Miso
Secrets of Miso
Well Balanced and Healthy
Miso is a fermented soybean, originated in Japan, however it has also made its way to the Western world. Although miso is still unknown to many, individuals who are familiar with it have most likely consumed it in the form of miso soup. It’s incredibly nutritious and linked to a variety of health benefits, including better digestion, and a stronger immune system.
Complete source of protein
Miso contains a good amount of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. Especially, the varieties made from soybeans are considered to be sources of complete protein (※1) because they contain all the essential amino acids needed for human health.
Probiotics promote gut health and digestion
The fermentation process also promotes the growth of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that provide a wide array of health benefits. The probiotic strain you can find in miso may help reduce symptoms linked to digestive problems including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)(※2).
Helps digestion and absorption
In addition, the fermentation process also helps improve digestion by reducing the amount of antinutrients in soybeans. Antinutrients are compounds naturally found in foods, including in the soybeans and grains used to produce miso. If you consume antinutrients, they can bind to nutrients in your gut (※3), reducing your body’s ability to absorb them.
Beware of salt and food allergies
In spite of its high saltiness, it is said that miso may offer protection from certain types of cancer. That said, if you’re watching your salt intake, you may want to ask your health care practitioner before adding large quantities to your diet. Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans often mixed with other ingredients such as rice or barley.
How Miso is Made
Types of Miso
This traditional Japanese ingredient consists of a thick paste made from soybeans that have been fermented with salt and a koji starter. People generally describe its flavor as a combination of salty and umami (savory), and its color can vary between white, light yellow, red or dark brown, depending on variety.
Types of Miso
Depending on the koji used for fermentation, miso can be divided into three types: rice, barley, and soybeans. Koji also plays a role in controlling the sweetness of miso, making it possible to create sweet or salty flavors even with the same amount of salt. The color of miso varies from red(dark brown) to white depending on the method of production, the aging period and few other conditions. In general, the redder the miso is, the richer it is, and the whiter it is, the sweeter it is.
Mame(Soybean)
Mugi(Barley)
Kome(Rice)
Red
Light-Yellow
White
Miso Brand
Saikyo MISO
Saikyo Miso is recognized nationwide as a representative brand of white miso and is mainly used as a seasoning. Our main product Saikyo Shiromiso (white miso) is a beautiful light beige color sweet miso with low-salt, that uses rice koji about twice as much as soybeans, and it tastes elegant and mild sweetness.
Tastes elegantly mild sweet
Best for marinades, soups, sauces, dressings, and more.
Saikyo Shiromiso Josen / 500g(≒1,765 oz)
Tastes elegantly mild sweet
Best for marinades, soups, sauces, dressings, and more.
Saikyo Shiromiso Kyo no Irodori / 300g(≒1,059 oz)
Tastes elegantly mild sweet
Best for marinades, soups, sauces, dressings, and more.
Saikyo Shiromiso Bessen / 300g(≒1,059 oz)
Marukome
Marukome, one of the first to create the miso with dashi, has been inventing in the miso industry, such as introducing new, easier-to-handle packaging. We continue to innovate by constantly pursuing new ideas and methods.
Hanamaruki
Hanamaruki produces a wide variety of miso products and used to be the official miso supplier for the Olympics in the past. Our corporate stance is to be particular about its ingredients and to combine traditional miso-making techniques with cutting-edge science and technology.
Fujiyasu Brewing
Fujiyasu established in 1870 and has supported the food culture of Kagoshima (a prefecture located in the southwest of Japan) through its miso, soy sauce, vinegar, and other seasonings. We also sell our products overseas to promote Kagoshima's flavor culture, including barley miso, which is unique to the southwestern region of Japan.
Cooking with Miso
Versatile and Easy
Not only the soup, miso is a versatile seasoning that can be used in a wide range of dishes such as dressings, dipping sauces, stir-fries, soups, grilled foods, and pasta. You can find in Japanese or Asian market and sometimes in US grocery store.
Serving Suggestion
Potato Salad with Bacon and Miso
3 Kinds of Koji Miso Dips
Saikyo Miso Cheesecake
Miso Cream Pasta with Salmon and Baby Spinach
Cream Soup with Koji Miso, Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese
Cheese Toast with Saikyo Miso and Peanut Butter
*100 gram (g) in the recipe is approximately equal to 3.53 ounces (oz).
MISO Recipes
Soup
Miso Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup
Servings
4servings
Calories
365kcal
Total Time
4hrs15mins
- high nutritional value
- improve immune system
See This RecipeThis rich, creamy soup is cozy and delicious, and easy to prepare in a slow cooker! It is a spin on a traditional blended soup using a base of sweet potatoes and butternut squash. Miso, ginger, and chili oil will warm you up from the inside out!
Soup
Spicy Miso Soup with Ramen
Servings
8servings
Calories
306kcal
Total Time
40mins
- improve immune system
- improve digestion
- rich in flavor
Created by
Julie Andrews
See This RecipeThis miso soup is the best out there! It’s a fabulous compilation of ground pork, tender ramen noodles, bok choy, shitake mushrooms and a dynamite broth made from miso paste, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, chili garlic paste, ginger and green onion. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. You’re going to absolutely love it!
Dip
Miso Ranch Dip
Servings
15servings
Calories
61kcal
Total Time
5mins
- vegetarian
- plant protein
- rich nutritions
- beneficial probiotics
Created by
Alyssa Brantley
See This RecipeTransform classic ranch dip into something new and exciting by adding fermented barley miso. Just a few tablespoons of rich miso, full-fat sour cream, and dried spices are all you need to make the best ranch dip you’ve ever had!
Marinade
Miso Marinated Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Servings
4servings
Calories
526kcal
Total Time
28mins
- rich nutiritions
- versatile
Created by
Alyssa Brantley
See This RecipeUse white miso to add a massive boost of umami flavor to air fryer chicken kebabs and spicy peanut sauce. Serve with sliced cucumbers and pita bread or flatbread for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love and crave!
Dessert
Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies
Servings
12servings
Calories
190kcal
Total Time
27mins
- high nutritional value
- healthy
- improve immune system
- improve digestion
Created by
Julie Andrews
See This RecipeBehold the perfect chewy chocolate chip cookie! These little cookie morsels are just the right texture, have a deliciously bold vanilla flavored-dough and chunks of dark chocolate. They truly are the definition of the best chocolate chip cookies out there.