Authentic Umami-Rich Miso Soup with Tofu and Wilted Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A soul-warming Japanese staple featuring silken tofu, vibrant spinach, and a deeply savory miso broth. This japanese-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs dashi stock, block (14 oz) firm tofu, miso paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.0 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a pot. Add kombu strip and 1 tbsp mirin, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes to make dashi stock. Strain and discard kombu.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, press tofu to remove moisture. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp dashi stock over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden. Add remaining dashi stock, miso paste, and 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add spinach bunch and stir until wilted (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in shiso leaves, and serve hot with grated daikon radish on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Umami-Rich Miso Soup with Tofu and Wilted Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Umami-Rich Miso Soup with Tofu and Wilted Spinach?

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 dashi stock from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Umami-Rich Miso Soup with Tofu and Wilted Spinach?

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 Umami-Rich Miso Soup with Tofu and Wilted Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Authentic Umami-Rich Miso Soup with Tofu and Wilted Spinach vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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