15-Min Miso Soup

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This quick version of miso soup combines vegetable broth with miso paste, greens, tofu and nori for a comforting bowl ready in 15 minutes.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:12:04 GMT
A close-up of two bowls of soup containing tofu, green onions, seaweed, and leafy greens, placed on a wooden surface. Pin it
A close-up of two bowls of soup containing tofu, green onions, seaweed, and leafy greens, placed on a wooden surface. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my favorite miso soup recipe that's become my ultimate comfort food go-to. I've added plenty of greens to make it extra nourishing and the best part? It comes together in just 15 minutes. This soup has saved many busy weeknights in my kitchen.

Why It's So Good For You

I love knowing that every bowl is packed with goodness. The miso adds those beneficial probiotics we're always hearing about, and when I learned about all the vitamins and minerals inside, I felt even better about craving it so often.

Grab These Ingredients

  • Miso Paste: I usually go for white or yellow—it's milder and more versatile.
  • Vegetable Broth: Makes life easier than traditional dashi.
  • Tofu: I prefer firm, but silken works beautifully too.
  • Chard: My favorite green for this soup—it wilts just perfectly.
  • Green Onions: Adds such a fresh pop of flavor.
  • Nori: Just a bit gives that authentic touch.

Making The Magic

First Things First
I always start by whisking my miso in a little hot water—it's my trick for no lumps.
Building Flavors
While that's happening, I get my broth simmering with those beautiful greens.
Adding Protein
The tofu goes in gently—we don't want it breaking up.
The Final Touch
Off heat goes the miso—this keeps all those good probiotics alive.

A Bit of History

Every time I make this soup, I think about its incredible history in Japanese cuisine. Over 1300 years of tradition right in my kitchen. Though my version might not be strictly traditional, it still carries that soul-warming essence.

Two bowls of soup with tofu and green onions are placed on a wooden surface, accompanied by a small dish of chopped green onions. Pin it
Two bowls of soup with tofu and green onions are placed on a wooden surface, accompanied by a small dish of chopped green onions. | cookingwithcasey.com

Make It Your Own

Some nights I throw in whatever greens I have, maybe some mushrooms if they're looking lonely in the fridge. My spice-loving friends add chili flakes. That's what I love about this recipe—it's so adaptable.

Anytime Is Soup Time

I've had this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There's something so comforting about a warm bowl of miso soup no matter what time it is. It's become my go-to when I need something gentle but satisfying.

Keeping It Fresh

While this soup is best fresh, sometimes I make extra for the next day. Just store it carefully in the fridge and reheat it gently. I never let it boil—that's key for keeping those good probiotics alive.

Perfect Pairings

On lazy evenings, I love this soup with just some steamed rice. When I'm feeling fancy, I'll make sushi rolls to go alongside. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top makes everything look and taste extra special.

Simple Yet Special

What makes this recipe a keeper is how it delivers such deep, satisfying flavors with so little effort. It's become my trusted friend on busy days when I need something nourishing and quick.

A bowl of clear soup filled with tofu, green onions, seaweed, and leafy greens, placed on a wooden plate with a spoon beside it. Pin it
A bowl of clear soup filled with tofu, green onions, seaweed, and leafy greens, placed on a wooden plate with a spoon beside it. | cookingwithcasey.com

More Than Just Soup

The nutrition in this bowl always amazes me. From B vitamins to zinc, it's like a wellness boost in a bowl. Plus, it just makes you feel good inside and out.

Easy Does It

Don't worry if you can't find dashi—vegetable broth works wonderfully. I love how accessible this version is while still capturing those beautiful umami flavors we all crave.

Family Friendly Fun

My kids love helping me make this soup. We cut the tofu into fun shapes and they get excited about finding treasures in their bowls. It's a great way to introduce little ones to new flavors.

My Best Tips

Never ever boil your miso—it's my golden rule. Add it at the end and adjust the amount to your taste. I like to cut my greens nice and thin—they cook more evenly that way.

Getting Creative

Sometimes I throw in some soba noodles or add extra vegetables. The basic recipe is just the beginning. Let your creativity guide you—it's hard to go wrong.

A bowl of miso soup with tofu, seaweed, and green onions, placed on a wooden surface. Pin it
A bowl of miso soup with tofu, seaweed, and green onions, placed on a wooden surface. | cookingwithcasey.com

Dress It Up

A sprinkle of sesame seeds, a few drops of chili oil, or some extra green onions on top make each bowl feel special. These little touches make such a difference.

Quick Comfort

When I need something soothing but don't have much time, this is my go-to. Fifteen minutes to a warm hug in a bowl—that's pretty amazing.

Prep Ahead Magic

I often make a big batch of broth and prep my veggies ahead. Then it's just a matter of heating and adding fresh ingredients. Perfect for those extra busy weeks.

Earth Friendly Eating

Using simple, whole ingredients means less packaging and waste. Plus, tofu and miso are such sustainable protein sources. It feels good knowing my comfort food is good for the planet too.

Start Here

If you're new to Japanese cooking, this is the perfect recipe to start with. It's almost impossible to mess up, and the results are so satisfying. Trust me—you'll be making this again and again.

Two bowls of clear soup garnished with chopped green onions sit on a wooden surface. Pin it
Two bowls of clear soup garnished with chopped green onions sit on a wooden surface. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of miso paste should I use?
White or yellow miso paste works best. Check ingredients if keeping vegan as some contain bonito (fish).
→ Can I use different greens?
Yes, any sturdy greens can replace the chard. Choose leafy greens that can withstand brief cooking.
→ Why mix miso separately?
Mixing miso with hot water before adding to soup prevents clumping and ensures smooth distribution.
→ Can I make extra for later?
Best served fresh. Quality and flavor decline when stored or reheated.
→ What type of tofu works best?
Firm tofu works well in this quick version, though silken tofu is more traditional. Add silken at end of cooking.

Conclusion

A quick and easy miso soup that combines the rich flavors of vegetable broth, miso paste, and fresh ingredients for a comforting meal.

Easy Miso Soup

A comforting Japanese-inspired miso soup loaded with greens, tofu and nori, ready in just 15 minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired

Yield: 2 Servings (2 bowls)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 cups vegetable broth.
02 1 sheet nori (dried seaweed), cut into rectangles.
03 3-4 Tbsp white or yellow miso paste.
04 1/2 cup chopped green chard or other sturdy green.
05 1/2 cup chopped green onion.
06 1/4 cup firm tofu, cubed.

Instructions

Step 01

Bring vegetable broth to low simmer in medium saucepan.

Step 02

Whisk miso with hot water in small bowl until smooth to prevent clumping.

Step 03

Add chard, green onion, and firm tofu to broth. Cook 5 minutes. Add nori.

Step 04

Remove from heat, stir in miso mixture. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Notes

  1. Best served fresh.
  2. Can use dashi for traditional version.
  3. Silken tofu more traditional than firm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium saucepan.
  • Small bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Soy (tofu, miso paste).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 170
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22.3 g
  • Protein: 13.6 g