Miso Soup with Clams and Tofu

Miso Soup with Clams and Tofu

Miso Soup with Clams and Tofu is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the umami richness of miso broth with the briny sweetness of clams and the soft, silky texture of tofu.

This Japanese-inspired soup is not only light and healthy but also incredibly satisfying. The clams infuse the broth with their natural oceanic flavor, while the tofu adds a delicate contrast.

Together with the earthy miso paste, this soup becomes a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an ideal dish for any time of day, whether served as an appetizer or a main course.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

1 lb fresh clams, scrubbed and cleaned

1 block firm tofu, drained and cubed

4 cups dashi stock (or water)

2 tablespoons white or red miso paste (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons mirin (optional)

1-2 teaspoons sesame oil (for added richness)

2-3 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

1 small sheet nori (seaweed), cut into strips (optional for garnish)

For the Dashi Stock (if homemade):

4 cups water

1/2 cup dried kombu (seaweed)

1/4 cup bonito flakes (dried fish flakes)

How to Make:

Prepare the Dashi Stock:

If making dashi from scratch, place the kombu (seaweed) in a pot with water and let it sit for 30 minutes to soften. After soaking, heat the pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Just before it starts to boil, remove the kombu and add the bonito flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and strain the stock to remove the flakes. Set aside.

Cook the Clams:

In a separate large pot, add the cleaned clams and 1 cup of water (or dashi stock if you prefer). Cover the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Steam the clams for 5-7 minutes, or until they open up. Discard any clams that do not open. Remove the clams from the pot and set aside. Strain the cooking liquid and set it aside for later use in the soup.

Prepare the Miso Soup Base:

In a medium saucepan, combine the prepared dashi stock (or water if using a store-bought stock), soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the miso paste and whisk until completely dissolved, ensuring the soup has a smooth, velvety texture.

Add the Tofu:

Gently add the cubed tofu to the simmering broth. Allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes, being careful not to stir too vigorously to avoid breaking up the tofu cubes.

Add the Clams:

Add the cooked clams to the soup, along with the reserved clam cooking liquid. Let everything simmer together for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Taste and Adjust:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce or miso paste if necessary. If you prefer a stronger miso flavor, feel free to add more paste.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and strips of nori if desired. Serve hot and enjoy with a side of steamed rice or as a standalone dish.

Chef’s Note:

This miso soup can be easily customized to suit your taste. If clams are not available, you can substitute with other shellfish such as mussels or shrimp. For a vegetarian version, you can skip the clams and use additional tofu or vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. The sesame oil adds a depth of flavor, but you can adjust or omit it based on your preference.

Dashi is a key component in traditional miso soup, providing a subtle yet profound depth of flavor. If you’re pressed for time, store-bought dashi powder or stock is a convenient alternative. Additionally, be mindful of the salt levels in the soy sauce and miso paste, as both ingredients are quite salty.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Calories: 150

Protein: 12g

Carbohydrates: 7g

Fat: 9g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 2g

Sodium: 850mg

Miso Soup with Clams and Tofu is a nourishing and versatile dish that combines the bold flavors of miso with the delicate sweetness of seafood. It’s a light yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a Japanese-inspired meal or as a stand-alone comfort food.