Why Miso Deserves a Place in Your Pantry

With the culinary world literally at our fingertips, it’s easy to explore beyond our borders. So, in this recipe roundup, let's take a little trip to Japan, and find out what miso is and why it deserves a spot in your pantry. Who knows, this may be your new secret ingredient!

What is Miso?

Miso is a fermented paste, rich in umami flavor and nutritional benefits. This traditional Japanese seasoning has been used for over a thousand years to add complexity and unique flavors to dishes. Ranging from sweet and mild to salty and savory depending on the ingredient that’s been fermented, this special flavor enhancer can easily transform a dish. Just like salt, miso brings out the flavors of other ingredients while also adding a subtle but delicious depth of flavor.

Health Benefits of Miso

There is no doubt that miso adds an incredible flavor and depth to dishes. However, it also offers numerous health benefits. As a fermented food, miso is rich in probiotics that help to support a healthy gut microbiome. The healthier your microbiome, the better your immune function and inflammatory regulation. Miso also comes stocked with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that help keep your body running smoothly. However, to capture all these wonderful benefits, remember to add your miso toward the end of your cooking.

Miso 2 Ways

Hopefully, after reading this, you’re ready to give a miso a go. The following are both fantastic and easy recipes to give you a taste of this unique ingredient. Whether looking for savory or sweet, we’ve got both covered. Happy cooking!

Serves: 4

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 3 minutes

Total: 18 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon white miso paste
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 16 ounces Wild Caught Sea Scallops, thawed if frozen and patted dry

Directions

1. Stir together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, miso, lemon zest, honey, and garlic. Add scallops; marinate 10 minutes.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. When the oil is hot, arrange the scallops in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes or until golden brown; flip. Continue cooking for 1 minute or until scallops are just opaque.
4. Serve immediately.

Serves: 24

Prep: 25 minutes

Cook: 45 minutes

Total: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups Unbleached All Purpose Flour
• 1 1⁄3 cup sugar, divided
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt, divided
• 3⁄4 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp. white miso
• 1 large egg
• 1 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 cup pecan pieces

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9”x13” baking dish and line with parchment paper allowing a few inches to overhang the pan; set aside.
2. In a large bowl mix together flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Using a pastry cutter or clean hands work in butter and miso until coarse crumbs are formed. Use a fork to blend in the egg. The dough will be crumbly.
3. Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan; set aside.
4. In a second bowl toss together apple pieces, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and remaining ⅓ cup sugar. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
5. Add pecans to the remaining flour mixture and crumble over the apple layer.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. Cool completely before cutting and serving.
7. Store at room temperature in a covered container.