Miso paste is an amazing ingredient that can be used in so many ways. It’s packed with umami, which means it adds depth and savory flavors to any dish.
Miso paste is delicious and nutritious, but it can be hard to find at the grocery store.
And let me tell you, I know how frustrating it is when your pantry staples run out and you have to find the right alternatives.
Fortunately, if you don’t have miso paste on hand, there are plenty of other miso paste substitutes you can use in its place.
To make your search easier, I’m sharing the 11 best substitutes for miso paste that offer a similar flavor profile. But before that, let’s take a quick look at the original ingredient.
Table of Contents
11 Best Miso Paste Substitutes
The best substitutes for miso paste are soy sauce and tahini paste. You can also use tamari sauce, soybean paste, and vegetable stock verde sauce as miso paste substitute in most recipes.
If you are looking to add more flavor to your dish, try out these miso paste alternative.
1. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a fermented sauce made from soybeans, wheat, and salt. It is a common ingredient in many Asian cuisines and it can be used as a substitute for miso paste.
It has a similar salty and slightly sweet taste, but it is not as thick or creamy as miso paste. It’s umami flavor will add depth to your dish, but it may make it saltier than intended.
Soy sauce is a good substitute for miso paste in soups, dressings, and other recipes that use it. Plus, it’s easy to find at the grocery store.
2. Tahini Paste
Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds and has a nutty, earthy flavor, and a creamy texture. It is used in many Middle Eastern dishes, like hummus.
Tahini is a great substitute for miso paste in salad dressings or pasta sauces because the flavor profile is similar.
It is also high in protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice.
3. Tamari Sauce
Tamari is another fermented soybean sauce that has a salty, savory taste. It is thicker than soy sauce and has a deep, rich flavor.
It has a similar taste profile to miso paste but is thicker and darker in color. It is also made from soybeans and wheat, so it’s perfect for vegetarians or anyone with gluten intolerance.
You can use tamari sauce as a substitute in dressings, sauces, marinades, dips, and noodle dishes.
4. Vegetable Stock
Vegetable stock is another great miso paste substitute.
It is made from water, vegetables, and herbs. It has a mild flavor that will not overpower your dish.
You can use vegetable stock as a base for soups, sauces, and dips. It is also a good choice for anyone who is vegan or vegetarian.
5. Soybean Paste
Soybean paste is made from fermented soybeans and has a salty, earthy flavor. It is used in many Asian dishes, like stir-fries and sauces.
Soybean paste is a good substitute for miso paste in dishes that call for it. It is easy to find at Asian grocery stores and has a similar flavor profile.
6. Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is made from fermented fish and salt. It has a strong, salty taste and is used in many Southeast Asian dishes.
Fish sauce can be used as a miso paste substitute in dipping sauces, dressings, marinades, or any dish that calls for it.
It will add a savory flavor to your dish and is high in protein.
7. Dashi
Dashi is a Japanese stock made from fish flakes (bonito) and kombu seaweed. It has a rich flavor profile with notes of celery, mushrooms, and the ocean.
Dashi can be used in place of miso paste in dipping sauces, soups, dressings, marinades, or any dish that calls for it. It will add a salty umami flavor to your dish.
8. Salt
Salt is a basic ingredient that can be used as a substitute for miso paste. And as the name suggests, it has a salty, earthy flavor and is perfect for adding flavor to any dish.
Salt can be used in place of miso paste in any recipe that calls for it. Just be sure to add enough salt to your dish so that the flavor stands out.
9. Adzuki Beans
Adzuki beans are small, red bean that is popular in Japanese cuisine. They have a sweet, nutty flavor and are often used in desserts. They are used in Asian and Caribbean dishes.
Adzuki beans can be used as miso paste substitutes in soups or stews because of their similar texture and flavor. The red color will also add a pop of color to your dish.
10. Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a type of legume that has a nutty, earthy flavor. They are used in many Middle Eastern and Indian dishes.
Chickpeas can be used as substitutes for miso paste in hummus, falafel, and other dishes that call for it.
They have a similar texture and flavor to miso paste. Chickpeas are also high in protein and fiber, making them a healthy choice.
11. Anchovy Paste
Anchovy paste is made from anchovies, salt, oil, and spices. It has a strong flavor that can be used in dressings or sauces.
Anchovy paste is similar to miso paste because it is also made with fermented ingredients.
You can use anchovy paste as a miso paste alternative in any dish that calls for it. It will add a salty, umami flavor to your dish.
What is Miso Paste?
Miso paste is a staple in Japanese cuisine, but it’s also used in many other countries. It is a type of seasoning made from fermented soybeans, barley or rice, and a fungus called koji. It comes in different colors, flavors, and textures.
The paste is high in protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins B1, B2, and B3. It has a salty, earthy flavor that’s perfect for adding depth to sauces, soups, and marinades.
Miso paste is not only used for soup broths and dipping sauces: it’s also added to many marinated dishes and baked goods.
It can be found in Japanese dishes like miso soup, ramen, teriyaki sauce, and rice balls (onigiri).
In addition, miso adds unique flavor profiles to salad dressings, sauces, dips, and marinades.
Types of Miso Paste
There are several different types of miso paste which vary in ingredients and flavors:
1. Red Miso
Containing the most amount of soybeans with a little bit of rice or barley mixed in. This type of miso has a very salty flavor with a deep, reddish-brown color.
2. White Miso
Made from mostly rice and soybeans rather than barley or rice. White miso paste has a sweeter flavor and lighter appearance compared to red miso.
It is commonly used for dipping sauces, salad dressings, and marinades. This type of miso has a very salty flavor with a light yellow color.
3. Yellow Miso
A mixture of rice, soybeans, and barley. Similar to red or white miso paste, yellow miso is used for soup broths and dipping sauces.
This type of miso has a salty flavor with an earthy appearance similar to peanut butter – but lighter in color than red or white miso.
4. Green Miso
This variety of miso paste is made with mostly soybeans, but also contains a small amount of barley.
It has a light flavor and is the most commonly used miso in the US. It’s typically used for dressings, sauces, dips, and spreads.
Frequently Asked Question
What does miso paste taste like?
Miso paste has a salty and slightly sweet taste that is earthy and umami-rich. Miso paste has a savory flavor that enhances the flavor of any dish.
The taste of miso paste can vary depending on the type of miso and how long it has been aged. Generally, the darker the miso, the more intense its flavor will be. White or yellow miso is milder in taste, while red or brown miso is more robust and full-flavored.
Can I use miso powder instead of miso paste?
In a pinch, you can substitute miso powder for miso paste. Keep in mind that they are certainly not equivalent, and the substituted product will have slightly different properties.
Moreover, you’ll lose most of the benefits of using true miso paste since it is less processed than the powder form. So it’s better to stick with miso paste if you can.
Is miso soup the same as miso paste?
Miso soup is a mixture of miso paste with stock, soy sauce, and other flavors.
A small amount of miso paste goes a long way in terms of flavor, so it doesn’t take very much to change a dish from bland to delicious.
How long does miso paste last if not refrigerated?
Miso paste can last for about six months in a cupboard or pantry. After that, it will start to lose its potency and flavor.
Just like most other foods, miso paste is best when used fresh. However, if you need to store it for an extended period of time, put it in the fridge.
What can’t I do with leftover miso paste?
If you have leftover miso paste, keep it in the fridge. It will last for a few days, but after that point, it will start to degrade and lose its potency.
Final Words
There are many types of miso paste substitutes that can be used to make tasty and healthy dishes.
Have you tried any? Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
