Dive into a bowl of this heartwarming vegan somen miso noodle soup. It offers a delightful balance of creamy texture, savory depth, and a subtle hint of spice. You can whip up this satisfying meal quickly using mostly pantry staples. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy night in, proving that delicious vegan food can be both easy and incredibly fulfilling.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Somen Miso Noodle Soup
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Quick & Easy: This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, coming together in under 30 minutes. It makes meal prep a breeze.
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Incredibly Flavorful: Enjoy a rich, umami-packed sesame miso broth that truly satisfies your taste buds. Every spoonful is full of depth.
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Creamy Texture: The unique addition of tahini and peanut butter creates an unbelievably smooth and luxurious broth. It’s a delightful surprise.
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Pantry-Friendly: You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, simplifying your grocery shopping. This is a budget-friendly option.
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Customizable: Easily adapt this vegan somen miso noodle soup to your taste preferences and whatever vegetables you have. Make it uniquely yours.
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Comforting: A warm, cozy bowl of this creamy somen soup is perfect for any season, bringing comfort and warmth to your day.
Ingredients
Creamy Sesame Miso Mixture:
- 1/4 cup miso paste
- 3 tbsp unsweetened tahini
- 2 tbsp unsweetened creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 tbsp cane sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
The Rest:
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 scallions, green and white parts separated, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes, adjust to taste
- 3 cups water
- 2 servings dried somen noodles, about 3.5 oz (100 g) per serving
- 1/4 tsp sea salt, optional, adjust to taste
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds, for topping
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, for topping
Additional Topping Suggestions:
- Japanese chili oil (ra-yu)
- Extra rice vinegar
Notes & Substitutions
Miso Paste:
Understanding the various types of miso, such as rice-malt, barley-malt, and soybean miso, can help you choose the perfect one for your dish. White miso is mild and slightly sweet, making it excellent for this creamy miso noodle soup. Red miso is stronger and saltier, offering a bolder flavor profile. Choose based on your preference; you may need to adjust the salt if using red miso.
Tahini & Peanut Butter:
These ingredients are key for the luscious creaminess and rich flavor of the broth. If you do not have tahini, you can increase the peanut butter slightly. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Somen Noodles:
Somen noodles are thin, delicate Japanese wheat noodles, perfect for soaking up the broth. Originating over 1200 years ago in Japan, somen noodles boast a rich history and unique preparation method that contributes to their delicate texture. You can substitute with other noodles like thin ramen, udon, or even gluten-free rice noodles for a different texture. Avoid soba, as its buckwheat flavor might clash.
Sugar & Spice:
The cane sugar balances the savory and tangy elements. Adjust the amount to your sweetness preference. Increase or decrease red chili pepper flakes to achieve your desired level of heat in this delicious somen soup.
Oil:
Neutral oils like canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil are best here. They won’t impart any strong flavors that would compete with the delicate miso broth.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes cooking easier. You will need a medium saucepan for the soup broth and a large pot for cooking the noodles. Have a small prep bowl ready for the miso mixture and a whisk for blending. Don’t forget a sharp knife and a cutting board for your aromatics, along with measuring cups and spoons.
Instructions
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Prepare Miso Mixture: In a small prep bowl or a measuring cup, combine the miso paste, tahini, creamy peanut butter, cane sugar, rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. Use a small whisk to stir these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and well blended. Set this creamy sesame miso mixture aside.
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Start Noodle Water: Place a large pot on the stove and fill it with water for cooking the somen noodles. Bring this water to a rolling boil over high heat while you prepare the soup base.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat a separate medium saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the neutral oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic, minced ginger, the white parts of the scallions, and the red chili pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the aromatics are fragrant and slightly softened, but not burnt.
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Add Soup Water: Pour 3 cups of water into the saucepan with the fragrant aromatics. Turn up the heat to medium-high to bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
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Incorporate Miso Mixture: Add the prepared creamy sesame miso mixture into the simmering broth. Use a whisk to stir and mix it thoroughly until it is well blended and smoothly incorporated into the liquid. Keep the heat at medium-low to allow the soup to simmer gently. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with 1/4 tsp sea salt if necessary, especially if your miso is less salty. Continue to simmer gently until the somen noodles are cooked. Right before serving, you can turn up the heat briefly to ensure the soup is piping hot.
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Cook Somen Noodles: Once the water in the large pot is boiling, add the somen noodles. Cook them according to package directions, which is typically about 2 minutes. They cook very quickly. Drain the cooked noodles immediately using a colander and rinse them under cold running water. Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents the noodles from sticking together. Shake off any excess water thoroughly.
