Miso Paste & Instant Miso Soup

The Secret to Savoury: A Journey into Miso Paste & Soup

Have you ever tasted something so deeply, satisfyingly savoury that you couldn't quite put your finger on it? A soup with a mysterious, comforting depth, or a salmon glaze that was salty, sweet, and unbelievably delicious all at once. Chances are, you’ve had an encounter with miso, the quiet, hardworking hero of the Japanese pantry.

Miso is more than just an ingredient; it’s a feeling. It’s the warm, restorative hum of a perfect bowl of soup on a cold day. It's the secret weapon that adds a layer of 'oomph'—that magical fifth taste, umami—to everything it touches. For centuries, it has been the cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, a source of both profound flavour and nourishment.

At Lemon & Salt, we believe that the best flavours tell a story. The story of Japanese miso paste is one of time, patience, and transformation. And it’s a story you can easily bring into your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to buy miso paste online for a new culinary adventure or seeking the simple comfort of instant miso soup, you’re in the right place to start.

What is Miso Paste, Anyway? Unlocking Umami

At its heart, the answer to "What is miso paste?" is beautifully simple. It’s a traditional, flavourful paste made by fermenting soybeans with salt and a special mould called koji. This natural fermentation process, which can last from a few months to several years, is what creates miso’s incredibly complex, savoury, and salty-sweet flavour profile.

Different types of miso paste are made by adding other ingredients, like rice or barley, to the soybean base. The type of ingredient used and the length of fermentation are what give each miso its unique colour, texture, and taste. Rich in probiotics and essential minerals, it's not just a flavour enhancer but a wonderfully wholesome addition to your diet. The question isn't just "is miso paste healthy?" but "how can something this delicious be so good for you?"

A Rainbow of Flavour: Choosing Your Perfect Miso

Walking into the world of miso can feel like choosing a wine—the variety is part of the fun! The main difference between red and white miso comes down to fermentation time, which dictates the depth of flavour.

White Miso Paste (Shiro Miso): Sweet, Mild & Creamy

If you’re new to miso, White Miso Paste, or Shiro Miso, is the perfect place to start. Made with a higher proportion of rice and fermented for a shorter period, it is the mildest and sweetest of the family. With its beautiful light-golden colour and smooth, creamy texture, it lends a gentle, savoury sweetness to dishes without overpowering them.

Think of White Miso Paste as your go-to for light, delicate applications. Whisk it into a vinaigrette for a stunning salad dressing, use it as a base for a light and restorative miso soup, or create a beautiful marinade for white fish like cod. It’s your secret for adding a subtle, savoury depth that will have people asking for your recipe.

Red Miso Paste (Aka Miso): Bold, Rich & Robust

At the other end of the spectrum is Red Miso Paste, or Aka Miso. Fermented for much longer (often over a year), it develops a deep reddish-brown colour and a powerful, concentrated flavour. It’s far more assertive than its white counterpart—intensely salty, wonderfully pungent, and packed with a deep, smoky umami.

This is the miso you reach for when you want bold, hearty flavours. A spoonful of Red Miso Paste can transform a simple stew or a gravy, giving it an incredible savoury foundation. It’s the star ingredient in a traditional, robust miso soup and makes a phenomenal glaze for richer meats, oily fish, or hearty vegetables like aubergine.

Brown Rice Miso (Genmai Miso): Earthy, Nutty & Versatile

Sitting beautifully between the two is Brown Rice Miso, or Genmai Miso. Made, as the name suggests, with brown rice koji, it has a wonderfully earthy, nutty flavour and a gorgeous tawny colour. It’s more assertive than white miso but less intense than red, making it a fantastic and versatile all-rounder for your kitchen. Use our Brown Rice Miso for everything from soups and marinades to dips and dressings when you want a balanced, wholesome, and deeply savoury flavour.

Beyond the Bowl: How to Use Miso Paste in Everyday Cooking

The most important thing to know about how to use miso paste is that its talents extend far beyond soup! Think of it as a super-charged, savoury seasoning that can enhance almost any dish.

• Dreamy Dressings: Whisk a teaspoon of white miso paste into a simple mix of rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger for a salad dressing you’ll want to put on everything.
• Magic Marinades: Create a simple marinade with miso, a splash of mirin, and a little sugar. It’s famously good with salmon, but equally brilliant on chicken thighs or pork chops.
• Umami Butter: Mash softened butter with a little miso paste and some chopped herbs. It’s a game-changer melted over corn on the cob, roasted vegetables, or a sizzling steak.
• Flavourful Soups and Stews: Add a spoonful of miso (stirred into a little warm water first to prevent lumps) to your favourite vegetable soup, ramen broth, or even a Bolognese sauce at the end of cooking for an incredible depth of flavour.

Comfort in a Cup: The Joy of Instant Miso Soup

For those days when you need a warm, savoury hug in a mug, there’s nothing better than Instant Miso Soup. This is convenience at its most delicious and comforting. No simmering, no stirring—just a simple sachet of authentic miso goodness, complete with tiny cubes of tofu and delicate seaweed.

Simply add hot water, and in seconds, you have a perfect, flavourful cup of soup. It’s the ideal light lunch for the office, a quick and healthy starter before dinner, or a wonderfully restorative pick-me-up on a chilly afternoon.

Ready to Unlock Umami?

From the gentle sweetness of white miso to the robust punch of red, a whole world of savoury deliciousness is waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a curious cook or a seasoned foodie, adding Japanese miso paste to your pantry is like adding a new primary colour to your palette.

Take a little look through our collection, find the miso that speaks to you, and get ready to add that secret, savoury something to your next meal.