The Best Choice Miso Soup with Tofu

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

A comforting Japanese-inspired soup where miso paste creates a rich umami base that perfectly complements silken tofu and fresh greens. This japanese-inspired soups ready in about 20 minutes pairs dashi stock, white miso paste, firm 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 cups dashi stock in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until just simmering (do not boil).
  2. Step 2: While stock heats, crumble 4 oz firm tofu into small cubes. Thinly slice 2 tbsp green onions, separating white and green parts.
  3. Step 3: Once stock simmers, remove from heat. Stir in 2 tbsp white miso paste until fully dissolved, then add wakame seaweed and tofu cubes.
  4. Step 4: Return to low heat for 2 minutes to warm tofu through without boiling (boiling destroys miso's flavor).
  5. Step 5: Stir in white parts of green onions and 1/2 tsp sesame oil. Season with a pinch of salt if needed. Serve immediately with green parts of green onions sprinkled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Choice Miso Soup with 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 The Best Choice Miso Soup with 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 dashi stock from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in The Best Choice Miso Soup with 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 The Best Choice Miso Soup with 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 The Best Choice Miso Soup with Tofu?

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.

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