• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
My Quiet Kitchen
  • Recipes
  • First time here?
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • First time here?
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • First time here?
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ร—

    Home >> Helpful How-tos

    What is miso?

    Updated Feb 1, 2023 by Lori ยท This post contains affiliate links.

    • Share!
    photos of miso and soup with title text overlay.

    Miso is an umami-rich paste made from fermented soybeans. Salty and complex, this traditional Japanese seasoning dates back to the 7th century. Beyond Japanese cuisine, miso is an excellent way to add flavor to everything from dressings, sauces, and pestos, to mashed potatoes, soups, and stews.

    Read on to learn about the most common varieties of miso, where to buy it, how to store it, and the many ways you can incorporate this fermented food into your everyday cooking.

    overhead view of white miso, red miso, and chickpea miso in small bowls.
    Pictured top to bottom: mellow white miso, traditional red miso, and chickpea miso.
    Jump to:
    • What is miso?
    • Why We Love Miso
    • How is it made?
    • Different Types of Miso
    • Common Brands in the U.S.
    • Where to Buy Miso
    • How To Use Miso
    • How to Store Miso
    • FAQs
    • Vegan Recipes With Miso
    • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Comments

    What is miso?

    Miso is a thick, fermented paste traditionally made with just three ingredients - soybeans, salt, and koji (a rice or grain colonized by Aspergillus oryzae mold).

    There are many different varieties of miso, and the nuanced flavors are a result of factors such as how long the miso is fermented and the exact type of koji used.

    As a fermented food, miso is a probiotic and can help promote healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. To get the probiotic benefits, you'll want to avoid cooking miso at high heat.

    If you don't mind losing the beneficial bacteria, it's also fine to cook with miso purely for its flavor, just as you might use yogurt in baking.

    Why We Love Miso

    As a vegan food blogger and recipe creator, miso is one of my favorite "secret" ingredients. When you remove meat and dairy from your kitchen, you begin to learn about other ways to add complexity, depth, and savory flavors to food.

    Similar to other go-to vegan ingredients like mushrooms, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast, miso is a healthy and easy way to add umami and complexity to a variety of dishes.

    On a more personal note, I'm also writing about miso because it holds a special place in my heart.

    When I was a kid, around 7 or 8 years old, my mom began following a macrobiotic diet to address some health issues. So while my friends were eating frozen dinners and KFC, I was being introduced to miso soup, tofu, wakame, brown rice, lentils, gomasio, and umeboshi plum.

    Although I complained at the time, I'm now grateful for Mom's brave journey into macrobiotic cooking (I say brave, because it was the 1980s...in Alabama, no less!). Without a doubt, the opportunity to try these foods at such a young age shaped my interests (and taste buds), leading me where I am today.

    How is it made?

    In very basic terms, miso is made by inoculating soybeans with koji. Since koji is essential to miso (think of it like sourdough starter to sourdough bread), you could say the process of making miso has two distinct steps - cultivating koji and fermenting soybeans.

    After koji is added to the soybeans, enzymes and microorganisms slowly break down the beans over a period of weeks, months, or sometimes even years. This leads to miso's unique, deep, umami flavor.

    Fun fact! Aspergillus oryzae is the same culture used to make soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, and sake.

    Traditionally, Japanese families grew their own koji. If you're interested in making miso at home, you can actually purchase koji online. Here are a few options:

    • Shirayuri Koji - from Modernist Pantry; used for white miso
    • Shiragiku Koji - Modernist Pantry; for darker miso
    • Organic Brown Rice Koji - created by South River Miso
    • Barley Koji - from Cultures for Health

    Different Types of Miso

    In Japan there are more than 1300 varieties of miso. For a deeper dive into the world of miso, check out this brochure by Japan's Miso Promotion Board.

    Here in the U.S. we have a much smaller selection. The most common varieties you'll see in stores are:

    • Shiromiso (white) - pale yellow or golden color, with a short fermentation time and softer flavor. You may see it labeled as "mellow" or "sweet," though it is still salty and savory.
    • Akamiso (red) - dark, brownish-red color, red miso has a longer fermentation time and greater ratio of soybeans to koji, resulting in a bolder flavor.

