Miso soup is one of the most popular Japanese dishes. It is a delicious and healthy soup that can be enjoyed any time of year. But what should you eat with your miso soup?

In this article, we will explore some delicious side dishes that will complement your favorite Japanese dish!

What To Eat With Miso Soup

Clams
Shrimp
Sashimi
Pickles
Mashed Veggies
Beans
Nachos
Sushi
California Rolls
Steamed Veggies

Clams

Clams are a type of shellfish that can be found in both fresh and salt water. They have a soft, chewy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Clams are often used as a side dish for miso soup.

In general, clams are nutritious and a good source of protein, iron, and other minerals. Additionally, they are low in calories and fat. Some people believe that eating clams may also help to improve heart health and reduce the risk of some cancers.

When choosing clams for miso soup, it is important to select those that are fresh and properly cooked.

Clams that have been overcooked or exposed to contaminated water can cause food poisoning. If you are unsure about how to select or prepare clams, it is best to consult a professional chef or ask your local seafood market for advice.

While clams are typically served as a side dish, they can also be used in other recipes such as chowder or pasta sauce.

When pairing clams with other ingredients, it is important to consider the flavors of the dish as a whole. Clams can be delicate, so they may be best paired with other mild-tasting ingredients.

Quick Recipe: Clams in Garlic Butter Sauce

Ingredients: Clams, garlic, butter, white wine, parsley
Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
Instructions:
1. Clean and scrub clams.
2. Sauté garlic in butter.
3. Add white wine and bring to a simmer.
4. Add clams and cover until they open.
5. Garnish with parsley.

Shrimp

Shrimp may be the perfect option for a new side dish to pair with your favorite miso soup recipe. Here are some reasons why shrimp makes a great side dish for miso soup:

Shrimp is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Whether you want a simple soup or a more complex dish, shrimp can be adapted to fit your needs.
Shrimp is also a healthy option. It is low in calories and fat, and high in protein and nutrients. This makes it a great choice if you are looking for a light but filling side dish.
In terms of flavor, shrimp pairs well with the other ingredients in miso soup. The delicate taste of shrimp complements the bold flavors of the soup without overpowering them.

Quick Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp

- Ingredients: Shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon juice, parsley
- Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Instructions:
  1. Sauté garlic in butter.
  2. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
  3. Add lemon juice and parsley.

Sashimi

Sashimi is a type of Japanese cuisine that consists of raw fish that is sliced into thin pieces. It is often served as a side dish for miso soup.

There are many benefits to using sashimi as a side dish for miso soup. First, it adds a unique flavor to the soup.

Second, it is a healthy way to add protein to the diet. Third, it is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Finally, it is a versatile dish that can be used with many different recipes.

Quick Recipe: Simple Sashimi Platter

Ingredients: Fresh fish (tuna, salmon), wasabi, soy sauce
Average Cook Time: 10 minutes (preparation)
Instructions:
1. Slice fresh fish thinly.
2. Serve with wasabi and soy sauce.

Pickles

Many different side dishes can be paired with miso soup, but one of my favorites is pickles. While pickles may seem like an unusual choice, they complement the soup very well.

The salty, tangy flavor of the pickles helps to balance out the richness of the soup, and the crunchiness provides a nice contrast in texture. Plus, pickles are a great source of probiotics, which can aid in digestion.

When choosing pickles as a side dish for miso soup, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure that you choose pickles that are not too sweet or too sour.

Second, we recommend avoiding dill pickles, as the herbaceous flavor can be a bit overpowering. Finally, it’s important to chop the pickles into small pieces so that they’re easy to eat with chopsticks.

Quick Recipe: Quick Pickles

Ingredients: Cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, salt, dill
Average Cook Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Instructions:
1. Slice cucumbers.
2. Mix with vinegar, sugar, salt, and dill.
3. Chill for at least 1 hour.

Mashed Veggies

When it comes to side dishes, mashed veggies are a great option to consider pairing with miso soup.

While rice is a common side dish served alongside miso soup, adding mashed veggies as a side can be a delicious and healthy way to change things up.

Not only are mashed veggies a good source of vitamins and minerals, but they also add an extra level of creaminess and texture to the soup that rice cannot provide.

The best part about using mashed veggies as a side dish is that they can be easily customized to your liking. For example, if you want a bit more of a crunch in your soup, you could add some chopped peppers or carrots to the mash. Or, if you prefer a smoother consistency, simply leave the chunks out.

Quick Recipe: Mashed Veggies

Ingredients: Potatoes, carrots, butter, milk, salt, pepper
Average Cook Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
1. Boil potatoes and carrots until tender.
2. Mash and mix with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.

