Squid Ink Miso Soup with White Squid Broth

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

A unique, savory soup combining rich white squid broth with earthy miso and the deep umami of squid ink, traditionally served in Okinawan eateries. This japanese-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs cleaned and chopped white squid, water, dashi powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 6 cups water, 1 lb cleaned and chopped white squid, and 1 tbsp dashi powder. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes to extract a flavorful broth.
  2. Step 2: Strain the broth through a fine sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids. Return the broth to low heat and whisk in 3 tbsp white miso paste until fully dissolved.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp squid ink and 1 tsp grated ginger, cooking gently for 3-4 minutes until the soup turns a deep black color with an earthy aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 block cubed tofu and 2 thinly sliced green onions, simmering for another 5 minutes. Finish with 1 tsp sesame oil and salt to taste before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Squid Ink Miso Soup with White Squid Broth take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Squid Ink Miso Soup with White Squid Broth?

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 Squid Ink Miso Soup with White Squid Broth?

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 Squid Ink Miso Soup with White Squid Broth 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 Squid Ink Miso Soup with White Squid Broth?

Japanese soups 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.