Miso soup is a staple of Japanese cuisine. It is made from fermented soybeans and dashi stock, and traditionally served with vegetables and tofu. While many miso soups still use fish-based stocks, there are now vegan miso soups available for purchase at grocery stores or restaurants.
Miso soup isn’t vegan
You might be wondering: “Miso soup isn’t vegan.” While there are some versions made without any animal products, there are others that contain them. Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup made from fermented soybean paste, or miso. Miso is made using koji, which is a Japanese term for fermented foods. In addition, traditional Japanese miso is made with katsuobushi dashi, which is derived from fish.
Although miso soup isn’t vegan, many restaurants will make a vegan version of the soup. Usually, the broth used to make miso soup is vegan, but some may use chicken, pork, or fish stock. You can avoid this by asking the restaurant you’re dining at if they use vegan stock.
Miso paste is naturally vegan
While most miso paste is vegan, some people choose to eat it as a protein source. Although miso is not a complete protein source, it does provide many essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of Vitamin B12, which is found mostly in animal proteins. It also contains traces of several other vitamins and minerals.
Miso is traditionally used as a soup base. When mixed with water, it produces a subtle, aromatic, yet nourishing soup. You can also add vegetables and rice to make a more elaborate soup.
Miso soups aren’t safe for celiacs
Thankfully, there are some ways to make miso soup gluten free. For one thing, it can be made with a gluten free miso paste. This paste is a blend of fermented grains and other additives. It can contain gluten, but manufacturers make sure their products are made with gluten-free grains.
Another method is to cook the miso soup at a low temperature. This method retains the natural probiotics in the broth. Cooking miso soup at high temperature kills the good bacteria. It’s best to keep it below 140°F.
Miso soups are made entirely of plant-based ingredients
The miso paste is made from vegan-friendly koji and Aspergillus oryzae, a fungus that grows on steamed grains. This fungus ferments the mixture to give it a sweet, umami flavor. The second most important ingredient is dashi, a Japanese stock that provides the soup with flavor. Miso soups are rich in antioxidants, making them great for fighting cancer and other illnesses.
Miso soups are usually made with soybeans and other plant-based ingredients, but there are variations that include pork. These are called tonjiru and are typically served as lunch or dinner. Although miso soup is a vegetarian-friendly food, it can be enjoyed as a meat-free breakfast. Some varieties feature hearty ingredients like daikon, deep-fried tofu, or potatoes. Other versions feature lighter vegetables like cabbage, seri, or myoga.
Miso soups aren’t gluten free
Miso soups aren’t gluten-free but they aren’t necessarily bad for you. The miso paste is high in nutrients like vitamin K and E. It also contains a lot of folic acid, which is important for pregnant women. It’s also a great option for vegetarians.
While most miso soups contain no gluten, they do contain soy sauce and wheat. Soy sauce is another source of gluten, so reading the ingredients list is essential.
