Is Miso Soup Vegan?
While miso soup may seem like the safest option for vegans at some Japanese or Asian-inspired restaurants, not all traditional versions of this dish are vegan-friendly. However, that’s not to say miso soup is never suitable for vegans—it’s simply a question of knowing how to order and/or prepare this beloved pungent soup in an animal-friendly way.
Non-Vegan Ingredients To Watch Out For In Miso Soup
Although some traditional versions of miso soup are vegan-friendly, many restaurants opt for fish-based ingredients in their stock (‘dashi’). These could include bonito flakes or Japanese anchovies. However, less traditional restaurants may go for chicken, shrimp, pork, or even clam-based broths. That’s why it’s always a good idea to notify your waiter beforehand or ask if they add any animal-derived ingredients to their soup. This way, they can make sure to prepare a vegan-friendly meal for you.
Vegan-Friendly Miso Soup
Some traditional miso soup recipes swap their fish-based ingredients for rich and savory shiitake mushrooms or kombu, a type of edible kelp used frequently in Japanese cuisine. This means, by asking for shiitake dashi miso or kombu dashi miso, you can easily veganize your miso soup order!
If the Japanese or Asian restaurant you’re visiting does not offer mushroom or kombu broth, you could alternatively ask for veggie broth. Or, you could skip the restaurant altogether and make your own version of this traditional dish at home! Check out our go-to recipe here.
You should now be all set to enjoy delicious ‘veganized’ miso soup at home and on the go. Thanks for looking out for the animals and our planet, and good luck on your vegan journey!