• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

our recipes + your inbox = the eatmail

Join now

Subscribe for new recipes + 3 fan-favorite ebooks

  • About
  • Contact

Live Eat Learn

Easy vegetarian recipes, one ingredient at a time

free ebook

Subscribe for new recipes + 3 fan-favorite ebooks

  • Recipe Index
  • Vegetarian 101
  • Travel
  • Meal Plans
  • Course
    • Breakfasts
    • Lunches
    • Dinners
    • Appetizers
    • Sweets
    • Drinks
  • Diet
    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Low Carb
    • Paleo
    • Raw
    • Vegan
  • Season
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
  • Ingredient
    • Avocado
    • Bean
    • Cauliflower
    • Chickpeas
    • Eggplant
    • Mushroom
    • Tofu
    • Quinoa
    • View All
  • Collections
    • All Time Favorites
    • Air Frying
    • Budget Friendly
    • Comfort Food
    • High Protein
    • Meal Prep
    • Meatless Monday
    • View All
  • Visit our kombucha site
    Visit our dog food blog
Home Vegetarian Cooking 101 Ingredient Guides

What Is Miso Paste? And Is It Healthy?

Share
Share on:
By: Sarah BondUpdated: Jan 20, 2023 Leave a Comment

This post contains affiliate links.

Miso paste on a spoon.

Miso is the flavorful fermented ingredient you didn’t know you needed. But what is miso paste? And is it actually good for you?

Miso paste in a glass bowl.

What is miso paste made of?

Miso paste is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from soybeans, rice, barley, or a combination of these grains. The ingredients are fermented together with a type of mold called koji, and then mixed with salt to form a thick paste.

Miso paste has been used for centuries in Japan as a way to add flavor and nutrition to soups, sauces, marinades, and even as a spread on sandwiches. The fermentation process gives miso paste its unique savory flavor, known as umami, which is often described as “meaty” or “savory.”

Types Of Miso

The color of miso paste can vary depending on the type of grain used and the length of fermentation. Some common types of miso paste include:

  • White miso, also known as shiro miso, is the lightest in color and has the mildest flavor. It is made from soybeans and rice, and is typically fermented for a shorter period of time.
  • Yellow miso, also known as shinsu miso, is made from soybeans and barley, and has a slightly stronger flavor than white miso. It is typically fermented for a medium length of time.
  • Red miso, also known as aka miso, is the darkest in color and has the strongest flavor. It is made from soybeans and barley or soybeans and rice, and is typically fermented for the longest period of time.
Where to buy miso paste?

Miso paste can be found at most supermarkets and specialty food stores.

How long can you store miso paste?

Miso can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a year.

Can you substitute miso paste?

Yes! Here are our top miso substitutes.

How To Use Miso Pasta

When using miso paste, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way, as the flavor is quite strong!

Miso paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. It can be used to make miso soup, marinades, dressings, and sauces (like miso mayo!). Some popular Japanese dishes that use miso paste include miso-roasted eggplant and miso-glazed mushrooms!

Miso paste in a bag.

Miso Paste Health Benefits

Miso paste is a healthy ingredient, being a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. Miso paste has several health benefits due to its fermentation process and the ingredients used. Here are a few examples:

Rich in Nutrients: Miso paste is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, zinc, and copper. It is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from harmful molecules.

Promotes Digestive Health: The fermentation process used to make miso paste helps to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can improve digestion and boost the immune system.

Miso paste is relatively high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation if you are watching your salt intake.

Miso paste on a spoon.

You may also like...

  • Vegan Miso Soup
  • Collage of recipes in bowls
    15 Healthy Bowl Recipes
  • Miso mayo in a bowl with a spoon on a blue table.
    How To Make Miso Mayo
  • 31 Healthy Halloween Recipes
Previous Post
Next Post

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Rate this Recipe:




Primary Sidebar

Hello

I'm Sarah

A flavor-loving nutritionist and sensory science specialist showing you how to make easy vegetarian recipes, one ingredient at a time.

Let's Meet

Freebie alert!

3 reader-favorite cookbooks delivered straight to your inbox.

Get in now!

Subscribe for new recipes + 3 fan-favorite ebooks

Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Plate full of crispy chickpeas with a wooden spoon.

15 Minute Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

Personal size mozzarella pizza cooked in an air fryer

Air Fryer Pizza

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Brussels sprouts on a plate with wooden serving spoons.

The Best 15 Minute Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Kale chips on a white plate.

10 Minute Air Fryer Kale Chips

Dinner This Week

Vegan tikka masala with naan and rice in a white bowl

M

Chickpea Tikka Masala

Roasted Chickpea Gyros

T

Roasted Chickpea Gyros

Vegan Thai red curry in a bowl on a red background

W

Thai Vegetarian Coconut Curry

Vegan nachos on a black plate on a white background - These vegan nachos are piled high with easy mushroom BBQ "pulled pork" and a cashew-based queso cheese sauce that will knock your dairy-free socks off.

R

BBQ Mushroom Pulled Pork

Roasted Cauliflower Street Tacos

F

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

Lemon risotto in a bowl with basil on a yellow background

S

Lemon Basil Risotto

As featured on:

3 bonus books!

Join our Eatmail newsletter to get free copies of our top 3 cookbooks, new recipes, exclusive meal plans, and more!

Follow Along

  • Easy Vegetarian Facebook Group
  • Kombucha Brewers Facebook Group
Back to Top
  • Web Stories
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Collaborate
© 2023 Live Eat Learn
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Support by Foodie Digital