Japanese Miso and Tofu Soup with Wontons and Seaweed

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting Japanese soup with miso broth, firm tofu, wontons, seaweed, and green onions. This japanese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs miso paste, block tofu, wonton wrappers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

★ 4.1 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 4 cups vegetable broth in a large pot over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add 2 tbsp miso paste, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tbsp soy sauce, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the miso is fully dissolved and the broth is fragrant. Tip: Avoid boiling the broth after adding miso to prevent it from becoming bitter.
  2. Step 2: Press 1 block tofu for 15 minutes using a clean kitchen towel and a plate to remove excess moisture. Slice the tofu into 1/2-inch thick slabs, then pan-fry in a non-stick skillet heated with 1 tbsp sesame oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Tip: Pressing the tofu ensures it holds its structure and absorbs flavors better.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the wonton filling by finely dicing 1/4 cup cabbage and mixing it with 2 tbsp cooked shrimp (or 2 tbsp vegan protein crumbles) and 1/2 tsp soy sauce. Place 1 tbsp of the mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper, fold diagonally to form a triangle, and press the edges together to seal. Tip: For a vegan version, substitute shrimp with mashed chickpeas or tofu.
  4. Step 4: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then gently add the sealed wontons and cook for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate and set aside. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pot to prevent the wontons from sticking together.
  5. Step 5: Add the pan-fried tofu and cooked wontons to the miso broth, then stir in 1/4 cup seaweed. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the seaweed softens and the broth thickens slightly. Tip: Add the seaweed last to prevent it from becoming overly soft and losing its texture.
  6. Step 6: Just before serving, thinly slice 2 green onions and scatter them over the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving includes tofu, wontons, and seaweed. Tip: For extra flavor, drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Japanese Miso and Tofu Soup with Wontons and Seaweed take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Japanese Miso and Tofu Soup with Wontons and Seaweed?

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 miso paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Japanese Miso and Tofu Soup with Wontons and Seaweed?

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 Japanese Miso and Tofu Soup with Wontons and Seaweed 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.

What goes well with Japanese Miso and Tofu Soup with Wontons and Seaweed?

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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