Miso Soup with Tofu, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Green Vegetables Recipe
A nourishing and flavorful Miso Soup featuring tender leeks, shiitake mushrooms, leafy greens, and silken tofu, simmered in a savory broth with kombu and miso paste. This comforting Japanese-inspired soup is easy to prepare, rich in umami, and perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 1 large leek
- 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, sliced
- 2–3 cups chard, bok choy, or baby spinach, torn or cut into bite-sized pieces
Broth and Seasonings
- 6 cups broth – veggie, dashi, or mushroom broth
- 1 sheet kombu (optional, only if not using dashi broth)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or GF liquid amino acids), more to taste
- 2 teaspoons mirin
- 3 tablespoons miso paste (white, red, or yellow; white preferred, or GF miso paste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive or sesame oil
- Toasted sesame oil for garnish
Protein and Garnishes
- 1 package extra-firm silken tofu (or crispy tofu)
- Sliced scallions
- Furikake (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds
Optional Additions
- 1/2 cup reconstituted wakame seaweed, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon bonito granules (not vegan, optional)
- Prepare the leek: Slice the leek in half lengthwise, then slice the white and light green parts into thin half-moons. Place in a strainer and rinse well under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat the olive or sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the rinsed leeks and sliced shiitake mushrooms (discard the stems). Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the broth of your choice. If not using dashi broth, add the kombu sheet to the pot (remove it later). Add the wakame seaweed if using. Bring to a simmer and cook for 7-10 minutes. Season with soy sauce and mirin.
- Prepare the tofu: While the soup simmers, carefully open the silken tofu package with scissors without crushing the block. Drain and place the tofu on a cutting board. Slice into ½ inch slices, then cubes. Distribute the tofu cubes evenly among four bowls. Sprinkle with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
- Mix miso paste: Scoop out about ½ cup of warm broth from the pot into a small bowl. Whisk the miso paste into this broth until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Set aside.
- Add greens: Stir the leafy greens into the simmering soup and cook for about 1 minute until wilted. Turn off the heat.
- Incorporate miso: Pour the miso mixture into the soup pot. Avoid boiling the soup after adding miso to preserve the beneficial bacteria.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. The soup should be slightly salty to balance the bland tofu. If the broth is too salty, add a little water.
- Serve: Ladle the hot miso soup over the tofu bowls. Serve immediately, garnished with any remaining scallions, furikake, or sesame seeds as desired.
Notes
- Kombu adds umami to the broth but should be removed before serving.
- Shiitake stems are discarded to avoid allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Do not boil miso paste as it destroys beneficial probiotics.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or liquid amino acids if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- Optional additions like wakame seaweed or bonito granules enhance flavor but adjust for dietary preferences.
- Crispy tofu can be used instead of silken tofu for added texture.
Keywords: Miso Soup, Japanese Soup, Vegetarian Soup, Silken Tofu Soup, Shiitake Mushroom Soup, Vegan Friendly, Quick Soup