Miso-Glazed Tomato Sauce

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

A rich, umami-forward tomato sauce with miso paste hidden in the base for deep savory depth, perfect for pasta or grain bowls. This italian-inspired asian ready in about 50 minutes blends ripe plum tomatoes, white miso paste, medium, finely diced onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer. Score a shallow cross on the bottom of each tomato, then blanch them for 30 seconds. Transfer to an ice bath, peel off the skins, and chop the flesh into small pieces.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until translucent, then stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the chopped tomatoes, 3 tbsp white miso paste, and 1/2 tsp sea salt to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces by half. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Glazed Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Miso-Glazed Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Glazed Tomato Sauce?

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 Miso-Glazed Tomato Sauce 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 Miso-Glazed Tomato Sauce?

Italian 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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