Miso Mushroom Noodle Soup

This miso mushroom noodle soup is so incredibly flavourful, which is surprising given that the broth comes together in less than 5 minutes. The secret weapon is instant dashi, which packs an umami-packed punch that makes any broth taste like it’s been simmering for hours. As if that weren’t enough, the miso from the mushroom marinade seeps into the broth, which adds an extra layer of flavour.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Ingredients
• Miso Soup: A Japanese Classic
• Dashi, The Star Ingredient
• The Magic of Noodles
• Cheap, Cheerful, and Delicious
• Where To Shop
• Tips for Perfect Soup
• More Noodle Soups

Introduction

Miso Mushroom Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly day. This Japanese-inspired recipe combines the deep umami flavour of miso with the earthiness of mushrooms and the satisfying texture of noodles. It’s a simple, yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cosy dinner or a nourishing lunch. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so quick and easy, starting with a breakdown of the ingredients.

Key Ingredients

• Oyster mushrooms: These mushrooms provide a delicate, seafood-like flavour and a tender texture, making them the perfect choice for this soup.
• White miso paste: Adds a deep, savoury umami flavour that is the heart of this soup and the mushroom marinade.
• Mirin: A sweet rice wine that adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the broth and mushroom marinade.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and balances the savoury flavours in both the broth and mushroom marinade.
• Vegetable oil: Used for brushing the foil to prevent mushrooms from sticking.
• Instant dashi: Provides a rich, umami base for the broth, making it taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
• Light soy sauce: Enhances the broth with its salty, savoury depth.
• Noodles: The chewy texture of noodles makes the soup hearty and filling. Use your favourite type, such as ramen or udon.
• Spring onion: Adds a fresh, slightly sharp flavour, balancing the richness of the soup.
• Chilli oil (optional): Adds a spicy kick to the soup, balancing the savoury flavours.

Miso Soup: A Japanese Classic

Miso, a traditional Japanese ingredient made from fermented soybeans, is known for its rich umami flavour. There are several varieties, but white miso is preferred for this soup because of its mild, sweet flavour that complements the mushrooms without overpowering them. Miso is also packed with probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health, making this soup not only delicious but also nutritious.
Miso soup itself has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries, often served as a side dish at every meal. The simplicity of miso soup, typically made with dashi broth, miso paste, and a few additional ingredients like tofu and seaweed, allows the deep, savoury flavour of miso to shine through. This timeless flavour has made miso soup a beloved dish not only in Japan but around the world. In this recipe, the addition of mushrooms and noodles transforms the traditional side dish into a hearty main course, perfect for any meal.

Dashi, The Star Ingredient

Dashi is a fundamental ingredient in Japanese cuisine, often used as a base for soups, broths, and sauces. In this recipe, dashi eliminates the need for starting from frying aromatics, simplifying the process while delivering a rich umami flavour. It might not be as well-known in the UK and US, but it’s a game-changer for adding depth to your soup. Dashi can be found in Asian markets or online. The instant variety is particularly convenient, providing a quick way to achieve a complex, savoury broth. This is the one I use. Its inclusion in this recipe ensures that every spoonful is packed with authentic Japanese flavour.

The Magic of Noodles

Noodles are the heart of this soup, making it a filling meal. Ramen noodles provide a chewy texture that pairs well with the broth, while udon noodles are thicker and more substantial. Whichever noodles you choose, cook them separately to prevent them from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy. This method ensures that your noodles retain their ideal texture and do not dilute the flavourful broth.

Cheap, Cheerful, and Delicious

This Miso Mushroom Noodle Soup is not only flavourful but also budget-friendly. Miso paste and soy sauce are inexpensive pantry staples that last a long time. Mushrooms and spring onions are affordable and easily available. This soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and noodles, making it both economical and versatile. The simplicity of the ingredients and the quick preparation time make it an ideal dish for weeknight dinners. In addition, you can customise your soup with available vegetables, making use of any leftover veg at risk of going to waste.

Where To Shop

Most ingredients for this soup can be found in regular grocery stores. For specialty items like miso paste and dashi, check the international aisle or visit an Asian market. Miso paste is also available online if local options are limited. Fresh oyster mushrooms are best, but you can find dried versions that work well after rehydrating. Ensuring you have quality ingredients will elevate the overall flavour of the soup. Don’t hesitate to explore local Asian markets, as they often carry the freshest and most authentic ingredients.

Tips for Perfect Soup

• Cook noodles separately: This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy by absorbing too much broth.
• Season to taste: Miso paste and soy sauce vary in saltiness, so taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Optional additions: For extra protein, consider adding cubed tofu. Different types of mushrooms (shitake, cremini) can also be used for variety.

More Noodle Soups

If you love noodle soups, why not try some of my other noodle soup recipes?

• Golden Thai Curry Chicken Noodle Soup: This soup is quite literally a hug in a bowl. It’s hearty, comforting and so incredibly delicious. The star of the show is the umami, flavour-packed broth, which comes together in just 20 minutes.
• Teriyaki Pork Miso Ramen: This ramen is so incredibly flavourful, which is surprising given that the broth comes together in just 5 minutes. The secret weapon is instant dashi, which packs an umami-packed punch that makes any broth taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
• Chinese-Style Chicken Noodle Soup: It’s bursting with delicious flavours and warm spices. It combines tasty aromatics with star anise, cinnamon and clove, which makes for a soup that’s packed with flavour and so easy to make.

Enjoy your Miso Mushroom Noodle Soup with a light salad for a complete meal. The rich, umami flavours and hearty ingredients make this soup a comforting and nourishing choice for any day. The balance of flavours, textures, and the ease of preparation will surely make this recipe a staple in your household!