Hot and Sour Miso Soup: Tangy Japanese Miso Soup Recipe

If you enjoy hot and sour soup but want a lighter, contemporary version, this hot and sour miso soup will quickly become a weeknight go-to. It’s warming, savory, tangy, and mildly spicy — comforting without feeling heavy. Best of all, it comes together in under 20 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients.

This recipe blends traditional hot-and-sour elements (rice vinegar for tang, sriracha for heat) with the rich umami of white miso paste. The result is a bright, layered broth that tastes far more complex than the time it takes to make it. If you like bold soups and noodle dishes, you’ll find this one especially satisfying.

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Table of Contents

  • Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
  • How To Make This Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
  • FAQ
  • Hot and Sour Miso Soup Recipe
  • Serving Suggestions for My Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Key Ingredients and Why They Matter

White Miso Paste: The backbone of the broth. It brings savory richness, subtle sweetness, and deep umami that makes the soup taste slow-cooked.

Rice Vinegar: The sour note that brightens the broth and balances the miso, giving the soup its signature zing.

Sriracha: Adds heat, depth, and a touch of sweetness.

Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and a savory base that complements the miso.

Onions and Garlic: Simple aromatics that create a flavorful foundation for the broth.

Ramen Noodles: Cooked directly in the broth so they soak up the hot-and-sour flavors.

final recipe image in a bowl

How To Make This Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

  1. Sauté onions over medium heat until soft and translucent.
  2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
  3. Stir in miso, then add vegetable broth, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sriracha, and a pinch of salt.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring to dissolve the miso.
  5. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
  6. Add ramen noodles and cook until tender.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with cilantro, green onions, or your preferred toppings.
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FAQ

Can I add protein?

Yes. Crispy tofu, soft-boiled eggs, or sautéed mushrooms are excellent additions and increase the soup’s heartiness.

What kind of miso should I use?

White miso (shiro miso) is recommended for its mild, balanced flavor and easy dissolving properties.

Can I use rice noodles instead of ramen?

Yes. Cook rice noodles according to package directions and add them to the broth when they’re nearly done.

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Hot and Sour Miso Soup Recipe

By Shreya Walia
A quick, comforting hot and sour soup made with miso, soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Rich, tangy, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Servings: 2
hot and sour soup recipe featured image
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 15
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Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Canola Oil
  • 1/2 c Yellow Onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp Garlic, finely chopped
  • 1.5 tbsp White Miso Paste
  • 1.5 c Vegetable Broth
  • 2 c Water
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Sriracha
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 packet of Ramen Noodles

Garnishes

  • Cilantro, to taste
  • Green Onions, to taste

Instructions

  • Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil in a pot and cook the finely chopped onions over medium heat until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Build the broth: Add white miso paste, vegetable broth, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sriracha, and salt. Stir well so the miso dissolves.
  • Simmer the soup: Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  • Cook the noodles: A few minutes before the broth is done, add the ramen noodles and cook until tender.
  • Finish and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with cilantro, green onions, or additions like crispy tofu, shredded carrots, or cabbage.

Notes

Storage: Store broth separately from noodles to prevent them from getting mushy. Keeps 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Add-Ins: Bok choy, mushrooms, shredded carrots, cabbage, crispy tofu, or soft-boiled eggs are all great options.

Adjust heat and tang: Add more rice vinegar for a brighter tang or more sriracha for extra spice.

Miso tip: Avoid boiling miso vigorously; a gentle simmer preserves its flavor and prevents bitterness.

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 8g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

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Serving Suggestions for My Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

If you want a crispy contrast, serve the soup with Buffalo Cauliflower Wings or Honey Chili Potatoes. For a lighter, vegetable-forward pairing, try Cold Silken Tofu, Cucumber Raita, or Smashed Cucumber Salad.

To create a larger, takeout-style spread, add other noodle or savory dishes for variety and texture. Finish the meal with a light dessert such as a simple fruit crumble or a modest cheesecake cup to balance the spicy, tangy flavors.