Miso paste is a fermented soybean paste that has been used in Japan for centuries. It has a rich and savory flavor, and it’s often used to make miso soup.
If you’re looking for a substitute for miso paste, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together a list of some of the most common substitutes and their uses, so you can make your own delicious miso soup without having to go out and buy it from the store.
15 Best Substitute For Miso Paste
1. Dashi Stock
The traditional Japanese soup stock, dashi is made from dried kelp and bonito flakes that are simmered with water. It’s a good substitute for miso paste in recipes that call for the latter, such as miso soup, noodle dishes, and salads. You can also use dashi as a base for sauces or marinades for meat and fish dishes.
Dashi is a Japanese stock made from kelp, dried bonito flakes, and other ingredients. It’s super easy to make and lasts for months in the fridge. You can also freeze it if you want to make it in advance. Dashi is used in many Japanese dishes, including miso soup (misoshiru).
2. Chickpeas Paste (Hummus)
Hummus is often used as a substitute for miso paste in vegetarian dishes because it gives them an earthy flavor and helps thicken them up. You can use hummus as a spread on sandwiches or toast or as an ingredient in dips and dressings.
Chickpeas paste (also known as garbanzo bean paste or simply garbanzo beans) is a staple ingredient in Indian cooking and can easily be found at Indian grocery stores. I’ve seen it sold online too, but it’s not cheap! If you can’t find chickpeas paste where you live, try substituting with tahini instead (sesame seed butter).
3. Nutritional Yeast Flakes
Nutritional yeast flakes have a nutty taste similar to that of miso paste but with less saltiness. They’re made from dead yeast cells that have been broken down into small particles so they can be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products. These flakes come in various flavors including “salty,” “cheesy” and “buttery.”
4. Adzuki Beans
Adzuki beans are small red beans often used in desserts such as red bean ice cream and matcha lattes. They have a sweet flavor similar to chestnuts and contain about one-third less fat than kidney beans or pinto beans.
The beans can be cooked like any other bean and added to soups, stews, and salads. You can also grind them up into flour or use them in baking recipes.
5. Soybeans Paste
Soybeans are another good option for adding umami flavor to your dishes. You can use them whole or grind them into a paste before adding them to your dish. The latter option works best with Asian cuisines like Chinese or Japanese cooking because it gives the food a distinctive flavor profile that works well with those types of dishes.
Soybeans are legumes related to peas and lentils. They are high in protein and also contain healthy fats that help prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. You can use soybeans in place of miso paste if you want to add some extra protein to your dish.
6. Anchovy Paste
Anchovy paste is a popular alternative to miso paste that can be found in Asian markets. It’s made from fermented anchovies and has a strong, salty flavor. If you’re looking for something that has a similar consistency and color as miso paste, anchovy paste is an excellent choice.
Anchovy paste is a type of fish sauce that contains anchovies and spices such as garlic, cayenne pepper and black pepper. This condiment adds saltiness and umami flavors to dishes when combined with other ingredients such as butter or olive oil. You can find anchovy paste at most supermarkets or specialty stores that carry imported foods like Mexican groceries or Italian delis.
7. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are another substitute for miso paste because they have similar flavor profiles — they both have earthy notes with hints of umami flavor from the amino acids in them. For example, shiitake mushrooms have a meaty texture and are often used in dishes to mimic meat (their Japanese name is literally “mountain mushroom”). They have a rich, earthy flavor and can be used in place of miso paste. The shiitake mushrooms can be found fresh or dried at supermarkets or Asian grocery stores.
8. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are an excellent substitute for miso paste. They are packed with nutrients and vitamins and have a similar salty taste to miso paste. You can use tomatoes in soups and sauces or even add them to your breakfast omelet for a delicious flavor boost.
Tomatoes are full of umami, so they can be a great substitute for miso paste. You can use them in many different recipes, including soups and stews.
9. Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is another great substitute for miso paste because it is also salty and has a similar flavor profile to miso paste.
Parmesan cheese has a distinct flavor that helps to add depth to any dish. It’s also packed with nutrients like iron and calcium. You can use Parmesan cheese to replace miso in dishes like risotto or pasta sauces. Try sprinkling parmesan cheese on top of your pasta dishes or soups as a tasty alternative to miso paste!
10. Tamari
This Japanese version of soy sauce has been aged longer than regular soy sauce and has less sodium because it contains less wheat than traditional varieties. Tamari tends to be thicker than regular soy sauce; it works well as a substitute for miso paste when making marinades or sauces for grilled meats or vegetables.
11. Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is made from salted, fermented fish. It has a very strong flavor and aroma; in small amounts, it works as a substitute for miso paste, but you should use less than the recipe calls for. The fish sauce also contains naturally occurring MSG, which has been linked to such health problems as headaches and fatigue. For this reason, some people avoid foods that contain them.
12. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans, wheat, and salt. It’s sodium-rich and has a salty flavor that works well as a substitute for miso paste in dishes like teriyaki chicken or beef stew. A high-quality soy sauce will have more depth than low-quality brands, which tend to be overly salty.
13. Vegetable Stock
If you don’t have miso paste handy, vegetable stock can be substituted in recipes that call for it. Vegetable stock is made from vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery that have been simmered in water until they disintegrate into a flavorful broth. Stock can be found in the soup aisle at most supermarkets or made at home with basic kitchen ingredients.
14. Salt
Salt can be substituted for miso paste in some recipes. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 tbsp of miso paste to flavor 2 cups of soup, you can substitute 2 tbsp of salt instead. The flavor won’t be quite the same but it will add saltiness without changing the overall taste of the dish too much. You can also add salt to soups and stews, or even season meats before cooking.
15. Tahini
Tahini is a traditional Middle Eastern sauce made from ground sesame seeds. It has a creamy texture and a nutty flavor. Tahini can be used as a spread or dip or mixed into sauces or dressings.
Tahini is made by grinding sesame seeds until they form a smooth paste. The paste can then be mixed with other ingredients to make a variety of sauces and spreads.
The tahini sauce used in hummus is called tahini sauce or Middle Eastern tahini sauce. It is often made with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and cumin for added flavor.
Tahini can be used as an alternative to miso paste in recipes that call for miso paste because of its similar taste and texture.
Conclusion
I believe that miso paste is a great substitute for miso paste because it has a similar salty, umami flavor and can be used in the same way. I’ve used it in salad dressings, marinades, and stir-fries to give them a richer taste.
