Bring authentic umami flavour to your dishes with our selection of Japanese miso paste. Packed with a deep savoury richness, miso is a versatile ingredient that makes a welcome addition to various recipes, providing something special to soups, stir-fries marinades and sauces.
what is miso paste?
Miso is an absolute staple in Asian cuisine, particularly in Japan where its origins lie. It is made by fermenting soybeans with salt, grains (rice or barely) and koji culture. The resulting product is a thick paste that can be used to add depth to all kinds of dishes.
Like soy sauce, miso has a distinctive savoury, salty, umami flavour. This bold taste is what makes it so popular as it’ll help enhance the overall flavour of your dish and add tasty complexity.
different types of miso & soybean paste
While most miso types contain the same core ingredients, they can different in colour, texture and flavour. These differences usually depend on how exactly the paste has been made and how long it has been fermented.
The darker the colour of the miso, the longer the fermentation process has been, which will strengthen the taste. Miso is separated into three main categories, including white, red and yellow.
white miso
White miso paste, also known as shiro miso, has the shortest fermentation period and therefore the mildest flavour. It is less intense than darker miso and has a somewhat sweeter profile. It’s great in lighter soups and broths, salad dressings, marinades and even spread on toast.
yellow miso
Yellow miso, or shinshu miso, is fermented for a bit longer than white miso. It’s slightly saltier and more acidic than white miso, providing a well-balanced flavour that works well in all kinds of dishes like soups, ramen, glazes and marinades.
red miso
Red miso, or aka miso, is fermented for the longest, resulting in a very deep, rich flavour. The powerful tangy, salty and savoury flavour is perfect for stews, braised meat and veggies and other hearty dishes that need a powerful umami punch.
buy authentic miso in the uk
Whether you’re making traditional Japanese dishes like miso soup or just want to add the ultimate savoury hit to your weekday meals, our selection of miso will help you get the job done! Discover trusted miso paste brands, including Hikari, one of Japan’s leading names for miso, to enjoy top quality, authentic flavours.
