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Miso Cod Soup

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time10 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time25 mins

A warm and healing Japanese-style soup featuring tender white cod, earthy mushrooms, tofu, and bok choy simmered in a dashi-based miso broth. Simple, elegant, and packed with umami — a perfect light meal for any day of the week.

Miso Cod Soup

Broth Base
 4 cups dashi stock (or substitute with a mix of water + instant dashi powder or vegetable broth)
 4 tbsp white miso paste (adjust to taste)
 1 tbsp soy sauce
 1 tsp sesame oil
Main Components
 12 oz cod fillet, skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch pieces
 ½ block firm tofu, cubed (about 150g)
 2 heads baby bok choy, halved or quartered
 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced (or enoki, oyster, or cremini)
Garnishes & Extras
 2 green onions, thinly sliced
 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
 Fresh cilantro or mitsuba (Japanese parsley), optional
 Lemon wedges or yuzu for serving (optional)
 Cooked rice or udon noodles (optional, for a heartier bowl)
Prepare the Broth
1

  • In a medium saucepan, bring dashi stock to a simmer over medium heat.

  • In a small bowl, dissolve the miso paste with a few tablespoons of hot broth, then stir the slurry back into the pot.

  • Add soy sauce and sesame oil.

Cook the Vegetables & Tofu
2

  • Add sliced mushrooms and simmer for 3–4 minutes.

  • Add tofu cubes and bok choy. Simmer another 2–3 minutes until bok choy is tender but vibrant.

Add the Cod
3

  • Gently place the cod chunks into the hot broth.

  • Simmer for 5–6 minutes, or until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily.

Finish & Serve
4

  • Taste the broth. Adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed.

  • Ladle into warm bowls.

  • Top with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh herbs.

  • Serve with lemon or yuzu wedges for a citrusy finish. Optionally, add rice or noodles.

Variations
5

  • Make it spicy: Add a dash of chili oil or a swirl of togarashi.

  • Use other fish: Salmon or halibut can be used instead of cod.

  • Make it vegan: Omit cod and use mushrooms, tofu, and seaweed for protein.

  • Add sea greens: Wakame or kombu strips enhance authenticity and umami.

Pairing Suggestions
6

Beverage:

  • Hot green tea (sencha or genmaicha)

  • Cold sake or light white wine (e.g. Albariño, Grüner Veltliner)

  • Sparkling water with lemon

Side Dishes:

  • Steamed edamame with sea salt

  • Cucumber sunomono salad

  • Pickled daikon or kimchi for a fermented contrast

Nutrition Facts

4 servings

Serving size