japanese proverb
“Eating miso everyday keeps the doctor away.”
Discovering the Heart of Japanese Cuisine: Miso Soup
During our recent travels to Japan, one culinary delight stood out as a constant presence at every meal: miso soup. This savory broth is not just a dish but a staple woven into the fabric of daily life, served with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We observed even the youngest children happily slurping it down, making it clear that all ages cherish miso soup. Its comforting warmth and rich umami flavor are undeniably inviting, leaving a lasting impression on our palates. Upon returning home, Joelle was determined to recreate this quintessential dish. She dove into her research, eager to find an authentic recipe that would remind us of the delightful bowls of this soup we enjoyed in Japan. What follows is the recipe we developed, inspired by our experiences and the traditions we encountered.
The soup’s versatility contributes to its popularity; it can be customized with a variety of ingredients, such as tofu, seaweed, and seasonal vegetables, allowing each household to put its spin on this beloved dish. Traditionally, miso soup is prepared fresh daily, highlighting the importance of seasonal and local ingredients in Japanese cuisine. The soup serves not only as nourishment but also as a symbol of comfort and connection. This ritual brings families together around the table and is an integral part of enjoying Miso Soup.
Packed with health benefits
Miso soup, or “miso shiru,” has a history that stretches back over a thousand years. Initially, it emerged as a simple broth made from fermented soybeans, known as miso. This fermentation process not only enriches the flavor but also enhances the nutritional value of the soup, making it a powerhouse of health benefits. Miso is loaded with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, and its probiotics support gut health. For centuries, Japanese families have relied on this nourishing soup to bolster their well-being, and today, it remains an integral part of their diet, especially with the preservation of traditional Miso Soup recipes.
Where to buy your Miso Soup ingredients
If you have access to a local Asian market, we strongly suggest taking a trip there to gather your ingredients. Authentic miso is made from scratch, including the dashi (Japanese broth), which we promise is way easier than chicken broth. The dashi can be bought premade, but since it is so simple to make, we prefer to make it from scratch. These ingredients might be less common in a standard grocery store, but we believe they are vital to achieving that rich, authentic flavor. We buy the Miso Paste, which is refrigerated, but the other ingredients are not. For those who have to limit their sodium intake, there are low-sodium versions of this paste available for making your Miso Soup.
TIP: When shopping at the Asian market, we were determined to find things on our own. After much effort, we still could not find a couple of ingredients, so we approached the store staff. Less than a minute later, we had both. Ask for help, and save yourself some time.
If you do not live near an Asian market, many of these ingredients can be ordered on Amazon. Miso Paste, in that case, is not refrigerated, but we have been told it can still be a good alternative if you do not have access to an Asian market.
Let’s get to making Miso Soup
The beauty of this miso soup recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can recreate a dish that feels both satisfying and wholesome. Whether you’re enjoying it as part of a hearty breakfast or a soothing dinner, miso soup is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of Japan into your home with this authentic Miso Soup!
Japanese Miso Soup Recipe 日本の味噌汁
Equipment
- 1 Medium pot
- 1 Strainer
- 2 Small bowls
- 1 Large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Kombu (dried kelp) about 1 1/2 feet long
- 1 cup Dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
- 1/4 cup Dried wakame (seaweed)
- 3/4 cup Shiro Miso (white miso paste)
- 1/2 lb. Soft silken tofu, cut into 1/2 inch cubes In our store there were dozens of different tofu but they only had one kind of silken tofi.
- 1/3 cup Thinly sliced green onion (scallions)
- 6 cups Water
Instructions
- To make dashi soup stock, bring six cups of water and kombu to a boil in a pot over high heat. Remove pan from heat and sprinkle bonito flakes over the liquid; let stand for 5 minutes. Pour immediately through a strainer into a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, cover the wakame with hot water and let stand for 15 minutes until water has been mostly absorbed. Drain and set aside.
- In another bowl, add miso paste and stir with ½ cups of dashi until smooth. Heat the remaining dashi in a pot over medium-high heat until steaming hot, then add tofu and wakame. Simmer to combine for 1 minute. Remove from heat, and stir in the miso mixture. Please note Miso is fragile and should never be boiled at high temperatures as it can damage its flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Ladle into soup bowls, top with chopped green onions, and serve warm.
