miso

noun

mi·​so ˈmē-(ˌ)sō 

plural misos

: a fermented paste that is used especially in Japanese cuisine, that consists chiefly of soybeans, salt, and usually grain (such as barley or rice), and that has a savory taste ranging from very salty to somewhat sweet

… miso, the savory paste that flavors everything in Japanese cuisine from soups and pickles to dressings for salads.

—Harris Salat

Darker misos, such as brown and red, are fermented longer and have a stronger flavor. Lighter-colored misos have been fermented for less time, and have a milder, less salty flavor …

—Robin Asbell

Miso is teeming with protein, B vitamins and minerals, and rich in glutamates, which give food that meaty taste known as umami.

—Carole Kotkin

… miso paste is made by fermenting soybeans and sometimes grains (such as rice, barley, or rye) with a mold …

—Cook's Illustrated

We live on rice, fish, pickles, noodles, and miso soup, made from soybeans.

—James Fallows

Examples of miso in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The beet Gibson sees gin and vermouth complemented by beet and pickled onion, while the Chelsea sour highlights a bourbon base with notes of apricot, miso, and lemon. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024

Chocolate ramen Chef Takashi Tamai of Ramen Star, 4044 Tejon St., loves making classic ramen styles — like tonkotsu, shoyu and miso — using a broth that is cooked down for four days with pork or chicken bones. —Jonathan Shikes, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024

Method Combine the miso, saké, mirin, sugar and mayo in a small bowl, stirring with a fork or small whisk until no lumps remain. —The Week Uk, theweek, 8 Nov. 2024

Pour the miso sauce all over the fish and vegetables, lower the heat to medium, and cover the pan with a lid or a sheet of kitchen foil. —The Week Uk, theweek, 8 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing miso

• miso paste
• miso soup