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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Vegan Miso Soup

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I love making this Vegan Miso Soup when I need something warm, nourishing, and easy. It comes together in just 30 minutes with tender mushrooms, crisp bok choy, carrots, tofu, and hearty noodles, all simmered in a rich miso broth with garlic and soy sauce for deep, savory flavor!

Two bowls of veggies and noodle soup on a wooden table.

Back in the day, my mom used miso in so many of her home-cooked meals, and I always loved how it added such a deep, comforting flavor. I wanted to recreate that same warmth in a way that fit my busy lifestyle, so I put together this easy Vegan Miso Soup, a flexible recipe where you can toss in whatever you have on hand. Much like my vegan minestrone and my easy veggie and bean soup, this miso soup is a great way to clean out your fridge while making a delicious meal all at once.

That same inspiration is what led me to make my miso mushroom recipe last year. I love simple, nourishing meals that come together fast but still bring that homemade comfort, and this soup does just that in only 30 minutes.

Miso soup has always been a staple in my home, and I love how something so simple can be packed with so much flavor and nourishment. Traditional miso soup often uses dashi, which can contain fish, but I make mine completely vegan by mixing chickpea miso paste with warm water. I can tell you that this veggie miso soup is one of those recipes that lets me use up whatever fresh ingredients I have.

I love this soup because it fits into my life in so many ways. As a nutritionist, I always look for meals that are both delicious and healthy, and my miso vegetable soup checks every box. It’s packed with plant-based protein from tofu, fiber-rich vegetables, and gut-friendly probiotics from miso fermentation. My kids love slurping up the noodles, and I love knowing they’re getting a meal that’s as good for them as it is comforting.

What makes this the best? It’s easy to make, packed with deep umami flavor, and completely customizable. While some miso soups are light and brothy, this one is hearty enough to enjoy as a full meal. If you’re looking for a quick, plant-based dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this is it. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try.

🥘 Ingredients

I know it seems like a lot, but every ingredient in this vegan miso soup works together to create a balanced and satisfying bowl, and you can find them all at your local store.

Ingredients for vegan miso soup recipe on a wood background.

Miso Paste & Soy Sauce: Miso paste gives the broth its deep, savory flavor, while soy sauce or tamari adds extra umami and saltiness. I love using chickpea miso for a soy-free option, but any miso works.

Sesame Oil & Garlic: A little sesame oil and fresh garlic create a rich, fragrant base. You can swap the oil for vegetable broth to keep this recipe oil-free.

Mushrooms & Carrots: Mushrooms bring depth and a meaty texture, while carrots add natural sweetness. I like using shiitake mushrooms, but any variety works.

Bok Choy, Spinach & Green Onions: These greens add freshness, nutrients, and a little crunch.

Noodles & Tofu: Precooked noodles make this soup extra filling, and tofu adds plant-based protein. You can use any type of noodles from shiratake noodles, udon noodles, soba noodles, ramen noodles, mung bean noodles, or rice noodles.

Substitutions

Soy-Free: You can avoid soy by using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, just note it will have a sweeter end result.

Baby Bok choy: If you can’t find baby bok choy, extra spinach or cabbage makes a great substitute.

🔪 How To Make

Making this miso vegetable soup with noodles is easier than you might think. In just three simple steps and 30 minutes, I can have this soup ready on the table.

Dissolve: I mix ½ cup of warm water with the miso paste until it fully dissolves. Then, I set it aside until ready to use.

Garlic miso butter in a mixing bowl.

Sauté: I cook the garlic in sesame oil or water over medium heat until it softens, about 2-3 minutes. Then, I add the soy sauce or tamari, mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, and onions, letting everything cook until the veggies are tender, about 5 minutes.

Wooden spoon stirring veggies in a pot.

Combine: I pour in the rest of the water and add the tofu, bringing everything to a gentle boil for about 5 minutes. Then, I stir in the dissolved miso, noodles, and spinach, letting it cook until the spinach softens, about 2 minutes.

Serve: I ladle the veggie miso soup into bowls and enjoy it warm. For extra flavor, I like to top it with fresh green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Veggies and noodles in broth being stirred in a pot.

My #1 Secret Tip for making my vegan miso soup is to be careful not to overcook it! If the miso boils too long, it loses its rich flavor, and the veggies, noodles, and tofu can become too soft and mushy. Instead, I cook everything for just a few minutes, as I’ve outlined in the instructions, to keep the broth flavorful and the ingredients fresh and perfectly tender.

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

  • Dry vs. Pre-Cooked Noodles: I like using pre-cooked noodles for convenience, but if I use dry noodles, I always cook them separately. This keeps them from soaking up too much broth and getting too soft.
  • Oil-Free Option: I skip the oil by sautéing the veggies in water or veggie broth instead. It keeps the soup just as flavorful while making it completely oil-free.
  • Layer Cooking Times: I add harder veggies like carrots and mushrooms first so they have time to soften. Leafy greens like bok choy and spinach go in at the end to keep their texture and nutrients.
  • Let the Soup Rest: I let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking so the flavors blend together. It makes the broth richer without overcooking the ingredients.