Notes
Slideshow of the various steps in the preparation
© 2025 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved
Considering a trip to Japan? Check out the hotel prices below.
It is important to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.
Want to learn about Wanderers Compass?
Our Top Recommended Travel Products
Travel Insurance
Squaremouth.com
Our favorite travel insurance site!
We strongly advocate for comprehensive travel insurance, not only for minor inconveniences but also for major, unexpected events like medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Our go-to resource is Squaremouth.com. which offers a user-friendly platform that connects you with top-rated, reputable insurance carriers. Plus, they’ll mediate on your behalf if you run into any issues.
To empower you as a consumer, we recommend you read our blog post on why travel insurance is essential and how to secure the best coverage from leading companies at an affordable price.
MedjetAssist
Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world
Medjet is a leading provider of global air medical transport. Unlike traditional travel insurance, which typically covers medical evacuation to the nearest facility, Medjet goes further by ensuring you’re transported back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you’re stable enough to fly. Medjet offers membership plans that focus on medical transport, while Medjet Horizon provides expanded coverage for broader protection. Individual trip policies start at just $99, and annual policies are available for around $300. Most policies have an age limit of 74.
To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Accommodations and Airfare
Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours
Booking.com connects millions of travelers to unforgettable experiences, a wide range of transportation options, and incredible places to stay—from homes to hotels and beyond. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces, it supports well-known brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes. For its convenience, variety, and reliability, it’s our preferred booking platform.
Transportation
Expedia and VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours
Expedia is a U.S.-based company with a mission to make global travel accessible to everyone, everywhere. At Wanderers Compass, we embrace independent travel, and platforms like Expedia are essential to making that a reality. Expedia allows you to book every aspect of your trip—from flights and accommodations to rental cars, cruises, and activities—making it a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.
Daytrip
Personalized city-to-city private car transfer service
Daytrip provides an affordable private car service for city-to-city transfers worldwide, and we absolutely love their service. It’s a cost-effective alternative to renting a car, providing comfortable, stress-free travel with the bonus of scenic stops along the way. For example, we used Daytrip for travel between Budapest and Vienna, enjoying some fantastic detours to local attractions. With professional drivers and customizable routes, Daytrip ensures a smooth ride while allowing you to explore hidden gems and unique sights along your journey.
To learn more about how Daytrip, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Travel Experiences
Viator
The leading marketplace for travel experiences
Viator believes that travel is all about creating unforgettable memories. With over 300,000 experiences to choose from—ranging from simple tours to extreme adventures, plus a wide array of unique, niche activities—it’s never been easier to make lasting memories. We frequently use Viator during our travels and especially appreciate their flexible cancellation policy, which adds peace of mind to every booking.
Communication products for seamless connectivity overseas
GigSky International eSIM Data Plans
Local Prices. No Roaming. Fastest Networks.
GigSky eSIM effortlessly connects travelers around the globe, eliminating the need to swap physical SIM cards or deal with surprise roaming charges. With affordable data plans and instant activation, you can enjoy reliable internet access in over 190 countries, making your travel experience more convenient than ever. Plus, they offer a fantastic deal: a free 100 MB data plan with no credit card required. They are so confident that you will love their service!
Enjoy 10% off all GigSky Plans (except cruise and inflight) with our discount code WCOMPASS10.
To learn more about how GigSky works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Shopping
Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront
An excellent source for all travel essentials and guides that we have vetted ourselves
Amazon is one of the world’s most comprehensive online shopping platforms, offering lower prices, a wide selection, and fast delivery through teams worldwide.
This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!
Do you have a question for us or have a comment?
Check out our most recent posts
View All
Presidio: Exploring San Francisco’s Iconic Park
April 22, 2025
Airline Elite Status Match: A Travel Hack
April 21, 2025
Tavira Portugal: Suberb Mix of Tradition & Nature
April 12, 2025
Easter Island: Beyond the Moai
April 3, 2025
Eze France: Medieval Splendor
April 1, 2025
Siena Italy: A Medieval Wonderment
March 22, 2025
No Comments