10 Authentic Japanese Recipes That Use Miso Paste

Miso is one of the most important foods in Japan and miso soup is part of everyday life, it’s even eaten for breakfast. But you don’t need to stop at miso soup. Did you know that there are plenty more ways to use miso? In this roundup, I’ll be introducing 10 authentic Japanese dishes that use miso paste.

If you’re looking for tips on choosing miso paste, check out my Miso 101 article first.

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1. Miso Soup

homemade Japanese miso soup in a dark wooden soup bowl with red and black chopsticks

We can’t talk about miso without mentioning miso soup. It pairs well with any Japanese dish and is a very adaptable soup. On this website, I’ve got all types of miso soup recipes:

Why not start with something you think you might like?

Authentic Homemade Japanese Miso Soup

Making authentic Japanese miso soup is surprisingly easy! This recipe will show you how to make your own homemade dashi stock and customize your miso soup using local vegetables and different kinds of miso paste!

Check out this recipe →

2. Miso Ramen

Easy homemade pork miso ramen in a black bowl topped with ramen eggs, spinach, beansprouts, nori and sweetcorn next to a plate of fried gyoza and a tub of miso paste.

Featured Comment:

“This ramen recipe was so good! It was easy to make, too. The miso got it close to tasting like my favorite local restaurant ramen. I’ll definitely be making it this way from now on.”
– Misty

If you’re craving the warmth of famous miso ramen, this 15-minute recipe is for you. My pork miso ramen brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen, with a twist!

Pork Miso Ramen in 15 Minutes (Sapporo Style)

Make restaurant-worthy ramen at home with this amazing pork miso ramen recipe! Not only is the broth rich, creamy and delicious but the whole dish can be put together in just 15 minutes!

Check out this recipe →

3. Miso Mackerel

Saba no Misoni (Mackerel simmered in miso)

Featured Comment:

“I made this as directed and it came out awesome. One of my fave comfort foods, now I know how to cook it myself. Mahalo!”
– Ma’ata

Get to know the heart of Japanese home cooking with Saba No Misoni. This classic dish pairs tender mackerel fillets with a miso-rich broth, creating a symphony of umami and comfort.

Perfect for those seeking an authentic taste of Japan!

Miso Mackerel (Saba no Misoni)

Saba No Misoni is a classic Japanese fish dish made with mackerel fillets simmered in a delicious broth flavored with miso paste. The mackerel is tender and flavourful, it's simple to make and goes perfectly with rice and pickles.

Check out this recipe →

4. Miso Glazed Salmon (Pan-fried)

Miso glazed salmon (pan fried) served on a brown rectangular plate and sprinkled with spring onions

Featured Comment:

“Really love your recipes and especially this miso salmon. It’s a household favourite! Thank you so much :)”
– Kelly

A quick note to all you salmon fans out there! Your new weeknight hero has arrived. Meet Miso Glazed Salmon – the dish that’ll make you rethink “fast food.”

One pan, endless flavor. The miso glaze sticks to each fillet, creating a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory. This recipe is especially ideal for busy professionals.

Miso Glazed Salmon (Pan-fried)

This delicious Japanese-style miso glazed salmon is packed with flavor and takes just 10 minutes start to finish! It's a perfect quick lunch or midweek dinner for salmon lovers. Learn how to make this super easy dish and serve it as part of a traditional Japanese "teishoku" set meal!

Check out this recipe →

5. Miso Marinated Beef Steak

Miso marinated steak cut into slices revealing pink center on a gray plate with salad and fried shiitake mushrooms

Featured Comment:

“Divine. This steak is absolutely in my regular rotation now!”
– Philippe

Miso-Marinated Beef Steak: where East meets West on your plate.

This Shiga Prefecture specialty transforms ordinary beef into a umami-rich delicacy!

Miso Marinated Beef Steak

If you're looking for a tender and flavorful steak with a Japanese twist, you're in the right place. In this recipe, you can sit back and relax while the simple yet delicious miso marinade does all the work!

Check out this recipe →

6. Nasu Dengaku (Grilled Eggplant with Miso Glaze)

Nasu dengaku (Japanese miso-glazed eggplant) sprinkled with sesame seeds and shredded Perilla leaves on a dark textured rectangular plate

Nasu Dengaku takes humble eggplant and turns it into a delicious, umami-rich dish. This Japanese classic strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory with a velvety miso glaze.

