Miso Soup: One of the most traditional and popular uses of miso paste is in miso soup. To make miso soup, simply dissolve red miso paste in hot dashi stock (made from kombu seaweed and bonito flakes), then add tofu, wakame seaweed, spring onions, and any other ingredients like mushrooms or vegetables. Simmer briefly and serve hot.
Marinades and Glazes: Red miso can be used as a base for marinades and glazes for meats, fish, seafood, and tofu. Combine red miso paste with other ingredients such as soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sake, garlic, ginger, and sugar to create a delicious marinade. The marinade will tenderise meats and add flavour. For best results, allow to marinate for several hours or overnight before cooking.
Stir-Fries: Add depth of flavour to stir-fries by incorporating red miso paste into the sauce. Mix red miso with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar or honey for a delicious stir-fry sauce. Toss with vegetables, protein, and noodles or rice.
Salad Dressings: Blend red miso paste with ingredients like rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey or maple syrup to create a savoury and slightly sweet salad dressing. Drizzle over salads or use as a dipping sauce for vegetables.
Sauces and Dips: Red miso can be used to make sauces and dips. Combine it with mayonnaise or yoghurt for a creamy dip for crudites or chips. You can also mix it with tahini, lemon juice, and water to make a savoury sauce for roasted vegetables.
Baking: Red miso can even be used in baking to add depth of flavour to bread, cookies, or even desserts like brownies. Use it sparingly and adjust the other ingredients accordingly to balance the flavours.
