Authentic Tofu Nikomi with Miso Broth

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A humble yet deeply satisfying Japanese simmered tofu dish with a rich miso broth, featuring perfectly tender tofu and seasonal vegetables. This simple home-cooked meal embodies the essence of Japanese comfort food. This japanese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs firm tofu, white miso paste, dashi stock for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press the tofu between paper towels for 10 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a shallow bowl and cover with 1 cup of dashi stock, letting it soak for 5 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
  2. Step 2: Simmer the remaining 1 cup dashi stock with 1 tbsp sake and 1 tbsp mirin in a medium pot over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, about 3 minutes. Add the shiitake mushrooms and daikon radish, then simmer for 8 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  3. Step 3: Add the miso paste to the pot, stirring constantly with a whisk until fully dissolved (do not boil), then add the tofu with its soaking liquid. Simmer gently for 3 minutes until flavors meld and the broth thickens slightly. Stir in 1 tsp sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Tofu Nikomi with Miso Broth take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Tofu Nikomi with Miso Broth?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Tofu Nikomi with Miso Broth?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Tofu Nikomi with Miso Broth for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Tofu Nikomi with Miso Broth?

Japanese vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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