How Much Soy Sauce to Substitute for Miso
Works for sauteing, frying, and slow cook. Soy Sauce keeps a similar flavor profile to Miso.
How much soy sauce equals one Miso?
Use 1/2 tbsp soy sauce per 1 tbsp miso.
Health notes
Compared with Miso, Soy Sauce has: less calories (90 vs 198 per 100g in Miso), less fat (0.3g vs 6g per 100g in Miso), less saturated fat (0g vs 1g per 100g in Miso), less protein (8.2g vs 12.8g per 100g in Miso), and less carbs (14.4g vs 25.4g per 100g in Miso).
Using soy sauce as a miso substitute in pan-frying
Use 1/2 tbsp soy sauce per 1 tbsp miso, add near the end so the sauce doesn't turn flat or salty.
Other cooking methods
- Frying
Brush into glazes at 1/2:1; thinner coating than miso but still browns nicely.
- Slow Cook
1/2:1 works for braises; add early since soy sauce holds up fine over long cooking.
- Grilling
Use in a marinade at 1/2:1; won't char and stick like a miso glaze does.
- Steaming
1/2:1 in dipping sauces or broths; thinner but still savory.
- Raw Cold
1/2:1 in dressings; whisk in since soy sauce won't cling like paste.
- Drinks
1/2:1 in savory cocktails or broths; keep it light, soy sauce is sharper.
Methods to avoid (1)
- Baking
Not recommended: no body or paste texture, thins batters and skips miso's caramel-like depth.
FAQ
- How much soy sauce equals one Miso?
Use 1/2 tbsp soy sauce per 1 tbsp miso.
- Can I substitute soy sauce for Miso in pan-frying?
Yes. Use 1/2 tbsp soy sauce per 1 tbsp miso, add near the end so the sauce doesn't turn flat or salty. Not recommended: no body or paste texture, thins batters and skips miso's caramel-like depth.
- How much soy sauce to use as a miso substitute?
Sharper and saltier without miso's mellow funk; cut added salt elsewhere to balance.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Soy Sauce for Miso?
Soy sauce keeps a similar flavor profile to miso.
- How does texture change when substituting Soy Sauce for Miso?
Soy sauce thin liquid instead of a thick paste; sauces and marinades lose body and won't cling as heavily.
- What else should I know about substituting Soy Sauce for Miso?
For stir-fries, braises, marinades, and dressings. Expect a thinner sauce with less body and a sharper salty edge instead of miso's rounded funk. Skip baked goods and glazes that rely on miso's paste to thicken or stick. Cut back other salt in the recipe since soy sauce is concentrated. Add a splash more toward the end if the dish needs more depth.
- What still works when substituting Soy Sauce for Miso?
Soy sauce still works as a flavor carrier, preservative, and color.
- What won't work when substituting Soy Sauce for Miso?
Soy sauce won't work as a texture.
- How well does Soy Sauce match Miso?
Soy sauce is stretch on structure, good on heat, and good on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Soy Sauce for Miso?
Soy sauce has about x2 fewer calories, x19 fewer fat, x51 fewer sat. fat, and x2 fewer protein.