yet for longer than white, so it’s in the middle. It is slightly sweet and mild. When you dissolve it in the sieve, you’ll have some bits of the grains left over, which you can then add to the broth.
  • White miso (Shiro): White miso is fermented for less time and is slightly mild and sweet.

Where can I find miso paste?

You’ll usually find miso paste in the grocery store in the refrigerated section. Miso is also available in Asian markets.

Are there other uses for miso paste?

You can use miso paste in various recipes, such as soups, marinades, salad dressings, and a lot of Asian-style dishes.

Can I use other types of tofu?

The best tofu to use for miso soup is soft or silken tofu since these types of tofu are very smooth. If you prefer chewier tofu, you can try cubes of medium tofu.

What other toppings can I add to miso soup?

You could also try these toppings:

  • Chopped mushrooms
  • Cooked, diced potatoes
  • Corn kernels