From soothing soups and salad dressings to savory marinades, miso is the secret ingredient that elevates the flavor of everything you cook. Here are my favorite miso recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
Miso (味噌), or fermented soybean paste, is an essential staple in Japanese cuisine. I use it in my cooking almost every day for its umami-rich flavor, versatility, and healthy probiotics.
There are many types of miso—white, yellow, red, and dark brown—each offering a unique taste. With its long shelf life (up to a year for most), miso is a secret ingredient that can transform any bland dish. Just one spoonful adds instant complexity and depth.
Learn:
- Miso – best brand to buy, storage, etc.
- The Health Benefits of Miso
What Can You Do with Miso?
The possibilities are truly endless. Beyond miso soup, I love using it as a key flavor or a complementary boost. Try miso paste in these ways:
- Whisk it into salad dressings, sauces, marinades, and dips
- Boost stir-fries with extra depth
- Glaze roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or seafood
- Mix into mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for a savory twist
- Slather it on toast with butter, or stir it into baked goods for added flavor
15 Easy & Delicious Miso Recipes To Make At Home
If you’ve got a tub of miso paste sitting in the fridge, it’s time to put it to good use. Here are my top favorite miso recipes to help you make the most of every spoonful!
1. Homemade Miso Dressing
This dressing strikes a perfect balance of flavors with just a touch of sweetness. You’ll love it on salads, wakame seaweed, noodles, fish, meat, and tofu!
2. Miso Chicken
Here, we marinate juicy chicken thighs in a savory-sweet miso sauce, then pan-fry them until crispy and golden brown. It’s guaranteed to be a winner for your weeknight dinners!
3. Nourishing Miso Soups
Ever wonder how to make your favorite miso soup recipe with tofu and wakame? I’ll show you the authentic Japanese method—including a vegan version made with kombu dashi.
Once you’ve mastered the classic, don’t stop there! There are countless ways to enjoy miso soup, especially with seasonal ingredients. Check out our collection by clicking on the button below!
4. Roasted Cauliflower Kale Salad with Miso Tahini Dressing
Dressed with a creamy, savory miso tahini dressing, this salad is packed with caramelized cauliflower, tender kale, sweet glazed pecans, and crunchy croutons. It’s tasty, nutritious, and satisfying.
5. Miso Salmon
Sweet and savory miso pairs perfectly with salmon, especially when used as a marinade. Serve it with aromatic ginger rice and a sprinkle of chopped scallions on top!
6. Miso Butter Pasta with Tuna and Cabbage
This quick and easy, pantry-friendly pasta gets a flavor boost from miso, butter, soy sauce, mirin, and a fresh grind of black pepper—and it’s ready in just 15 minutes!
7. Miso Ramen
Get ready to satisfy your noodle cravings with this miso ramen recipe! I’ll show you how to make an intensely savory miso broth using a base of pork and chicken broth, plus your favorite toppings.
You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make homemade ramen that rivals restaurant versions!
8. Miso Cod (Black Cod with Miso)
This miso cod makes an impressive main dish—perfect if you’re looking for a classic Japanese recipe to serve guests. Prep it, give it a quick broil in the oven, and dinner is ready. Simple, yet elegant.
9. Grilled Corn with Miso Butter
Corn on the cob, grilled until nicely charred and brushed with sweet miso honey butter—this is sure to become your favorite way to enjoy this summertime must-have.
10. Miso Glazed Eggplant
Eggplant, so good on its own, but when it’s glazed with miso and grilled until lightly charred, the vegetable can really shine. Use slender Japanese or Asian eggplants if possible.
11. Miso Pork and Eggplant Stir-Fry
This protein- and fiber-packed stir-fry makes a deliciously easy weeknight meal. To finish it off, sprinkle with sesame seeds and a scatter of chopped green onions.
12. Garlic Miso Chicken Wings
These wings are coated in a punchy, garlicky, umami-packed sauce and come out of the oven crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy inside. My family loves them for our Friday movie nights.
13. Miso Butter Mushrooms in Foil
These miso butter mushrooms in foil packets are easy to make using a medley of Japanese mushrooms like shiitake mushroom, enoki, and shimeji.
They’re creamy, savory, and rich in flavor. Serve them as a main or a side dish.
14. All-Purpose Miso Meat Sauce
This all-purpose sauce is easily one of my favorite meal-prep staples. I use red miso for a deeper flavor, but feel free to try other varieties. Serve it anytime you need a protein boost for steamed rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps!
Vegan or vegetarian? Cubed firm tofu and mushrooms work great as a substitute in this recipe.
15. Miso Butter Cookies
Crisp, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth, these miso butter cookies make an insanely delicious afternoon treat!
They hit all the right notes with serious depth of flavor. Plus, you only need 7 pantry ingredients.
More Easy Japanese Recipes Collections
Ready to cook more Japanese dishes at home? I think you’re going to enjoy these recipes too:
