Want to add flavor to your meals without spending hours in the kitchen? This homemade miso sauce is the answer.
Packed with umami and full of health benefits this sauce can be drizzled over salads, stirred into noodles or used as a marinade for proteins and veggies.
With just a few ingredients and minimal effort you can turn your everyday meals into something special. Get ready to level up your healthy cooking with this easy recipe!
What is Miso Sauce?
Miso sauce is a Japanese condiment made from miso paste, it’s savoury and has a rich umami flavour. It’s versatile, used in salad dressings, marinades, dipping sauces and glazes.
With its growing popularity it’s a favourite in healthy cooking and plant based diets.
Types of Miso Sauce
There are several types of miso sauce, each made with different ingredients and production methods.
The three main types are white (shiro), red (aka) and mixed (awase) miso. Each type has a different colour, flavour and texture and is suitable for different dishes.
White Miso (Shiro)
White miso is the mildest of the three. Made from soybeans fermented with rice or barley koji (a type of fungus). It’s light yellow in colour and slightly sweet due to the short fermentation period.
Red Miso (Aka)
Red miso is dark red and has a strong umami flavour. Made from soybeans fermented with more salt and for a longer period than white miso. It’s bold and perfect for hearty dishes like stews, soups and meat marinades.
Mixed Miso (Awase)
Mixed or blended miso is a combination of white and red miso, it has a balanced flavour profile. It can vary in colour depending on the ratio of white to red miso used. Awase miso is often used in dressings and sauces because of its versatility.
How Miso Sauce is Made
Miso sauce starts as fermented soybean paste, also known as miso paste. The process begins with steamed soybeans mixed with koji and salt and left to ferment for weeks or even years.
During fermentation enzymes break down the proteins into amino acids which gives miso sauce its umami flavour.
Benefits of Miso Sauce
Apart from the taste, miso sauce has many benefits. It’s a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Because it’s made from fermented ingredients it also contains probiotics that aid digestion and gut health.
Miso is low in calories and carbohydrates compared to other condiments like soy sauce or barbecue sauce. And it’s gluten free and vegan friendly.
How to Use Miso Sauce in Cooking
Miso sauce is very versatile and can be used in many dishes, from traditional Japanese to western fusion. Here are some ways you can use miso sauce:
- As a marinade: The bold umami flavour of red miso is great for marinating meat, fish or poultry before grilling or roasting.
- In soups and stews: White miso in broths, red miso for more flavour. You can also add a spoonful of mixed miso for depth of flavour
Why You Should Add Miso Sauce to Your Diet
Health Benefits of Miso
- Probiotics (fermented food benefits).
- Packed with protein, minerals and vitamins.
- Gut and digestion friendly.
Flavours Without Compromise
- Flavour without artificial ingredients.
- Low sodium but big flavour options.
How to Make Miso Sauce in 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp miso paste (white, yellow or red)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove fresh garlic, grated or minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients
Collect all your ingredients and make sure the garlic and ginger are grated finely for a smooth texture. - Combine the Base Ingredients
In a small bowl, add the miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), sesame oil and honey or maple syrup. - Add the Aromatics
Stir in the grated garlic and ginger. - Whisk Until Smooth
Whisk or fork until smooth and well combined. Add a splash of water (1-2 tsp) if too thick. - Taste and Adjust
Taste and adjust to your liking. Add more honey for sweetness or rice vinegar for acidity.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Citrus: Squeeze in some fresh lemon or lime juice.
- Nutty: Add a spoonful of peanut butter or tahini.
- Herbal: Add chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of colour.
- Umami: Mix in a spoonful of fish sauce for more umami.
Tips:
- Smooth: Whisk well or use an immersion blender for super smooth.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Stir well before using as ingredients may settle.
- Use: Drizzle over roasted vegetables, toss with noodles, use as a marinade for proteins or as a dipping sauce.
With this base recipe and variations, you can use the miso sauce for any dish or flavour profile. Go ahead and play!
Miso Sauce Hacks
Salad Dressing
Take your salads to the next level with a miso dressing. Drizzle over fresh greens or grain bowls for a flavour bomb.
Grill Marinade
Marinate meats, fish and vegetables to add depth and flavour before grilling. The miso sauce is a tenderiser and gives your dishes a savoury twist.
Stir-Fry Sauce
Add the miso sauce to your stir-fries for an easy way to add bold flavour to your favourite Asian dishes. It goes well with soy sauce, ginger, garlic and other stir-fry ingredients.
Roasted Vegetable Glaze
For a simple side dish, toss roasted vegetables with a spoonful of miso sauce before roasting in the oven. The natural sweetness of the veggies
Marinade
Marinate your favourite proteins and vegetables for depth and complexity. Use miso sauce to marinate tofu, fish or vegetables for a savoury twist.
Dipping Sauce
Turn raw veggies or spring rolls into snacks with a creamy miso dipping sauce.
Glaze
Add a touch of sophistication to your meals by using miso sauce as a glaze. Good for roasted vegetables or grilled dishes like eggplant or salmon.
With its versatility and flavour, miso sauce can elevate your home cooking. Try it in quick meals like miso-glazed carrots, miso-marinated salmon or a big miso-quinoa bowl for a restaurant quality meal in your own kitchen!
Wrap Up
Miso sauce is so easy to make and a great way to level up your meals. With its umami flavour and versatility it can go with so many dishes from salads and stir-fries to marinades and dipping sauces.
And it’s not only delicious but also good for you, a great source of probiotics and nutrients, perfect for a healthy cooking lifestyle.
Go ahead and try this recipe and get creative in the kitchen and see how you can use miso sauce in your favourite dishes.
Remember to share your experiments!
Leave a comment below and tell us how you’ve used miso sauce in your cooking or tag us in your creations so we can see and be inspired by others in the community.
FAQs for Miso Sauce
What does miso taste like?
Miso has a savoury, salty and slightly tangy flavour known as umami. Depending on the type of miso it can also have sweet or earthy notes.
How long does miso sauce last?
Miso sauce will last up to 6 months in the fridge, it’s a great pantry staple for quick and easy meals. Store it in an airtight container or jar for best freshness.
Is miso sauce gluten free?
Traditional miso paste is gluten free but some brands may have added ingredients that contain gluten. Always check the label if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I use a different type of miso for this recipe?
Yes you can use different types of miso paste, white or red. Keep in mind they will have different flavour and
What is miso?
Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made by fermenting soybeans with a mould called koji (often with rice or barley), salt and water. The result is a thick paste used in many dishes.
What is miso sauce used for?
Miso sauce is versatile and can be used as a marinade for meat, a dressing for salad, a flavouring for soups or a topping for vegetables and seafood.
What are the 2 main ingredients in miso?
The two main ingredients in miso are soybeans and koji mould. Koji can be combined with other grains like rice or barley which will affect the flavour of the miso.
Can I replace miso with soy sauce?
While soy sauce can replicate some of the saltiness and umami of miso, it doesn’t have the same depth and body. You can substitute soy sauce in some recipes but it won’t be the same as miso.
How long does miso sauce last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container or jar miso sauce will last up to 6 months in the fridge. But it may still be safe to eat beyond that if it hasn’t developed any mould or off smell. Always use your best judgement and discard if unsure.
What else can I use miso paste for?
Besides making miso sauce you can also use miso paste as a base for soups, marinades, glazes, dressings and even desserts. It adds depth of flavour and umami to many dishes.
