Where is Miso Paste in the Grocery Store?

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Are you looking for an ingredient that adds a delicious burst of umami flavor to your cooking? Miso paste is one of those magical ingredients that can take a dish from good to great, and luckily it isn’t hard to find – once you know where it is. 

Where is miso paste in the grocery store? Since miso paste needs to be refrigerated, you will most likely find it in the refrigerated section, near the tofu and other Asian delicacies. In some stores, miso pastes are often labeled as “soybean sauce,” but they’re the same thing! 

In this blog post, let’s explore the world of miso paste; what it is, why we love it, and most importantly- where you can find it in the grocery store!

What Is Miso Paste? 

Miso paste is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, salt, koji (a type of mold), and other ingredients. 

It has a deep, umami flavor that adds complexity to dishes like soups, stews, and marinades. Miso paste comes in various colors and textures.

The most common types are white (shiro) miso, red (aka) miso, and barley (mugi) miso. 

White miso has the mildest flavor of the three varieties; it’s often used for creamy dishes like salad dressings and sauces.

Red miso has a more intense flavor profile; it’s usually used for heartier dishes such as soups and stews. 

Barley miso is similar in texture to white miso but has a slightly nutty flavor; it works well in marinades or as an ingredient in meats or fish. 

Despite sounding really intimidating, miso paste is surprisingly versatile; it can be used as an ingredient in everything from soups to sauces to marinades.

You can also use miso as an ingredient in stir-fries or even desserts!

Its umami flavor pairs well with all sorts of ingredients—from savory proteins like tofu or salmon to sweet desserts like apple crisp—so don’t be afraid to experiment! 

Whether you’re making something simple like a bowl of soup or something more complex like a stir-fry dish, adding some miso paste into the mix can take your cooking up a notch.

Where Is Miso Paste in the Grocery Store? 

With its popularity on the rise in both Japanese and Western cuisines alike, knowing where to find miso paste can come in handy when trying new recipes at home.

Generally speaking, most grocery stores will carry some form of miso paste in either the international aisle or near their refrigerated tofu selection.

Miso paste is often kept refrigerated, so looking around the refrigerated section would be your best bet. 

It may also be located near other Asian ingredients such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil

In some stores, miso paste can be labeled as “soybean paste” or “soybean sauce” to help unfamiliar shoppers know what it is – but it’s the same thing as miso paste and will give you the same delicious miso flavors. 

If all else fails, try asking a store employee—they should be able to point you in the right direction! 

Where To Buy Miso Paste 

Miso paste can be found in most grocery stores near you, like Walmart, Target, or Safeway, either in the Asian foods aisle or next to the tofu section.

You can also find it at specialty Asian markets, which usually carry a wide range of Miso pastes at a lower price. 

Grocery stores will have both white and red varieties, while specialty Asian markets often offer more unique blends for those looking for something different than what’s currently available at their local store. 

Additionally, some health food stores may also carry organic varieties of miso, which may be worth checking out if you’re looking for something all-natural! 

Where To Buy Miso Paste Online 

The internet is packed with great sites for buying miso paste. Let’s explore some of the top sites for finding it online. 

Amazon 

One of the most popular stores in online shopping, Amazon carries an impressive selection of miso paste from different brands. You can find organic, non-GMO varieties as well as various price points to suit your budget. 

With fast shipping and excellent customer service, Amazon is a great choice for all your miso paste needs. 

Check out this YUHO Organic Shiro White Miso Paste

Check Current Price on Amazon 

Umami Cart

This specialty store offers an impressive selection of miso pastes from Japan and around the world. 

Prices are competitive, and the site also offers helpful information about how to cook with miso paste and other tips for making the most out of your purchase. 

Check out this Tsuki Spicy Crab Miso Professional Ramen Base  

AsianFoodGrocer 

This site specializes in Asian food products, including miso pastes from different regions in Asia. 

They offer a wide variety of brands at competitive prices and provide helpful customer reviews on each product page so that you can make an informed decision about which miso paste is right for you. Plus, you can enjoy free shipping on orders over $45! 

Check out this MARUMAN White Miso Paste

How To Use Miso Paste 

Miso paste comes in three general types—white miso, yellow miso, and red miso—each with its own flavor profile and culinary uses. 

White miso is mild and is often referred to as “Shiro” or “sweet” miso because it has a light color and sweet taste.

It’s great for adding subtle flavor to soups, dressings, marinades, and other dishes that don’t require too much saltiness or umami flavor. 

Yellow miso has a slightly stronger flavor than white miso but still isn’t overly salty. It can be used for recipes that need a bit more kick than white miso offers, such as braising or marinating proteins like fish or chicken. 

Red miso is the strongest variety of the three types, with a deep reddish-brown hue and robust umami flavor.

It adds depth to stews, sauces, glazes, soups, marinades, etc., so it should be used sparingly if you don’t want your dish to become too overpoweringly salty. 

Miso paste is most commonly used as an ingredient in other recipes. Generally speaking, you should add about 1 tablespoon of miso paste for every cup of liquid called for in your recipe (for example, 1 tablespoon for every cup of broth). 

When combining with other ingredients like oil or soy sauce, start off with small amounts (1 teaspoon at a time) until you get the desired flavor balance that you’re looking for.  

Additionally, keep in mind that uncooked dishes will retain more of their natural sweetness, whereas cooked dishes will have more complexity in terms of their overall flavors.  

Miso Paste Recipes 

If you’re looking for inspiration, let’s take a look at some great ways to use miso paste in your cooking. 

Miso Soup 

Miso soup is probably the most well-known recipe featuring miso paste. It’s an easy dish to make using just a few simple ingredients. 

Start by bringing a pot of stock to a boil over medium heat. Once it’s boiling, turn the heat down to low and add your desired amount of miso paste. 

Stir until it’s dissolved in the broth, and then add any other desired toppings, such as seaweed, sliced scallions, or tofu cubes – you can get creative here! Finally, let simmer for about 10 minutes before serving. 

Miso Marinade 

Marinades are great for adding flavor to meats or vegetables before cooking them on the grill or in the oven. 

To make a delicious miso marinade, start by combining ¼ cup of white miso paste with 2 tablespoons each of sake or mirin (sweetened rice wine) and oil such as sesame or vegetable oil. 

Whisk together until blended, and then pour over your desired protein or vegetables – this works great with chicken, pork chops, shrimp, salmon filets, or even mushrooms! Let sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.             

Miso Salad Dressing 

Salad dressings are another great way to use miso paste – they’re easy to whip up ahead of time, so you always have something tasty on hand for lunchtime salads! 

To make a simple miso dressing, combine equal parts white miso paste with tahini (sesame seed butter), honey (or agave nectar for vegan options), tamari (or soy sauce), rice vinegar, sesame oil and grated ginger in a bowl and whisk until blended together. 

Then, mix the dressing with your greens of choice. 

Related Questions 

Is Miso vegan? 

Miso paste is both vegan and incredibly versatile; it can be utilized in soups, salad dressings, and even desserts to add depth and complexity to a variety of recipes. 

With its umami notes and delicious smokiness, it’s no wonder that miso paste has become a staple and must-have item for plant-based eaters everywhere.

Is Miso healthy? 

Miso paste is a delicious ingredient commonly found in Japanese cooking. It’s composed of fermented soybeans, salt, and a fungus called kōji, which makes it an incredibly nutrient-dense food. 

Rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron, miso paste is a great addition to any diet. It also contains beneficial enzymes that can aid in digestion and help break down other proteins consumed during the same meal. 

On top of all that, miso paste has been linked to improved heart health and cancer prevention due to its abundance of antioxidants. So yes, it’s both delicious and good for you! 

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