If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup, my Shiitake Mushroom Miso Soup is the perfect choice! This simple and quick recipe brings together the earthy flavors of shiitake mushrooms with the savory richness of miso in just five minutes! It’s a healthy, light soup that pairs wonderfully with any Japanese meal, making it the ideal side dish to keep you cozy and satisfied. Let’s dive in and make this deliciously easy soup together!
Why I Love This Recipe
I crafted this Shiitake Miso Soup to bring the comforting flavors of umami packed Japan right into your kitchen! This classic Japanese side soup is made with just four ingredients: miso paste, dashi, shiitake mushrooms, and green onions. The shiitake mushrooms elevate the soup with their deep, earthy flavor, making it a unique twist compared to the traditional versions you find in restaurants!
What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to make in just 5 minutes, and it’s perfect to pair with almost any Japanese dish. You can even switch it up by adding tofu for a Tofu Miso Soup, wakame for Seaweed Wakame Miso Soup or even go the seafood route with some calms for an Calm Miso Soup. It’s simple, quick, and always satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this soup for every meal!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Dashi – fish broth made from steeping kombu and bonito flakes with boiling water. Can also use Hondashi mixed in water for instant dashi. Used as the base of the soup.
- 2 tbsp Miso – awase brown Miso is what I recommend, but can use white miso or red miso as well best on personal preference. Used as the main base of the soup.
- 1 Whole Shiitake Mushroom – fresh shiitake mushroom washed and sliced.
- 1/2 Stalk Green Onions – fresh and chopped
🥢 Dashi Pro Tip
For easier and cost-effective preparation of the dashi, use Hondashi. This quick tip simplifies the process and ensures a flavorful base for your miso soup.
🥢 Miso Note
You have three miso paste options: White Miso, which is mild and sweet; Red Miso, known for its robust and salty flavor; and Brown Miso, or Awase Miso, offering a balanced blend of salty, sweet, and umami. I recommend using Brown Miso but it is a matter of personal preference.
Directions
Step 1 Add dashi to a stovetop pot and bring it to a soft boil. Once boiling, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step 2 Remove the pot from heat and mix in the miso paste. For smooth blending, place the miso in a strainer and use chopsticks or a spoon to dissolve it into the dashi.
Step 3 Pour the miso soup into a bowl and top with freshly chopped green onions before serving.
🥢 Miso Pro Tip
To maintain the savory umami flavor and preserve the probiotic benefits in miso paste, Avoid Boiling the soup once miso is whisked in.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about miso soup is its versatility. With the same base, you can easily create a variety of flavors to suit your mood or meal.
For a lighter soup, try using enoki mushrooms to make Enoki Miso Soup, or switch it up with shimeji mushrooms for a Shimeji Miso Soup. If you’re craving something green, spinach makes a great addition for Spinach Miso Soup, while Japanese radish brings a crisp, refreshing twist in Daikon Miso Soup. If you’re in the mood for something extra comforting, crack an egg into your soup to create an Egg Drop Miso Soup or fried tofu for an Age Tofu Miso Soup. For a heartier option, add pork belly and vegetables to make a rich Tonjiru Pork Miso Soup.
With so many variations, miso soup is a go-to dish that can always be tailored to your taste.
Pairing Recommendations
Miso soup is a staple that pairs well with many Japanese dishes. For a shittake mushroom centered meal, serve it alongside other shiitake-focused dishes like my Sauteed Shiitake Mushroom or Shiitake Stir Fry. You can also complement the soup with Japanese Steamed Eggs with Shiitake, making for a flavorful, easy meal when served with a side of rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the miso soup is too salty or too watery?
If your miso soup is too salty or too watery, you can easily adjust the flavor. To reduce the saltiness, simply add a little more dashi. If it's too watery and you want a stronger miso flavor, add a bit more miso paste until you reach your desired taste.
Can I add tofu to this soup?
Absolutely! Tofu is a common addition to miso soup and can add extra texture and protein. Simply cut to bite sized pieces and add it along with the mushrooms.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. To make it vegan, use vegetable broth as your base.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, place the soup in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 7-10 days.
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Watch How To Make It
Shiitake Mushroom Miso Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Dashi
- 2 tbsp Miso
- 1 Shiitake Mushroom sliced
- 1/2 Stalk Green Onions chopped
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Pour the dashi into a stovetop pot and bring it to a soft boil. Once it’s boiling, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Take the pot off the heat and stir in the miso paste. To blend smoothly, place the miso in a strainer and use chopsticks or a spoon to dissolve it into the dashi.
- Transfer the miso soup to a bowl and garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
