White Miso Substitute - Best Alternatives for Shiro Miso
Discover the best substitutes for white miso paste (shiro miso). Get proper ratios, cooking tips, and alternatives that work in any recipe.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for white miso paste are light soy sauce + sugar, yellow miso, or a combination of soy sauce and nutritional yeast. White miso is mild and sweet, so choose substitutes that match this profile.
Best Substitutes
Light Soy Sauce + Sugar
1 tbsp white miso = 1 tbsp light soy sauce + 1 tsp sugarCombination that mimics white miso's mild sweetness and saltiness
Best for:
Best substitute for white miso's mild, sweet flavor. Adjust sugar to taste.
Yellow Miso
1:1Medium-strength miso with similar mildness to white miso
Best for:
Closest miso substitute with similar mild flavor and texture
Soy Sauce + Nutritional Yeast + Sugar
1 tbsp white miso = 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp nutritional yeast + 1 tsp sugarCombination that provides umami depth and sweetness
Best for:
Good for recipes where you want the umami depth of miso with sweetness
Tahini + Soy Sauce + Sugar
1 tbsp white miso = 1 tbsp tahini + 1 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp sugarCreamy substitute with similar texture and mild flavor
Best for:
Provides creaminess similar to miso paste with mild flavor
Mellow White Miso
1:1Even milder version of white miso with extra sweetness
Best for:
If available, this is the closest substitute to regular white miso
Cooking Tips
- 💡White miso is the mildest and sweetest type of miso, so choose substitutes that match this profile
- 💡When using soy sauce as a substitute, add sugar or honey to replicate white miso's sweetness
- 💡White miso works best in light dishes, dressings, and desserts - choose substitutes accordingly
- 💡For miso soup, use a combination of soy sauce, dashi, and a touch of sugar to mimic white miso
- 💡White miso is often used in salad dressings - tahini + soy sauce + sugar works well for this
- 💡When substituting in baking, use tahini + soy sauce + sugar for the best texture and flavor
- 💡White miso is less salty than red miso, so adjust salt levels when using other substitutes
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best substitute for white miso paste?
The best substitute for white miso paste is light soy sauce + sugar (1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp sugar for 1 tbsp white miso). This combination mimics white miso's mild sweetness and saltiness.
Can I use yellow miso instead of white miso?
Yes, yellow miso is a good substitute for white miso using a 1:1 ratio. It has similar mildness and flavor profile, though it may be slightly stronger than white miso.
What's the difference between white miso and red miso?
White miso is milder, sweeter, and less salty than red miso. It's fermented for a shorter time and has a lighter color and flavor profile.
Can I use tahini as a substitute for white miso?
Yes, tahini can work as a substitute, especially in dressings and dips. Combine it with soy sauce and sugar (1 tbsp tahini + 1 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp sugar) for the best results.
Is there a vegan substitute for white miso?
Yes, use a combination of soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and sugar (1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp nutritional yeast + 1 tsp sugar) for a vegan substitute that provides similar umami and sweetness.
Can I substitute white miso in miso soup?
Yes, for miso soup, use a combination of soy sauce, dashi, and a touch of sugar to mimic white miso's mild, sweet flavor in the broth.
Summary
Discover the best substitutes for white miso paste (shiro miso). Get proper ratios, cooking tips, and alternatives that work in any recipe calling for mild, sweet miso.