White miso substitutes
White miso substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Yellow miso
Same amount as the white miso
Slightly stronger but still mild miso paste with similar sweetness and umami flavor.
The best substitutes for white miso are yellow miso, red miso, soy sauce with sugar, or tahini with soy sauce depending on the recipe and desired flavor profile.
- The tweak —
- Consider using slightly less for milder flavor.
- Best for —
- soups
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of white miso |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yellow misosoups | Same amount |
| 2 | Red misohearty soups | ½ tbsp red miso per 1 tbsp white miso |
| 3 | Soy sauce + sugarmarinades | 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp sugar per 1 tbsp white miso |
| 4 | Tahini + soy saucedressings | 1 tbsp tahini + ½ tbsp soy sauce + ½ tsp sugar per 1 tbsp white miso |
| 5 | Miso paste (any type)soups | Same amount |
| 6 | Fish sauce + sugarsoups | ½ tbsp fish sauce + 1 tsp sugar per 1 tbsp white miso |
Yellow miso
umami, slightly stronger · similar texture
Slightly stronger but still mild miso paste with similar sweetness and umami flavor.
- Best for
- soups, marinades, dressings, sauces, glazes
- Prep
- Consider using slightly less for milder flavor.
Slightly more intense than white miso but works well in most recipes. May need to use slightly less.
Red miso
strong umami, salty · similar texture
Stronger, saltier miso paste with deeper umami flavor.
- Best for
- hearty soups, marinades, sauces, when you want stronger flavor
- Prep
- Use half the amount and add a pinch of sugar to balance the stronger flavor.
Much stronger than white miso. Use half the amount and add a pinch of sugar for sweetness.
Soy sauce + sugar
umami, sweet
Combination that provides umami and sweetness similar to white miso.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, dressings, when miso isn't available
- Texture
- liquid
- Prep
- Mix soy sauce and sugar together. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Lacks the fermented depth of miso but provides similar umami and sweetness.
Tahini + soy sauce
umami, nutty
Sesame paste with soy sauce provides similar umami and creaminess.
- Best for
- dressings, sauces, dips, marinades
- Texture
- creamy
- Prep
- Mix tahini, soy sauce, and sugar together until smooth.
Provides creaminess and umami but lacks the fermented complexity of miso.
Miso paste (any type)
varies by type · similar texture
Any available miso paste can work as a substitute with flavor adjustments.
- Best for
- soups, marinades, sauces, general cooking
- Prep
- Use directly but adjust amount based on the miso's strength and saltiness.
Adjust amount based on strength. Lighter miso = use more, darker miso = use less.
Fish sauce + sugar
umami, fishy
Provides umami depth and sweetness, though with different flavor profile.
- Best for
- soups, marinades, sauces, when you want umami depth
- Texture
- liquid
- Prep
- Mix fish sauce and sugar. Use sparingly as it's very potent.
Very different flavor but provides similar umami depth. Use sparingly.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the difference between white, yellow, and red miso?
White miso is mild and sweet, yellow miso is slightly stronger, and red miso is the strongest and saltiest. They're made with different fermentation times and ingredients.
Can I use soy sauce instead of white miso?
Soy sauce alone won't provide the same flavor, but mixing it with sugar can create a similar umami and sweetness profile for some recipes.
Is tahini a good substitute for white miso?
Tahini alone isn't a good substitute, but mixing it with soy sauce and sugar can provide similar creaminess and umami flavor in some applications.
How long does miso last in the refrigerator?
Miso paste can last for months or even years in the refrigerator due to its high salt content and fermentation process. It may darken over time but remains safe to use.
Tips for substituting white miso
10 tips- Choose your substitute based on the recipe's flavor requirements and available ingredients
- For mild flavor: use yellow miso or reduce the amount of red miso
- For soups: any miso type works, but adjust the amount based on strength
- For marinades: soy sauce + sugar works well as a simple substitute
- For dressings: tahini + soy sauce provides creaminess and umami
- For sauces: start with less of stronger miso types and adjust to taste
- For glazes: yellow miso works well, red miso for stronger flavor
- For vegan recipes: avoid fish sauce and use plant-based alternatives
- For Japanese dishes: try to use actual miso if possible for authentic flavor
- Always taste and adjust seasoning when using substitutes