Red Miso: This is also typically made from soybeans fermented with barley or other grains, though with a higher percentage of soybeans and/or a longer fermentation period. It can range in color from red to dark brown.

The red paste, also known as akamiso or simply miso, is quite salty and pungent. Whatever the color, they all impart umami flavor, a meaty, earthy taste that’s not quite sweet, salty, sour, or bitter.

The Best Miso Paste Substitutes

1. Soy Sauce. If I run out of miso paste, my next go-to is soy sauce because it adds a similar salty / umami / savoury hit.
2. Salt. If a recipe just calls for a small amount of miso and has plenty of other ingredients, adding a little salt may be all you need.
3. Tahini.
4. Vegetable Stock.
5. Fish Sauce.

At its most basic, miso is a fermented paste that’s made by inoculating a mixture of soybeans with a mold called koji (for you science folks, that’s the common name for Aspergillus oryzae) that’s been cultivated from rice, barley, or soybeans.

That’s because miso is alive, and it continues to ferment, albeit very slowly. Once you open the package, the degradation process accelerates a bit. Generally, the paste should retain the best quality for about 3 months after opening the package.

You can substitute white miso with red or brown miso because it is similar in texture and flavor and they’re both fermented miso paste.

Best overall red miso Because red miso is fermented for longer, it usually has a stronger, saltier flavor compared to those of white and yellow misos. Therefore, they say, it should be reserved for heartier dishes, since it can easily overwhelm simpler food.

A longer-fermented miso that encompasses any darker red and brown varieties, red miso is generally saltier than light yellow and white miso and has a more assertive, pungent flavor. It’s best suited for heartier dishes like rich soups, braises, and marinades or glazes.

oryzae is the main probiotic strain found in miso. Research shows that the probiotics in this condiment may help reduce symptoms linked to digestive problems including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (10).

These findings clearly indicate that high salt intake from common miso does not increase BP in humans. When the salt contents are equal, BP is lower when common miso soup is consumed vs saline consumption. Hence, common miso intake may actually decrease BP, as shown in previous animal studies.

Potential Risks of Miso Soup Eating too much salt can increase your risk of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Instead of loading your miso soup with lots of salt for flavor, enjoy the dish with healthier additives like vegetables and seaweed.