Authentic Japanese Kombu Miso Soup Recipe
When it comes to Japanese food, miso soup is an absolute classic. If you've ever been to a Japanese restaurant, you’ve probably had it served alongside a bento box or a sushi set. It’s a simple, comforting dish—nothing flashy, but a true staple of authentic Japanese cuisine, much like how the Brits love a good bowl of tomato soup, leek and potato soup, or even a hearty bowl of mulligatawny.
Today, we’re walking you through how to make kombu miso soup at home with easy-to-follow steps. This Japanese comfort food is an easy, nourishing dish packed with umami, perfect for warming you up on a chilly evening.
Estimated time
3 hours 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including soaking time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
(serve 3 - 4 persons)
- 15g kombu kelp seaweed
- 500g white radish (daikon), peeled and sliced into 1cm rounds
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 block of soft tofu, cut into small cubes
- A small handful of dried kelp or seaweed (optional, for extra texture)
- 2 litres of water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
How to make kombu miso soup at home
1. Soak the Kombu: Place the kombu in cold water and leave it to soak for about 2 hours. This helps extract the rich umami flavour, which will become the base of the broth.
2. Make the Kombu Broth: Transfer the kombu and its soaking water to a pot. Bring it to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil, as this can make it bitter) and let it cook for about 30 minutes.
3. Remove the Kombu: Once done, take the kombu out and set it aside (you can chop it up and add it back in later if you like). The infused water is now your miso soup base.
4. Cook the White Radish: Add the sliced white radish to the broth and bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the radish is tender—this usually takes about 10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it's easily pierced with a fork.
5. Add the Miso: Place the miso paste in a small strainer or sieve. Dip it into the broth and stir gently until the miso is completely dissolved. This prevents the miso from clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy soup.
6. Add Tofu and Seaweed: Gently add the cubed tofu and dried wakame seaweed (if using) to the soup. Let them warm through for a few minutes.
7. Final Touches: Sprinkle in the chopped spring onions and add the soy sauce for extra depth of flavour. Give it a quick stir, and you're done!
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve piping hot. This Kombu Miso Soup is perfect on its own as a light meal, or as a comforting side dish to a larger Japanese feast. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or just a day when you fancy something light but nourishing, this soup is as comforting as a cuppa.
FAQ: Kombu Kelp Miso Soup Recipe
1. What’s the difference between kombu and other types of seaweed?
Kombu is a specific type of kelp, prized for its high concentration of natural glutamates – the key to that savoury "umami" flavour. It’s the star ingredient in dashi (Japanese broth), which forms the base of miso soup. Compared to other seaweeds like nori (which is used for sushi rolls), kombu is thicker, more flavourful, and meant for slow cooking rather than eating raw.
2. Is Japanese miso soup good for you?
Absolutely! Miso is a nutritional powerhouse, aka. superfood. It's high in protein, relatively low in fat, and packed with probiotics, which are fantastic for gut health. It's no wonder it's a daily staple in many Japanese households.
Explore: Savour the Nutrient Power of Miso Soup
3. Does miso contain gluten or soy?
Most miso is made from fermented soybeans, so yes, it usually contains soy. Some varieties may also have barley or wheat, meaning they’re not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free and soy-free miso in some health food shops—just check the label or ask the staff for guidance.
Find more: Easy cooking recipes
Fancy whipping up this authentic Japanese miso soup with kombu at home? Let us know how it turns out in the comments below! If you're looking for the perfect Japanese bowls and tableware to serve it in, check out our stunning handcrafted collection. Happy cooking!
