Forktionary

Miso

N/A Condiment / Fermented Food

Miso Condiment / Fermented Food

At a Glance

  • Category Condiment / Fermented Food

The Forktionary Angle

"The ultimate umami enhancer, transforming dishes with its complex fermented depth."

Definition

A traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans with salt and koji, offering a rich umami flavor in pastes.

Global Miso Market Growth (CAGR) 6.5%
Probiotic Bacteria Count (per serving) Billions
Shelf Life (refrigerated, opened) 6-12 Months

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Miso are:

Salty umami savory slightly sweet (white miso) to deeply earthy (red miso)

Chef’s Secret

When making miso soup or dressings, always add miso *after* removing from heat to preserve its delicate flavor and beneficial probiotics. Never boil miso.

Best Substitutes

Soy Sauce

less thick, use less if very salty
Ratio 1:1

Tahini

for creamy texture in dressings, different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Vegemite/Marmite

for umami spread, very strong
Ratio 1:2

Buying Guide

Choose based on desired strength: white (shiro) for mild, yellow (shinshu) for medium, red (aka) for strong. Organic and unpasteurized varieties offer more probiotics.

Culinary Pairings

Tofu seaweed dashi ginger garlic sesame salmon pork vegetables mushrooms

Recipes Using Miso

Amber's Japan Style Tofu Meal image
Asian Low Cholesterol Main Dish Soy Tofu

Amber's Japan Style Tofu Meal

A quick and healthy weeknight meal inspired by recipe #171417! This vibrant Japan-style tofu dish is packed with flavor and surprisingly simple to make. Enjoy a delicious and nutritious supper in under 40 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights! Get ready for a taste of Japan in your own kitchen!

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Asian Lettuce Wraps Vegetarian image 116
Occasion Course Dietary Brunch

Asian Lettuce Wraps Vegetarian

A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian lettuce wrap recipe inspired by Vegetarian Times Magazine (2003)! These easy-to-make wraps are packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables, savory tofu, and a delectable miso-sesame dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or a healthy weeknight dinner.

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Salmon Miso Yaki Weight Watcher Friendly 7 Points image 126
Saltwater Fish Saltwater Fish High Protein Preparation

Salmon Miso Yaki Weight Watcher Friendly 7 Points

Discover a taste of history with this Salmon Miso Yaki recipe! Passed down through generations of a Japanese-Canadian family, this dish combines the rich umami of miso with the delicate flavor of BC salmon. This Weight Watchers-friendly recipe (7 points!) is quick, easy, and bursting with authentic flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready for a culinary journey!

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Beef Misoyaki image 121
Equipment 4 Hours Or Less Dietary Asian

Beef Misoyaki

Experience the magic of Misoyaki! This recipe elevates simple beef steak to a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. Inspired by the Frugal Gourmet, this flavorful dish boasts a rich, umami-packed marinade that's already mixed in—no messy dipping sauces needed! Thinly sliced, partially frozen beef cooks quickly to juicy perfection, delivering a surprisingly filling meal for four, despite the smaller meat portion. Get ready to impress!

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