Miso Paste – All You Need to Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What is miso paste?

Miso paste is a wonderfully versatile ingredient that lends a rich umami flavor to recipes. It is a paste made from fermented soy.

Where did miso paste originate from?

Miso was originally from China. The fermented soy ingredient was introduced to the Japanese by Buddhist monks as early as the 700s.

How is miso paste made?

A mixture of soybeans is inoculated with a mold (Aspergillus oryzae) called ‘koji’ cultivated from barley, rice, or soybeans. With time (weeks, months, or years), the koji enzymes and microorganisms in the soybean mixture work together to metabolize the beans into amino acids, fatty acids, and simple sugars. The color of a miso paste becomes darker in color the longer it ferments. The flavor also becomes more complex with increasing age. Buy soybean paste.

The different types of miso paste

According to the Japan Miso Promotion Board, there are more than 1300 different types of miso paste! If you want to add this flavor bomb to your pantry staples, here are a few different traditional types that you may come across:

• Mugi miso is sweeter, lighter miso. It is made from soybeans, roasted barley, and salt.
• Kome miso, or “rice miso,” is made from soybeans, malted rice, and salt. Kome miso can be found in white, yellow, or red variations.
• Mame miso is made entirely from soybeans, i.e., soybeans, malted soybeans, and salt. The color of mame miso is usually dark red-brown.

Miso paste may also be categorized according to its color:

• White miso paste or Shiro miso is the lightest in color and has the mildest flavor. Buy Shiro miso.
• Yellow miso gets its color from the barley that it is made from. It is less sweet than white miso. Yellow miso is lighter and has an earthy flavor.
• Red miso, or aka miso, ages for a longer time than white miso paste. It has a higher salt content and a more concentrated flavor. Buy red miso.
• Mixed miso, or awase miso, is a combination of red and white miso paste. Buy mixed miso.

What is the nutritional value of miso paste?

Fermented products like kimchi, yogurt, and miso paste contain probiotics. Miso contains several essential nutrients; however, people generally consume it in such small quantities that these won’t likely make a significant dietary contribution.

One tablespoon of miso paste contains the following:

• 33.7 calories
• 1 g fat
• 2.2 g protein
• 4.3 g carbohydrates
• 1.1 g sugars
• 0.9 g fiber
• 634 mg sodium
• 5 mg vitamin K
• 0.07 mg copper
• 0.034 mg vitamin B6
• 0.014 mg vitamin B12

Where to find miso paste

Miso paste is a preserved product, so you should be able to find it at any time of the year. You should find it in the Asian food section of just about any major food retailer. Miso paste is sometimes labeled as soybean paste.

How do you pick miso paste at the grocery store?

When looking for miso paste, you can read the ingredients list to get an idea of the quality. Miso should not have an extensive ingredients list. It shouldn’t contain alcohols, stabilizers, preservatives, or other additives. Look out for discoloration and check that the packaging is still well sealed.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for squash via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for miso paste.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Wang Soy Bean Paste, Fermented (15.8 oz)

Hanamaruki Soybean Paste Shinsu Shiro Miso (14.1 oz)

Hikari Miso Soybean Paste, Red (35.2 oz)

Shirakiku Awase Dashi Miso Paste (2.2 lb)

Yamabuki Shiro Miso Tezukuri Miso (2.2 lb)

Yamabuki Shiro Miso Tezukuri Miso (2.2 lb)

Alkanater Tahina Ground Sesame Seeds (96 oz)

Alkanater Tahina Ground Sesame Seeds (96 oz)

How to store miso paste

An unopened packet or container of miso should be stored in a cool, dark place.  

Once you have opened your jar of miso paste, you may store it in the refrigerator indefinitely. However, the miso paste may become darker and thicker over time.

You can also store miso paste in your freezer. There should be no color or density changes after freezer storage.

How to tell if miso paste is bad

Miso paste has a long shelf life, so it is not likely to spoil before you use it all. However, if you do notice any of the signs typical of food going bad, such as mold, discoloration, or an unpleasant smell, discard the miso right away.

How to use miso paste

The most common use for this umami-rich Japanese condiment is to make miso soup. However, you can use miso paste for recipes other than soup. Miso is very concentrated. You need only a small amount to add depth and flavor to your recipes. Here are a few different ways to use miso in your everyday cooking.

• Add miso to other soups to boost their flavor.
• Use miso as a coating for roasted or stir-fry vegetables.
• Mix miso into your salad dressing for depth and saltiness.
• Use miso in your meat marinade or to add intensity to gravies.

What can I substitute for miso paste?

If you have a soy allergy, there are a few different ingredients that you could use as a miso paste substitute.

• The salty, earthiness of soy sauce can take the place of miso in most recipes.
• Fish sauce is an ingredient that also provides a good umami flavor to Thai cooking. It can be used as a miso paste substitute.
• Look for pastes made in the same way as miso paste, but with different ingredients such as pastes made from chickpeas, adzuki beans, lima beans, or farro instead of soybeans.
• Tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds, can lend the same density and creaminess to a recipe that calls for miso. Shop tahini.

Add miso paste to your grocery list

Miso paste can be used to add umami flavor to anything from a fish soup to a salted caramel chocolate tart. Stock up your pantry with flavorful and versatile miso paste online with Instacart. Select your groceries from local and national retailers near you. Enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pick up within two hours.

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