Discover the Key Ingredient for Mouthwatering Meals
With a background in professional cooking and a passion for writing about food, my kitchen is filled with a variety of condiments and spices. From pantry staples like ketchup and vinegars to more unique options like hibiscus marmalade or yuzu hot sauce (shoutout to Trader Joe’s for that gem), I have a wide range of flavors at my disposal. While I appreciate all of them, if I had to choose just one, it would undoubtedly be miso. Japanese miso is a versatile ingredient that adds a savory, slightly sweet, and almost meaty richness to dishes ranging from chicken and fish to vegan creations. I truly believe that almost any dish can benefit from a touch of miso magic. Explore these 35 recipes to experience the transformative power of miso in your cooking, and get ready to elevate your dinners with a boost of umami.
For those unfamiliar, umami is one of the five basic tastes, alongside sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. In my opinion, it’s the most delicious one, although it’s a bit challenging to define. All you need to know is that umami is the savory taste that makes you exclaim, “Wow, this is good!” after the first bite, and miso is an exceptional way to incorporate it into your meals.
If you’re new to using miso, recipes like miso soup, miso ginger dressing, miso bolognese, and melting sweet potatoes are excellent starting points to introduce you to the wonderful world of miso.
Whether you’re a meat lover or looking to explore plant-based options, miso can enhance a wide range of dishes. Try our vegan white bean chili, miso mushroom crispy rice, creamy garlicky Alfredo ditalini, or shroomami burger for satisfying meat-free alternatives. From chicken to seafood, miso can take your favorite dishes to new heights. Experiment with our sweet corn shrimp & rice skillet, grilled swordfish with hazelnut miso sauce, or sheet-pan miso chicken & sweet potatoes to add a touch of miso-inspired deliciousness to your cooking.
Indulge in the flavorful experience of Grilled Swordfish With Hazelnut Miso Sauce, where juicy swordfish steaks meet a nutty, salty, sweet, and umami-packed hazelnut miso sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
For a creamy and dairy-free twist on classic creamed spinach, try One-Pot Creamy Vegan Greens, a nutritious and flavorful rendition of this comforting dish.
Enjoy the dynamic flavors and textures of Miso Mushroom Crispy Rice, a dish inspired by culinary influences from around the world, including Momofuku’s Miso Mushroom Rice, Persian tahdig, and Spanish paella.
Elevate your weeknight meals with Miso Salmon & Farro Bowls, featuring miso-glazed salmon and charred scall
Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms us up on chilly days. If you usually order Japanese miso soup for takeout, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make at home. Try out the Miso Soup recipe for a cozy and light meal starter.
If you’re looking for a satisfying and flavorful dish, check out the Sheet-Pan Miso Chicken & Sweet Potatoes recipe. Chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, and shallots are coated in miso-chili sauce and baked until tender and caramelized, creating a delicious meal served with cilantro and chili crisp.
For a plant-based option, try the Shroomami Burgers recipe. These mushroom-based burgers are bursting with savory flavors and paired with a citrus slaw and spicy vegan mayo for a delightful meal.
Whip up a batch of Miso Ginger Dressing with just a few simple ingredients like miso, ginger, sweetener, and vinegar for a creamy and flavorful salad dressing.
Indulge in a creamy and garlicky Alfredo Ditalini pasta dish or a vibrant Ginger Miso Carrot Soup for a unique and tasty twist on classic recipes.
For a hearty and flavorful dish, give the Vegan Shepherd’s Pie recipe a try. Packed with veggies and lentils, this dairy-free shepherd’s pie is a wholesome meal option.
For a quick and healthy dinner, make the Miso Butter Cod recipe featuring roasted cod and bok choy with a flavor-packed miso butter sauce.
Lastly, enjoy a vegan twist on classic ramen with the Vegan Ramen With Roasted Red Miso Veggies recipe, which promises layers of umami-packed flavor for a satisfying meal.
Swap in your favorite veggies such as enoki mushrooms and edamame to boost the protein content. Don’t forget to balance the flavors with salty soy sauce and sweet, tangy mirin for a delicious vegan ramen bowl. You can find the recipe for Vegan Ramen With Roasted Red Miso Veggies by Lucy Schaeffer below.
For a unique twist on glazed sweet potatoes, try coating them with a savory maple-miso sauce. These melting sweet potatoes will surprise you with their deliciousness. Check out the recipe for Melting Sweet Potatoes below.