📖 Variations

The best part about making my loaded vegetable miso soup is how easy it is to make it your own! I love making mine with extra veggies, swapping out the noodles, or even adding a little spice for a twist. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch it up:

Add Different Veggies: This is a great “clean out your fridge” soup! I like to add a variety of veggies and mix-ins including ½ cup of snap peas, ½ cup zucchini, brown rice noodles, bean sprouts, or even ¼ cup water chestnuts for extra texture and flavor.

Make It Spicy: When I want a little heat, I stir in ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper or 1 teaspoon sriracha. It adds just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the miso flavor.

More Protein: Tofu already gives this soup a good protein boost, but sometimes I like to add ½ cup edamame, ¼ cup quinoa, or 1 cup high-protein pasta. It makes the soup even heartier and more filling.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

If you want to turn this vegan miso soup into a full meal, here are some delicious meals that pair perfectly with its amazing flavors.

With Vegan Side Dishes: I love pairing this soup with a fresh vegan sushi, a crisp and refreshing summer rolls, or my delicious vegan wontons. They add a nice balance of textures and flavors without overpowering the miso broth.

Other Entrees: When I want a more filling meal, I serve this soup with my tofu skewers or my easy tofu fried rice. Both add extra protein and make the meal even more satisfying.

🧊 Storage Directions

Refrigerating: I store my miso soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To keep the texture just right, I like to store the tofu and noodles separately from the broth.

Freezing: This soup freezes well, but I always freeze it without the noodles to prevent them from getting soggy. I pour the soup into an airtight container, press plastic wrap directly on top to prevent freezer burn, and let it defrost on the counter when ready to eat.

Reheating: I prefer reheating this soup slowly over low heat on the stove to keep the flavors fresh. If I’m short on time, I warm it up in the microwave instead!

❓Recipe FAQs

Where can I find miso paste?

You can definitely find it at your local Asian grocery store, but many chain supermarkets and natural food stores carry it too. I always check the refrigerated section near the tofu and tempeh, but sometimes it’s in the international aisle. If I can’t find it in stores, I know I can always order miso paste online.

Why does my miso soup taste bland?

If the broth needs more flavor, I add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and ½ teaspoon of miso paste at a time until it tastes just right. A splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil also brings in extra depth and balance!

How do I keep the noodles from getting soggy?

If I’m using dry noodles, I always cook them separately and rinse them under cold water before adding them to the soup. If I’m using pre-cooked noodles like shirataki or rice noodles, I add them at the very end and let them heat through for just a minute or two.

Why did my miso soup turn grainy?

Miso should never be boiled because high heat can kill the probiotics and change its texture. I always dissolve miso paste in warm water first, then stir it into the soup at the end after turning off the heat.

Vegan miso soup served in grey bowls with white spoons on a grey tablecloth.

Love this plant based Soup recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page!

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📋 Recipe Card

Print Recipe
4 from 1 vote

Vegan Miso Soup

I love making this Vegan Miso Soup when I need something warm, nourishing, and easy. It comes together in just 30 minutes with tender mushrooms, crisp bok choy, carrots, tofu, and hearty noodles, all simmered in a rich miso broth with garlic and soy sauce for deep, savory flavor!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: 30 Minutes or Less, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 6
Calories: 98kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

  • 6 cups water
  • 8 teaspoons miso paste , I uses chickpea miso
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional, can use water
  • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari , I used low sodium (can also use coconut aminos, see note)
  • 5 ounces mushrooms , sliced (any kind or a mix, I used shiitake)
  • 8 ounces carrots , sliced (about 3 large)
  • 10 ounces baby bok choy , chopped (about 2 heads)
  • 1 ounce green onions , sliced (about 2)
  • 16 ounces your favorite precooked noodles , I used pasta zero shiratake noodles (about 8 ounces of dry uncooked noodles)
  • ½ cup diced extra firm tofu , optional
  • 8 ounces spinach , optional
Shop Ingredients on Jupiter

Instructions

  • Mix 1/2 cup of the water (make sure it is warm) with the miso paste until the miso is dissolved. Set aside.
  • Saute garlic in sesame oil or water in a soup pot over medium heat until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the soy sauce/tamari, mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, and onions into the pot. Cook until the veggies are softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the rest of the water and tofu (if using). Bring to a boil, about 5 minutes.
  • Add in the water miso mix, noodles and spinach (if using). Cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Serve hot!

Notes

  • My #1 Tip for making my vegan miso soup is to be careful not to overcook it! If the miso boils too long, it loses its rich flavor, and the veggies, noodles, and tofu can become too soft and mushy. Instead, I cook everything for just a few minutes, as I’ve outlined in the instructions, to keep the broth flavorful and the ingredients fresh and perfectly tender.
  • Dry vs. Pre-Cooked Noodles: I like using pre-cooked noodles for convenience, but if I use dry noodles, I always cook them separately. This keeps them from soaking up too much broth and getting too soft.
  • Oil-Free Option: I skip the oil by sautéing the veggies in water or veggie broth instead. It keeps the soup just as flavorful while making it completely oil-free.
  • Layer Cooking Times: I add harder veggies like carrots and mushrooms first so they have time to soften. Leafy greens like bok choy and spinach go in at the end to keep their texture and nutrients.
  • Let the Soup Rest: I let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking so the flavors blend together. It makes the broth richer without overcooking the ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 795mg | Potassium: 462mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 12009IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 2mg

4 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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