Half-Cup Miso Soup with Scallions and Tofu Cubes

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

A delicate bowl of traditional Japanese miso soup scaled down to a half-cup serving, featuring silky tofu and fresh scallions for a soothing appetizer. This japanese-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 12 minutes pairs water, white miso paste, diced into 1/2-inch cubes firm tofu for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 70 calories and feeds 1, 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 7 min Serves 1 Japanese cuisine 70 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp dashi granules until dissolved.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/4 cup diced firm tofu to the simmering broth and cook for 2 minutes until warmed through.
  3. Step 3: Remove 2 tbsp of hot broth into a small bowl, whisk in 1 tbsp white miso paste until smooth, then return the mixture to the saucepan.
  4. Step 4: Heat gently for 1 more minute without boiling to preserve the miso’s flavor.
  5. Step 5: Ladle the soup into a small bowl and garnish with 1 tbsp thinly sliced scallions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Cup Miso Soup with Scallions and Tofu Cubes take to make?

Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 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 Half-Cup Miso Soup with Scallions and Tofu Cubes?

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 water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Cup Miso Soup with Scallions and Tofu Cubes?

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 Half-Cup Miso Soup with Scallions and Tofu Cubes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Half-Cup Miso Soup with Scallions and Tofu Cubes 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.