Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Miso Soup (Simple, Savory & Comforting)

Sarah Smith
4 days ago
2 min read

Steaming miso soup in a beige bowl with tofu, seaweed, and scallions. Wooden chopsticks and spoon rest on a wood tray. Cozy setting.

This simple Miso Soup is light, savory, and deeply comforting — made with a gentle broth, soft tofu, and tender wakame for a nourishing bowl that comes together in minutes. It’s an everyday staple that pairs perfectly with rice bowls and Asian-inspired meals. Serve it alongside Garlic Soy Noodles, Vegetarian Fried Rice, or Crock-Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice for a balanced, cozy meal.

Why You’ll Love This

Light yet satisfying and soothing
Ready in under 15 minutes
Made with a handful of simple ingredients
Naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt
Comforting, familiar flavor enjoyed worldwide

Recipe Card

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

Calories: ~70 per serving
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: varies depending on the miso used

Ingredients

4 cups water (960 ml)
1 teaspoon dashi powder (5 g) or 1 dashi packet
3 tablespoons white or yellow miso paste (45 g)
4 oz firm or silken tofu, cubed (115 g)
1 tablespoon dried wakame seaweed (3 g)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (about 20 g)

Instructions

Add water to a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in dashi powder until dissolved.
Add wakame seaweed and simmer for 1–2 minutes, until softened and expanded.
Reduce the heat to low. Place miso paste in a small bowl and whisk with a ladle of hot broth until smooth.
Stir the dissolved miso back into the pot. Do not boil after adding miso.
Gently add tofu and warm for 1–2 minutes.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use white miso for a mild flavor or yellow miso for a more savory flavor.
Add mushrooms or spinach for extra body
Use vegetable dashi for a fully vegetarian version
Avoid boiling once miso is added to preserve flavor
Adjust the miso quantity to taste

Make-Ahead & Storage

Miso soup is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, avoiding boiling to maintain flavor and texture.

FAQ

Can I make miso soup without dashi? Yes. Use plain water or light vegetable broth, though the flavor will be milder.

What kind of miso should I use? White or yellow miso is best for everyday soup. Red miso is stronger and saltier.

Is miso soup vegan? It can be. Use vegetable dashi and ensure your miso paste is vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Miso soup is the kind of quiet, comforting dish that fits into everyday life no matter where you live. Warm, simple, and nourishing, it’s perfect as a light meal, a starter, or something soothing to sip on a chilly day — proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.