What Is Miso? Types, Taste and How to Use It
What is miso and what does it taste like?
Miso is a fermented soybean paste from Japan, made by fermenting soybeans with koji, a mould culture, sometimes along with rice or barley. It tastes salty, savoury and deeply umami, with a sweetness that varies by type.
If you run a kitchen or café, Tiger Tiger supplies miso and other Japanese pantry staples by the case through our trade register, so you are not restocking small jars mid-week.
How Is Miso Made?
Miso starts with cooked soybeans, which are mixed with salt and koji, a culture grown on rice, barley or soybeans. Left to ferment for anywhere from a few weeks to several years, the mixture breaks down into a thick, savoury paste. Longer fermentation gives a darker colour and a stronger, saltier flavour.
Types of Miso
| Type | Taste | Best for |
| White miso (shiro) | Mild, sweet, fermented for a shorter time | Dressings, light soups, marinades |
| Red miso (aka) | Salty, deep, aged longer | Hearty soups, glazes, braises |
| Mixed miso (awase) | A blend of white and red, balanced flavour | Everyday miso soup, all-purpose use |
How To Use Miso
- Stir into hot dashi for a quick miso soup.
- Whisk into a dressing with rice vinegar and a little oil.
- Rub onto fish or vegetables before grilling for a savoury glaze.
- Stir into marinades, braises or gravy for extra depth.
If a recipe calls for a substitute, soy sauce mixed with a little sugar can stand in, though it will not have the same thickness or depth. For a menu that uses miso often, keeping a bulk tub on hand works out cheaper than buying small jars repeatedly. See our canned and pantry range for what else pairs well with it.
Ways To Use Miso On A Menu
Miso works well alongside dashi and soy sauce as a base for Japanese dishes, and it pairs naturally with rice, noodles and grilled fish. For more on stocking a Japanese menu, see our guide to Japanese noodles and our guide to Asian sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does miso taste like?
Salty and savoury with a strong umami flavour. White miso is milder and slightly sweet, red miso is saltier and more intense.
What is a good miso paste substitute?
Soy sauce with a little added sugar is the closest simple substitute, though it lacks miso's thickness and depth.
Is miso the same as miso soup?
No. Miso is the paste itself. Miso soup is made by dissolving that paste into hot dashi stock.
Can I buy miso in bulk for my kitchen?
Yes. Tiger Tiger supplies miso by the case for restaurants, cafés and shops. Order through our trade register.
Tiger Tiger sells in bulk, not single jars. If you run a kitchen, café or shop, stock miso and other Japanese pantry staples by the case. Fill in the trade register to get started.