    Soy-Free Varieties

    It's also possible to make miso-like products from ingredients like chickpeas, adzuki beans, and farro.

    Technically, these aren't miso, since they aren't made with soybeans, but the fermentation process is the same.

    • Chickpea miso - one of our favorites. The flavor tends to be softer than white miso, with a slightly cheesy, fermented tang, making it perfect for a variety of different vegan cheeses and sauces. Try it in this dairy-free alfredo.

    Common Brands in the U.S.

    Miso Masters is one of the more widely distributed brands here in the U.S. Their chickpea miso is almost always in my fridge! In addition to white, red, and chickpea, they also make brown rice miso and barley miso.

    Coincidentally, the Miso Masters production facility is near here, just outside of Asheville. Learn more about the company's history in this article.

    South River Miso, based in Conway, MA, is another brand you may see in stores. Check out their website for great resources and to place an order.

    South River's product line includes unique varieties like:

    • 3-year barley miso
    • dandelion-leek miso
    • azuki bean miso
    • hearty brown rice miso

    Where to Buy Miso

    Health food stores, Asian groceries, and chains like Whole Foods are your best bet for finding miso nearby. Although some well-stocked grocery stores may also carry it. You'll usually find miso in the refrigerated section near the tofu.

    You can also purchase miso online, including the Miso Masters and South River Miso websites (linked above).

    How To Use Miso

    Miso can be enjoyed straight from the container or incorporated into cooked recipes. It can even be used in desserts like cookies and brownies!

    The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Here are a few ideas:

    • miso soup - most traditional recipes contain bonito, dried fish flakes, but it's easy to make your own vegan miso soup at home with just a few ingredients. Try this miso soup recipe by Caitlin of From My Bowl.
    • pesto - skip the Parmesan, and add miso to your next batch of basil pesto, parsley pesto, or zhoug.
    • spreads - spread plain miso on toast, or combine it with Miyoko's cultured European-style butter for an amazing vegan compound butter!
    • salad dressings - miso is a healthy way to add saltiness and umami to homemade salad dressing. Use it instead of, or in addition to, salt in recipes like tahini dressing, Caesar, vegan ranch, and vinaigrettes.
    • marinades - combine miso with oil for a quick marinade. Add spices, herbs, citrus, or vinegar for endless flavor combinations.
    • finishing sauce - whisked into water or citrus juice, a quick miso sauce can elevate even the most basic bowl of grains and vegetables. Try our favorite 7-ingredient miso sauce and dressing.
    • vegan cheese - miso is an excellent way to add saltiness and an authentic tang and fermented flavor to homemade vegan cheeses. Check out the recipes below.
    • chickpea salad - mix miso into mayonnaise for vegan "chicken" salad, "tuna" salad, and curried chickpea salad.
    • soup, stew, and chili - white miso gives this creamy mushroom stew an extra layer of umami and saltiness. Miso can also replace soy sauce or salt in everything from chili to vegetable soup.
    Two bowls of miso soup with noodles and mushrooms.
    Bok choy and noodle soup seasoned with white miso.

    How to Store Miso

    Since miso is an unpasteurized product containing live cultures, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator.

    Once opened, miso lasts for many months. Some sources say it's best to use miso within 6 months, while others say up to 1 year. And according to the FAQ page on the South River Miso website, they say miso will keep "almost indefinitely, even for years."

    You may notice miso darkening slightly with age and oxidation. This is normal. As with any food, trust your nose and eyes to determine whether miso has spoiled.

    FAQs

    What is a good miso substitute?

    Soy sauce is an easy choice for its saltiness and umami. Ultimately, though, whether you can successfully replace miso in a dish depends on its role. As a general rule of thumb, if miso is in the recipe title, substitutions aren't a good idea.
    To use soy sauce as a replacement for miso, mix it with equal parts tahini. This creates a thicker consistency more similar to miso paste.
    For example: 2 tsp soy sauce + 2 tsp tahini = approx. 1 Tbsp miso.
    If a gluten-free alternative is needed, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

    Is miso vegan?

    Yes, miso paste is vegan. However, miso soup is traditionally prepared with dashi, a Japanese broth made with dried fish flakes (bonito). Luckily it's very easy to make delicious vegan miso soup at home, and many vegetarian and vegan restaurants offer miso soup made without bonito.

