Topping & Side Dishes
Vegan Niku Miso Recipe
What is Vegan Niku Miso?
Vegan niku miso is a plant-based version of Japanese niku miso, a savory miso topping traditionally made with seasoned ground meat. This version uses plant-based ground meat or extra-firm tofu instead, combined with miso, garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
It has a savory, umami-rich flavor and crumbly texture similar to traditional niku miso. Vegan niku miso can be used as a topping for ramen, rice bowls, tofu, and other dishes.
How to Use Vegan Niku Miso
Ramen Topping:
Add vegan niku miso to ramen for savory miso flavor and extra texture. It pairs especially well with plant-based miso ramen, tantanmen, and spicy ramen.
Rice Bowls:
Serve vegan niku miso over steamed rice and add green onions, sesame seeds, ramen egg or vegetables for an easy Japanese-style rice bowl.
Vegetable and Tofu Dishes:
Use vegan niku miso as a savory topping for cold tofu, sautéed vegetables, or steamed vegetables.
Instructions
1) Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add oil.
2) Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3) Add your chosen base ingredient:
Use plant-based ground meat directly, or
Crumble extra firm tofu by squeezing it through your fingers into the pan, creating small, ground-meat-like pieces.
4) For best results, use extra firm tofu. Soft or regular firm tofu contains excess moisture and will not create the desired texture.
5) Cook until the mixture is lightly browned and most of the moisture has evaporated.
(The mixture should become slightly dry and crumbly, similar to cooked ground meat.)
6) Add sugar and miso and mix well.
7) Add salt, pepper, and sesame seeds to taste. Enjoy!