Beans

There are many different types of beans that can be used as a side dish for miso soup. Some of the most popular varieties include black beans, kidney beans, and lentils. Each type of bean has its unique flavor and texture, which can add an interesting dimension to the soup.

In addition, beans are a great source of dietary fiber and protein, making them a healthy and filling addition to any meal. While they are typically cooked in water, beans can also be simmered in broth or mashed into a paste.

Quick Recipe: Simple Beans

Ingredients: Canned beans, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper
Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
Instructions:
1. Sauté garlic in olive oil.
2. Add beans, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook until heated through.

Nachos

Nachos are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be used in various recipes. One of the great things about nachos is that they can be customized to suit your taste.

For example, if you like your soup a little spicier, you can add some extra jalapenos to the nachos. Or, if you prefer a more savory flavor, you can top the nachos with shredded chicken or beef. The possibilities are endless!

In addition to being delicious, nachos are also nutritious. They are a good source of protein and fiber, and they contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. So, not only do nachos make a great side dish, but they are also good for you!

Quick Recipe: Easy Nachos

Ingredients: Tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, sour cream
Average Cook Time: 10 minutes
Instructions:
1. Layer chips and cheese on a baking sheet.
2. Bake until cheese is melted.
3. Top with jalapeños and sour cream.

Sushi

Sushi is a great side dish for miso soup. It’s light and refreshing, and it goes well with the soup’s earthy flavors. Plus, it’s a healthy option that is low in calories and high in protein.

There are a few things to keep in mind when pairing sushi with miso soup. First, the soup should be relatively light so as not to overwhelm the delicate flavors of the sushi.

Second, the sushi should be cut into small pieces so that it can be easily spooned up with the soup. Finally, it is important to have a good balance of rice and fish in each bite.

Many different types of sushi would work well as a side dish for miso soup. Some of our favorites include nigiri (slices of raw fish on top of rice), maki (rice and fish rolled up in seaweed), and temaki (hand-rolled sushi).

Quick Recipe: Simple Sushi Rolls

Ingredients: Sushi rice, nori, fresh fish, avocado, cucumber
Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Prepare sushi rice.
2. Lay nori on a bamboo mat.
3. Spread rice and add fish, avocado, and cucumber.
4. Roll and slice.

California Rolls

One of the most common ways to enjoy miso soup is to pair it with a California roll.

There are many benefits to using a California roll as a side dish for miso soup. Firstly, the roll provides a variety of nutrients and antioxidants that can help to boost the immune system.

Secondly, the roll is high in protein and fiber, which can help to regulate digestion. Finally, the roll is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their weight.

Many recipes pair well with miso soup, but California rolls are particularly suitable because they do not overpower the soup. They complement the soup perfectly and can even help to bring out its flavor.

California rolls are also easy to eat, so they are ideal for those who want to enjoy their meal without having to worry about making a mess.

Quick Recipe: California Rolls

Ingredients: Sushi rice, nori, crab meat, avocado, cucumber
Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Prepare sushi rice.
2. Lay nori on a bamboo mat.
3. Spread rice and add crab meat, avocado, and cucumber.
4. Roll and slice.

Steamed Veggies

Miso soup is a Japanese staple that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. While it is typically served with rice or noodles, steamed vegetables make an excellent side dish for miso soup. Not only do they add color and flavor to the soup, but they also offer a variety of health benefits.

Vegetables are packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system, protect your cells from damage, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

What’s more, including vegetables in your diet has been linked to improved mental health and increased levels of satisfaction with one’s body.

There are endless combinations of vegetables that you can use for this dish, so feel free to get creative. Some of our favorites include broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.

Simply steam the veggies until they are tender and then add them to your miso soup. You may want to adjust the amount of miso paste depending on how veggie-heavy your soup is.

Quick Recipe: Steamed Veggies

Ingredients: Broccoli, carrots, olive oil, salt, pepper
Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
Instructions:
1. Steam broccoli and carrots until tender.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What To Eat With Miso Soup

What are other options when choosing what to eat with miso soup?

Fish
Kimchi
Edamame
Tofu
Rice
Onigiri
Fried Tofu
Crunchy Veggie Rice
Potatoes
Daikon

What are some common mistakes when choosing what to eat with miso soup?

One of the most common mistakes when choosing what to eat with miso soup is selecting a dish that is too heavy or rich. This can overwhelm the delicate flavors of the soup and make it difficult to enjoy.

Additionally, it is important to avoid dishes that are high in calories or fat, as this can offset the health benefits of the soup.

Finally, be sure to cut the sushi into small pieces so that it can be easily eaten with the soup.

Conclusion

With all of this in mind, what will you choose to eat with your miso soup? We hope you’ll try some of our favorite recipes and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Japanese staple. Now, go ahead and enjoy your meal!