    Is miso gluten-free?

    Some varieties of miso are naturally gluten-free, while some are made with barley or other gluten-containing grains. When purchasing miso check the ingredients and package label. The brand Miso Masters offers several varieties that are certified gluten-free.

    Vegan Recipes With Miso

    Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate miso into everyday meals.

    Quick Miso Noodles
    These light ginger-miso noodles are a refreshing dinner on busy nights. Ready in 20 minutes. Made in 1 pot with minimal chopping.
    Check out this recipe
    close up view of saucy miso dressing on noodles.
    Oil-Free Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
    White miso, aquafaba, and dried herbs are key in creating the right consistency and flavor in this low-calorie, fat-free Italian dressing.
    Check out this recipe
    close up of herb salad dressing in a small glass jar on a gray stipe napkin.
    Miso Sauce and Dressing
    This miso sauce packs major flavor and also makes an amazing dressing, dip, AND marinade! Ready in minutes, it's the kind of savory and garlicky sauce that keeps you coming back for more! Keep a jar in the fridge and drizzle it on salads, roasted vegetables, tofu, grains, and so much more.
    Check out this recipe
    creamy miso sauce and dressing in a small white bowl with ginger and garlic on a cutting board.
    Creamy Sunflower Seed Dressing
    This creamy dressing is delicious on everything from salads and grain bowls to veggie trays and tacos! With lemon, garlic, sea salt, and white miso, it's a savory and versatile sauce to have on hand.
    Check out this recipe
    creamy salad dressing dripping from a spoon.
    Ginger-Carrot Hummus
    Made with fresh ginger and carrots, this healthy hummus recipe is seasoned with miso and inspired by the popular salad dressing served in Japanese-American restaurants.
    Check out this recipe
    The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese
    This award-winning vegan mac and cheese is impossibly creamy and deeply savory and cheesy. Made with the usual ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, and vegan cheese, miso adds extra dimension to the dairy-free sauce.
    Check out this recipe
    close up of creamy vegan mac and cheese on a wooden spoon.
    Vegan Mozzarella for Pizza and Melting
    If you're looking for the best vegan cheese for pizza, casseroles, lasagna, and more, this vegan mozzarella recipe has you covered! It's so easy to make and has the melty, creamy, rich, and cheesy mouthfeel and flavor you crave! 
    Check out this recipe
    overhead view of a decadent homemade pizza with melted vegan cheese on top.
    Vegan Cheese Sauce (No-Cook)
    This no-cook vegan cheese sauce tastes amazing on everything from steamed veggies to nachos. It's ready in 5 minutes and free from gluten, oil, and coconut. Use chickpea miso to make it soy-free.
    Check out this recipe
    close up shot of pouring creamy cashew cheese sauce
    Vegan White Lasagna
    This creamy vegan white lasagna is rich, comforting, and perfect when you want something special. With ricotta, garlicky white sauce, and sautéed vegetables. Like most lasagna recipes, it's very customizable with different veggies and cheeses.
    Check out this recipe
    a serving of vegan white lasagna with spinach and mushrooms on a plate.
    Nut-Free Vegan Mac and Cheese
    This easy nut-free vegan mac and cheese is a total crowd-pleaser! The sunflower seed cheese sauce includes select whole-food ingredients that create an amazingly creamy and cheesy sauce. It's also oil-free (or add vegan butter for extra richness) and easily made gluten-free with your choice of pasta.
    Check out this recipe
    creamy macaroni and cheese in a small pot sitting on a wood trivet
    Split Pea Soup
    Instead of meat, this split pea soup calls on dried mushrooms and miso for depth of flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead photo of split pea soup with potatoes, carrots, and dried mushrooms in a bowl.
    Healthy Cauliflower Alfredo
    This vegan alfredo sauce is cheesy, lusciously creamy, and surprisingly light! It's oil-free, gluten-free, and made with creamy, steamed cauliflower. Impossibly delicious to be so healthy. Ready in 30 minutes!
    Check out this recipe
    close up of creamy vegan alfredo in a pasta pot.
    Ranch Pasta
    Dried herbs and two tablespoons of white or chickpea miso give this unique pasta dish incredible flavor. Enjoy warm or chilled like pasta salad.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead of creamy vegan ranch pasta with herbs, broccoli, and sweet corn
    Vegan Cauliflower Gratin
    This modern take on cauliflower gratin uses cauliflower two ways, blended into a cheesy sauce and as tender florets. Miso gives the sauce extra depth in the absence of dairy.
    Check out this recipe
    golden breadcrumb-topped cauliflower gratin in a white dish.
    Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta
    This cheesy, umami-rich mushroom pasta is perfect for a cozy night in or anytime you feel like something a little special! Includes instructions for stovetop and baked versions.
    Check out this recipe
    saucy mushroom pasta with spinach in a large pot.

