Kombu-Only Miso Soup with Fresh Tofu

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A minimalist Japanese soup where delicate kombu infuses a clear broth, served with silky tofu and scallions for a pure, soul-nourishing experience. This japanese-inspired asian ready in about 20 minutes pairs kombu, water, soft tofu for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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.

★ 3.6 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 10g kombu in 400ml cold water in a small pot. Bring to just below simmer (160°F/70°C) over medium-low heat—do not boil, as boiling destroys the delicate flavor; steam will rise after about 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove kombu immediately once steam rises, then add 100g cubed soft tofu. Simmer gently for 3 minutes until tofu is heated through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp white miso paste until fully dissolved, then garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Kombu-Only Miso Soup with Fresh Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Kombu-Only Miso Soup with Fresh Tofu?

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 kombu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kombu-Only Miso Soup with Fresh Tofu?

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 Kombu-Only Miso Soup with Fresh Tofu 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 Kombu-Only Miso Soup with Fresh Tofu?

Japanese asian 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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