Savory Tofu and Miso Soup (Shrimp Powder Spinach Miso Soup)
Hearty and Flavorful Tofu Miso Soup
A fulfilling meal for busy mornings! This simple yet nutritious Tofu Miso Soup is perfect to enjoy with rice. Enhanced with dried shrimp powder for an umami boost, this spinach miso soup is sure to make you crave another bowl of rice.
Main Ingredients- 4 cups broth
- 100g fresh spinach
- 50g square fried tofu (aburaage)
- 1+1/2 Tbsp miso paste
- 2/3 stalk green onion
- 1 chili pepper (e.g., Korean Cheongyang chili)
- 1/2 red chili pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the spinach, fried tofu, all the seasoning ingredients, and a generous amount of broth for the soup. Fried tofu is often used in dishes like shabu-shabu, udon, or banquet noodles because it adds a nutty flavor. It’s convenient to keep frozen and use as needed.
Step 2
For two servings, we’ve prepared 4 cups of broth. This broth is made by simmering various ingredients such as anchovies, kelp, radish, shiitake mushrooms, and dried pollack to achieve a deep, rich flavor. A clear and refreshing broth is the foundation of a delicious miso soup, so prepare it with care.
Step 3
Prepare 1+1/2 tablespoons of homemade miso paste. Instead of straining the miso for a clear broth, try adding it directly with its solids. This will incorporate more of the soybean nutrients and add a pleasant texture, making the soup even more savory and rich.
Step 4
Prepare the vegetables that will add a refreshing taste and aroma to the soup. Finely chop 2/3 of a green onion. Remove the seeds from 1 chili pepper (like a Korean Cheongyang chili) and 1/2 red chili pepper, then mince them finely. If you enjoy a spicier taste, feel free to increase the amount of chili peppers.
Step 5
Carefully trim and rinse 100g of spinach 3-4 times. It’s crucial to wash thoroughly, especially around the roots, to remove any remaining soil. Add the prepared spinach to the boiling broth and blanch it briefly.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang) to provide a basic level of seasoning. Since miso paste is salty on its own, avoid over-seasoning initially. It’s best to taste and add salt later if needed. For my palate, the seasoning was just right, so I didn’t add any extra salt.
Step 7
Add about 50g of fried tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces. Blanching the fried tofu in hot water beforehand to remove excess oil will result in a cleaner-tasting broth. The tofu will absorb the soup, adding its own delicious, savory flavor.
Step 8
This special ingredient is 1 tablespoon of dried shrimp powder. Made by finely grinding dried shrimp, this powder acts as a natural seasoning, enhancing the soup’s flavor and making it more complex and rich. If you want to add more umami, be sure to include this!
Step 9
Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of chili powder. While not essential, adding a bit of chili powder gives the soup a more appetizing color and a subtle spicy kick.
Step 10
Finally, add the pre-chopped green onions, chili peppers, and red chili peppers, and let it simmer for another moment. Once all the ingredients have melded and a delicious aroma fills the air, turn off the heat. Serve in a bowl with warm rice to complete your hearty meal.