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Serve & Garnish: Ladle the hot vegan somen miso noodle soup into individual serving bowls. Carefully add the drained somen noodles into each bowl. Garnish generously with the green parts of the sliced scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for a beautiful finish and extra flavor. For an optional kick, offer Japanese chili oil (ra-yu) and a splash of extra rice vinegar on the side.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Broth Consistency:
If your broth feels too thick, add a little more water or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired creaminess. For a thicker consistency, you can simmer it a bit longer. This creamy somen soup is quite versatile.
Flavor Balance:
Always taste and adjust! If the soup lacks punch, add a pinch more salt or miso. For more tang, a splash of rice vinegar works wonders. If it’s too spicy, a touch more sugar or peanut butter can mellow the heat.
Noodle Texture:
Somen noodles cook very fast, so watch them closely to prevent overcooking. They should be tender but still have a slight bite. Rinsing with cold water immediately after draining stops the cooking process and prevents clumping.
Prep Ahead:
You can prepare the creamy sesame miso mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Mince your garlic and ginger in advance too. This makes assembling your vegan somen miso noodle soup even quicker.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serving Ideas:
This delicious vegan somen miso noodle soup is a complete meal on its own. For an even heartier spread, pair it with some quick pickled cucumbers or a simple side of roasted asparagus. A fresh salad also makes a lovely accompaniment.
Garnishes:
Beyond the suggested scallions and sesame seeds, consider adding crumbled nori (seaweed), a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or even some crushed peanuts for extra texture. Crispy fried onions also add a fantastic crunch to this easy somen noodle soup.
Storage:
Store the broth and cooked somen noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart prevents the noodles from becoming soggy and absorbing too much broth.
Reheating:
Gently reheat the broth in a saucepan over medium-low heat until simmering. You can briefly dip the cold noodles into the hot broth or warm them quickly in a microwave if needed. Combine just before serving for the best texture.
Variations
Vegetable Boost:
Easily add more nutrients and bulk to your creamy miso noodle soup. Stir in thinly sliced bok choy or spinach during the last few minutes of simmering. Sautéed mushrooms, julienned carrots, or edamame also make fantastic additions.
Protein Power:
Enhance this already satisfying dish with extra plant-based protein. Pan-fried tofu cubes, crispy baked tempeh, or store-bought vegan chicken strips are all excellent choices. Add them just before serving.
Spice Level:
If you love heat, increase the red chili flakes significantly. For an even bolder kick, add a thinly sliced fresh red chili pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to your bowl.
Gluten-Free:
Making this vegan somen miso noodle soup gluten-free is simple. Just substitute the somen noodles with gluten-free alternatives like rice vermicelli, gluten-free ramen noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Always check ingredient labels.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. It is based on the ingredients and quantities listed and may vary depending on specific brands or optional additions. This wholesome somen soup offers a good source of plant-based protein and healthy fats from the tahini and peanut butter, along with fiber from the noodles and vegetables.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimated) |
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| Calories | 450-500 kcal |
| Protein | 15-20g |
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Carbs | 40-50g |
| Fiber | 5-8g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are somen noodles?
Somen noodles are very thin, delicate Japanese wheat noodles. They cook quickly and have a light texture, making them ideal for this savory vegan somen miso noodle soup.
Is this soup traditionally Japanese?
While inspired by Japanese flavors like miso and somen, the addition of tahini and peanut butter makes this creamy somen soup a unique, fusion-style creation. Traditional miso soups are often lighter and do not typically include these ingredients.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the wheat-based somen noodles for gluten-free rice noodles or gluten-free ramen noodles. Always check the labels on your miso paste too, as some contain gluten.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
You can store the soup broth and cooked noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This method helps maintain the best texture and flavor.
Can I use a different type of miso?
Yes, you can! White miso offers a milder flavor, while red miso provides a bolder, saltier profile. Adjust the overall saltiness of your vegan somen miso noodle soup if using a stronger miso variety.
Conclusion
This vegan somen miso noodle soup delivers a truly comforting and satisfying experience with minimal effort. Its creamy texture and rich, savory flavor make it a stand-out dish that’s both quick to prepare and incredibly versatile. We encourage you to try this easy-to-customize recipe, perfect for any weeknight or whenever you crave a warm, flavorful bowl. Share your creations and let us know how you enjoy this delightful somen soup!