Indulge in the Ultimate Veggie Sandwich loaded with miso eggplant for an extra special treat. For a foolproof and flavorful approach to cooking Chilean sea bass, try the Baked Chilean Sea Bass recipe which infuses umami flavors from miso and soy sauce into each bite.
If you’re short on time but craving Bolognese, the Miso Bolognese recipe offers a quick and tasty alternative with miso paste adding depth to the ground beef sauce. Firecracker Burgers With Strawberry-Miso Salad is a winning recipe that captures the Delish vibe, crowned by judges on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars.
For a fancy yet easy dish, try the Vegan Seared “Scallops” With Succotash featuring king trumpet mushrooms mirroring the flavor of sea scallops in a colorful succotash. The Sweet Corn Shrimp & Rice Skillet is a light and satisfying meal with a vibrant sauce made from sweet bell peppers, white miso, turmeric, garlic, and ginger.
Indulge in Air Fryer Tahini Black Bean Fritters for a crispy treat, perfect on their own or sandwiched in slider buns. Grill up some Miso-marinated Tofu for a savory dish infused with umami flavors. Serve with a garlicky ginger-scallion sauce for a flavorful meal.
Miso-Roasted Carrots: These delectable sweet-savory carrots are enhanced with a tasty mix of crunchy nuts and spices, such as pistachios and black and white sesame seeds. Feel free to customize with your preferred toppings like everything bagel seasoning. Get the recipe for Miso-Roasted Carrots.
Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls): A humble rice ball filled with various ingredients, wrapped in roasted seaweed (nori), perfect for snacking or a light meal. Onigiri is versatile and can be customized with fillings like fish roe, karaage fried chicken, veggies, or grilled beef. Get the recipe for Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls).
Steamed Buns (Baozi): While crafting picture-perfect steamed buns may require practice, the soft and slightly chewy dough is what truly matters. This recipe offers three filling options: red bean paste, miso carrots, and ground pork. Get the recipe for Steamed Buns (Baozi).
Vegan White Bean Chili: A flavor-packed, plant-based twist on white chicken chili that’s perfect for vegans or anyone seeking a wholesome meal. Enjoy this hearty chili with fresh toppings. Get the Vegan White Bean Chili recipe.
Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole: A gluten-free variation of the classic American green bean casserole, ideal for accommodating different dietary needs. Enjoy the rich flavors in this dish. Get the recipe for Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole.
Grilled Zucchini Carbonara: A lighter spin on carbonara, perfect for grilling enthusiasts and vegetarians. This dish is a delightful option for summer dinners. Get the Grilled Zucchini Carbonara recipe.
Air Fryer Miso-Glazed Scallops: An easy-to-make, elegant dish inspired by Nobu’s miso-glazed cod, these scallops make a great date night meal. Impress your guests with this fancy yet simple recipe. Get the Air Fryer Miso-Glazed Scallops recipe.
Vegan Clam Chowder: A creamy and flavorful vegan alternative to New England clam chowder, featuring mushrooms and potatoes for added texture. This rich and comforting soup is a must-try. Get the Vegan Clam Chowder recipe.
Shrimp & Mango Salad: A quick and crunchy shrimp salad packed with fresh ingredients and a savory dressing. Enjoy this light and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a healthy meal. Get the Shrimp & Mango Salad recipe.
Air Fryer Miso Brown-Sugar Salmon: An easy-to-make sweet-and-savory salmon recipe perfect for any day of the week. Utilizing an air fryer ensures consistently delicious results for a delightful meal.
Indulge in the delectable flavors that come to life when salmon is marinated in a delightful concoction of miso and brown sugar. Treat your taste buds to the Air Fryer Miso Brown-Sugar Salmon recipe. Say goodbye to the traditional green goddess salad because Baked By Melissa introduces a trendy and TikTok-famous kale Cobb salad. This salad is packed with flavor, featuring a homemade miso dressing that surpasses any bottled alternative. The addition of crispy fried shallots provides the perfect crunch. Discover the recipe for the Kale Cobb Salad. For a quick and satisfying meal, try the Miso-Glazed Salmon recipe. This easy-to-make baked salmon is coated in a savory miso sauce and baked alongside broccoli for a simple dinner ready in under an hour. The combination of salty and sweet flavors in the glaze adds a delightful twist to your ordinary salmon dish. Explore the recipe for Miso-Glazed Salmon and elevate your dining experience. Experience the ease and deliciousness of these recipes and venture into a world of culinary delight.