If you love miso and are looking for a comforting side or appetizer, Nasu Dengaku is perfect for you. It shows just how versatile this essential Japanese ingredient can be.

Miso Glazed Eggplant (Nasu Dengaku)

Nasu Dengaku highlights the tender and creamy texture of braised eggplant coated with an amazingly rich, sweet and salty miso glaze. It's perfect with rice or can be served as a flavorful appetizer!

Check out this recipe →

6. Chicken Miso Soup

Japanese Chicken Miso Soup (Torijiru) in a wooden bowl topped with green onion and strips of crispy chicken skin

In the world of miso soups, Torijiru is the dark horse gaining ground. This chicken-based contender challenges the pork version with bold, nuanced flavors.

If you love miso and soup, you’ll love this hearty, satisfying bowl!

Chicken Miso Soup (Torijiru)

Torijiru is a lesser-known version of miso soup made with tender chicken and wholesome vegetables. My version is packed with flavor and texture and topped with crispy chicken skin for a surprise crunch!

Check out this recipe →

7. Miso Salad Dressing with Yuzu Juice

Homemade miso dressing in a Japanese style ceramic jug on a wooden chopping board infront a packet of yellow miso and two green yuzu

In the mood for a flavor explosion? I’d like to introduce you to your new best friend: One-Minute Miso Dressing!

This tangy, umami-packed dressing takes ordinary salads to the next level. Perfect for busy foodies who crave homemade taste without the fuss.

60 Second Miso Salad Dressing with Yuzu

With a handful of ingredients, you can make this delicious, tangy and umami-packed miso dressing with hints of citrusy yuzu in just one minute!

Check out this recipe →

Homemade miso dressing in a Japanese style ceramic jug on a wooden chopping board next to a bowl of shredded vegetables and two green yuzu

8. Miso Marinated Chicken & Vegetables (Keichan Yaki)

Chicken Keichan Yaki topped with chili threads served in a skillet on wooden base

Keichan Yaki is Gifu’s answer to comfort food cravings. This regional favorite features tender chicken thighs bathed in a delicious miso marinade paired with sautéed vegetables.

It’s a fantastic, in-depth look at Japan’s mastery of miso, perfect for anyone looking to experience the country’s authentic regional flavors.

Keichan Yaki (Miso Marinated Chicken & Vegetables)

Keichan Yaki is a comforting dish from Gifu prefecture made with tender pieces of chicken thigh soaked in a delicious miso marinade and served with sautéed vegetables. Serve with rice for a satisfying and hearty dinner!

Check out this recipe →

Chicken Keichan Yaki topped with chili threads served in a skillet on wooden base top down view

9. Yakiton (Japanese Grilled Pork Skewers)

Three Yakiton skewers made with grilled pork shoulder and Japanese leek served on a skewer and brushed with a miso tare (sauce) on a brown rectangular plate

Featured Comment:

“My family loved this recipe. The only request was to double the BBQ sauce next time.”
– Dona

There are sizzling skewers and savory aromas. Yakiton brings the perfect pork-on-a-stick to your plate. This lesser-known cousin of yakitori swaps chicken for succulent pork, creating a mouthwatering dish.

My version takes the classic and makes it even better with a homemade miso tare. It’s brushed on at the finish to add umami depth and an irresistible glaze.

Yakiton (Japanese Grilled Pork Skewers)

Yakiton is an addictive dish made of grilled pork served on skewers. My version includes a delicious homemade miso tare to brush on at the end, it's seriously good!

Check out this recipe →

10. Pork Miso Soup

Japanese "Tonjiru" pork miso soup in a black and red bowl topped with shichimi togarashi (chili powder) and green onions

This hearty pork miso soup is the perfect comfort food for those cold winter days. Tender belly meat and a medley of vegetables are simmered in a rich miso broth, creating a delicious bowl of warmth.

If you’re looking for a little more flavor in your regular miso soup, tonjiru is the perfect solution.

Tonjiru (Butajiru) Japanese Pork Miso Soup

Tonjiru is a warming Japanese home-style dish made with tender pork belly and a variety of vegetables served in a rich miso soup. It's the ultimate comfort dish that will leave you wanting more!

Check out this recipe →