Craving a soul-warming dish that transports you straight to the heart of Japanese comfort food? Look no further than this incredible Miso Noodle Soup with Meatballs! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs swimming in a rich, umami-packed broth, nestled alongside silky noodles and vibrant vegetables. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a cozy culinary journey that will revolutionize your dinner routine and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g ground meat (pork or chicken)
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 200g noodles (soba or udon)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, spinach)
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground meat, 1 tablespoon miso paste, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into small, uniform meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter. Set aside on a clean plate.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and carefully brown the meatballs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in remaining miso paste until completely dissolved.
- Add chopped carrots to the broth and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Return the browned meatballs to the pot and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring meatballs are fully cooked through.
- In a separate pot, cook noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Add spinach to the broth and cook for 1 minute until just wilted.
- Divide cooked noodles among serving bowls, ladle hot broth and meatballs over noodles.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Meat Selection: For the most tender meatballs, choose ground meat with a slightly higher fat content (around 15-20%). This ensures juiciness and flavor.
- Miso Magic: Use high-quality miso paste and taste as you go. Different miso varieties (white, yellow, red) offer varying levels of saltiness and depth.
- Noodle Preparation: Rinse noodles in cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Temperature Control: Simmer the broth gently - boiling can make the meatballs tough and break apart.
- Fresh is Best: Add spinach at the last minute to maintain its bright color and nutritional value.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh green onions aren't just a topping - they add a crucial layer of fresh, sharp flavor to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
