Optics Miso Soup with Tofu and Greens
A clear, luminous broth infused with umami-rich miso and delicate tofu, garnished with vibrant microgreens for a dish that feels like liquid light. This japanese-inspired soups (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs dashi stock, white miso paste, baby spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 85 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.
Ingredients
- 4 cups dashi stock
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 1/2 block (about 6 oz), pressed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes firm tofu
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2, thinly sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup microgreens
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups dashi stock to a gentle simmer in a medium pot over medium-low heat, ensuring it does not boil vigorously.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp white miso paste with 2 tbsp of the hot dashi until completely dissolved to avoid lumps.
- Step 3: Gently stir the miso mixture into the simmering dashi, then add 1/2 block (6 oz) pressed and cubed firm tofu. Simmer for 5 minutes to heat through without boiling.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups baby spinach to the pot and stir until wilted and bright green, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove soup from heat and ladle into bowls. Garnish each serving with 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1/4 cup microgreens.
- Step 6: Drizzle with 1 tsp toasted sesame oil just before serving to enhance aroma and give a luminous sheen to the broth.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Optics Miso Soup with Tofu and Greens take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Optics Miso Soup with Tofu and Greens?
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 Optics Miso Soup with Tofu and Greens?
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 Optics Miso Soup with Tofu and Greens 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 Optics Miso Soup with Tofu and Greens vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
