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 miso ranch seeps into the egg, only recognizable as a slight tang that’s detectable in select bites. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Stir in the barley, miso mixture, Savory Spice Blend 2.0, thyme, onion powder, pippali, 1/2 cup (120ml) of the Vegetable Broth 2.0 and sodium-free salt substitute (if using), and simmer, stirring gently until the liquid is absorbed. —Michael Greger, Flow Space, 24 Apr. 2025

There are other standouts on the menu, including the fried eggplant with fish sauce and red pepper and the long beans with sweet bean miso and green Sichuan powder. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025

Remove lid and add miso paste, stirring constantly until it is dissolved. —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing miso

• miso paste
• miso soup