Don't order miso soup ever again!

Don't order miso soup ever again! is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Drew Eats on YouTube.

Prep: 7 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 20 min

Cost: $3.50 total, $1.75 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 g Silken Tofu (cut into 1‑cm cubes)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (thinly sliced)
  • 1 Tbsp Dashi Powder (instant dashi granules)
  • 1 Tbsp Dried Wakame Seaweed (rehydrates in broth)
  • 2 Tbsp Miso Paste (red or white miso preferred)
  • 4 cups Water (filtered)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Tofu and Green Onions

    Gently cut the silken tofu into small cubes and slice the green onions thinly. Set both aside.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make Dashi Broth

    Place the pot on medium heat, add 4 cups of water, then stir in the dashi powder and dried wakame seaweed.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Add Tofu and Green Onions

    Gently add the tofu cubes and sliced green onions to the simmering broth. Keep the temperature below a full boil.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Incorporate Miso Paste

    Turn off the heat. In a ladle, take a small amount of hot broth, whisk in the miso paste until smooth, then stir the mixture back into the pot.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Serve

    Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
80
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian (use vegetarian dashi), Gluten-Free (ensure gluten‑free miso and dashi)

Allergens: Soy, Fish (if using traditional dashi)

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Don't order miso soup ever again!

Recipe by Drew Eats

A simple, authentic Japanese miso soup made at home with tofu, green onions, dashi, wakame seaweed, and miso paste. Ready in under 20 minutes, this comforting bowl is perfect as a starter or light meal.

EasyJapaneseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
11m
Prep
3m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.50
Total cost
$1.75
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not let the soup come to a full boil after adding tofu.
  • Dissolve miso paste off the heat to avoid clumps and flavor loss.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot water and steam can cause burns; handle the pot with a pot holder.
  • Use a sharp knife carefully when cutting tofu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of miso soup in Japanese cuisine?

A

Miso soup is a staple of Japanese meals dating back over a thousand years, originally enjoyed by monks and later becoming a daily accompaniment to rice. It embodies the Japanese principles of simplicity, seasonal ingredients, and umami balance.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of miso soup in Japan?

A

In Kansai, white miso (shiromiso) is common, giving a sweeter broth, while in Kanto, red miso (akamiso) creates a richer, saltier soup. Coastal regions often add clams or fish, whereas mountain areas may use wild mushrooms and local greens.

cultural
Q

How is miso soup traditionally served in Japan?

A

Miso soup is served in small lacquered bowls alongside rice, pickles, and other dishes as part of a balanced meal. It is poured hot at the table and eaten with a spoon or directly from the bowl.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is miso soup traditionally associated in Japanese culture?

A

Miso soup is enjoyed daily but also appears at special occasions such as New Year's (Oshogatsu) where a special version called "zōni" is made, and during tea ceremonies as a palate cleanser.

cultural
Q

How does miso soup fit into the broader Japanese cuisine tradition?

A

Miso soup exemplifies the Japanese focus on broth (dashi) as a flavor foundation, highlighting umami and seasonal produce. It complements other dishes by providing warmth and balance to the meal.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for miso soup versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional miso soup uses dashi made from kombu kelp and bonito flakes, miso paste, tofu, wakame seaweed, and green onions. Substitutes include vegetable broth for dashi, soy‑based miso for vegetarian versions, and other seaweeds or mushrooms for variety.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with miso soup?

A

Miso soup pairs beautifully with steamed rice, grilled fish (such as salmon or mackerel), Japanese pickles (tsukemono), and side dishes like tamagoyaki (rolled omelette) or nimono (simmered vegetables).

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making miso soup at home?

A

Common mistakes include boiling the miso paste, which destroys its delicate flavor, and overcooking the tofu, which makes it tough. Also, adding miso too early can cause clumping.

technical
Q

Why does this miso soup recipe dissolve miso paste off the heat instead of adding it directly to the boiling broth?

A

Dissolving miso off the heat preserves its live enzymes and nuanced flavor, preventing bitterness and clumps that occur when miso is boiled.

technical
Q

Can I make miso soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the dashi broth ahead and refrigerate for up to two days. Add tofu and dissolve miso just before reheating gently; avoid boiling when reheating.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Drew Eats specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Drew Eats specializes in quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that focus on comfort foods, classic dishes, and practical kitchen hacks for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Drew Eats' approach to Japanese cooking differ from other Japanese cooking channels?

A

Drew Eats emphasizes simplicity and minimal equipment, often adapting traditional Japanese recipes for the typical American pantry, whereas many Japanese cooking channels stick to authentic ingredients and more elaborate techniques.

channel

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