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

Opening in Fall 2025, the new restaurant will feature a bunch of design elements that set it apart, alongside signature dishes that Nobu is famous for (such as the miso marinated black cod and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno). —Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Fermenting miso in space expands food diversity and also illustrates the complex microbiology of a seemingly sterile space station. —Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 7 Apr. 2025

Miso chicken Buddha bowl Try this delicious miso chicken Buddha bowl to add a healthy meal to your rotation. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Dig in: The $48 multi-course meal includes edamame, four pieces of sashimi, four pieces of sushi, two pieces of seared salmon oshi, a hand roll, a noodle dish and miso soup. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing miso

• miso paste
• miso soup