    I hope this post has answered some of your questions about miso and inspired you to add it to your list of must-have kitchen staples.

    Already have a favorite type of miso? And favorite ways to use it? Let us know in the comments below!

    More Helpful How-tos

    • a small wooden spoon scooping up vegan tofu yogurt from a jar.
      Cultured Tofu Yogurt
    • looking down into a white bowl filled with finely ground homemade sun flour, or sunflower seed flour.
      How to Make Sunflower Seed Flour
    • crackers and sprigs of rosemary on a baking sheet
      Whole Wheat Crackers (Oil-Free Option)
    • a glass jar filled with homemade beef flavored broth powder.
      Vegan "Beef" Broth Powder and Bouillon
    • Share!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Share Feedback Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Miriam Kearney

      February 03, 2023 at 9:56 am

      You refer to miso as having a salty flavour. Is salt added to miso in the production process or is this a natural result of the fermentation?

      Reply
      • Lori

        February 03, 2023 at 12:08 pm

        Hi Miriam,
        Yes, salt is one of the 3 main ingredients needed to produce miso - soybeans, salt, and koji.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Lori Rasmussen, Owner/Creator

    Hi, I'm Lori. Welcome to My Quiet Kitchen where I share easy vegan recipes with a healthier twist. Many are special diet-friendly or easily adapted. I also have a passion for veganizing classic desserts, and sometimes even those get a healthy-ish makeover.

    Learn more about me โ†’

    Spring Favorites

    • Italian green bean salad with tomatoes in a serving bowl.
      Italian Green Bean Salad
    • a serving spoon scooping up golden yellow pineapple stuffing from a white square baking dish.
      Vegan Pineapple Stuffing
    • creamy corn pudding in a white baking dish.
      Easy Vegan Corn Pudding
    • cooked radishes on a white plate garnished with lemon and parsley
      Air Fryer Radishes
    • top of seitan turkey roast showing texture of skin and shred
      Vegan Turkey Roast
    • overhead of roast and veggies on a platter
      Seitan Roast (Instant Pot Option)
    • bright and airy photo of creamy vegan pudding.
      Easy Vegan Banana Pudding (No-Cook)
    • whole 3-layer cake decorated with pink vegan frosting and strawberries on top
      Vegan Strawberry Cake

    Popular Recipes

    • overhead view of crimped unbaked crust in a pie plate
      Vegan Gluten-Free Pie Crust (Easy & Oil Free)
    • hand holding a waffle cone filled with 3 scoops of vegan ice cream.
      Vegan Oat Milk Ice Cream (No Coconut)
    • different tahini dressing variations with ingredients on marble background.
      Tahini Salad Dressing 5 Ways
    • close up of herb salad dressing in a small glass jar on a gray stipe napkin.
      Oil-Free Italian Salad Dressing
    • a stack of 4 vegan oil-free banana brownies
      Healthy Vegan Banana Brownies
    • baked stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet.
      Easy Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
    • close up of oat flour vegan mug cake in a cute smily face mug.
      Healthy Oatmeal Mug Cake
    • a stack of healthy protein cookies on parchment paper.
      Vegan Protein Cookies

    Footer

    โ†‘ back to top

    About

    About
    Privacy Policy
    Accessibility

    Newsletter

    Sign Up for free recipes by email!

    Contact/Follow

    Facebook
    Pinterest
    Instagram
    Contact Us

    Copyright ยฉ 2022 My Quiet Kitchen