Creamy Miso Peanut Butter

Featured in Warm Bowls of Goodness.

Get ready for an exciting flavor twist with this Peanut Butter Miso Soup. The pairing of creamy nut butter, fragrant miso paste, and velvety coconut milk forms a rich broth bursting with umami. Despite its depth, it's a time-friendly dish, requiring only a few pantry staples and 20 minutes. Break away from routine dinners with this comforting bowl that satisfies vegans and meat-lovers alike. Top it your way with fresh veggies or proteins for a personal touch.
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:59:59 GMT
A warm soup with noodles, corn, and fresh onions on top. Pin it
A warm soup with noodles, corn, and fresh onions on top. | mecooking.com

This indulgent peanut butter miso ramen turns basic kitchen staples into a bowl of total comfort that'll hit your umami sweet spot. The surprising mix of smooth peanut butter and rich miso makes a broth that's incredibly deep and layered, wrapping around each noodle perfectly. What's really great about this dish is how fast it's ready – you'll get fancy restaurant taste in just 20 minutes with hardly any work needed, just right for those nights when you want something amazing without putting in tons of effort.

I found this combo during a freezing cold spell when I wanted something hot but my kitchen was pretty empty. The moment I tried my first taste, I couldn't believe it—how did such basic ingredients make something so fancy? My doubtful partner, who usually wants meat in every meal, asked for more and now brings up this dish whenever we need something cozy but healthy. The way it changes simple stuff into something special makes it perfect when you want to wow dinner guests without spending all day cooking.

Tasty Foundation

  • Sesame oil: Makes the fragrant base that supports everything else.
  • Miso paste: Gives you that key umami backbone for the broth.
  • Peanut butter: Brings nutty thickness and smooth texture to the soup.

Soup Making Steps

Flavor Base Cooking:
Warm sesame oil and cook ginger and garlic till they smell good.
Richness Building:
Mix in peanut butter and miso, keep stirring until it's all blended.
Broth Mixing Method:
Slowly add vegetable broth while whisking, then pour in coconut milk.
Taste Adjusting:
Splash in soy sauce, chili oil, and lime juice until it tastes just right.

When my vegetarian sister stopped by during my crazy work week, I threw this ramen together as a quick dinner fix. She was totally sure I'd spent ages making those flavors and wanted the recipe right away. Seeing her face light up after that first bite is exactly why I love to cook—making real moments of happiness through something as simple as a bowl of noodles.

A bowl of soup with noodles and vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of soup with noodles and vegetables. | mecooking.com

Wholesome Components

When you mix peanut butter with miso, you get plant-based protein. The coconut milk has good fats that help your body grab those fat-friendly vitamins, and you can add whatever toppings you like for extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Put your toppings in little groups for a pretty look, serve in black or dark blue bowls to make colors pop, or set up a build-your-own ramen station for fun family dinners.

Fun Twist Ideas

  • In-Season Veggies: Try fresh asparagus and peas during spring, sweet corn in summer, or chunks of butternut squash in autumn.
  • Extra Protein Options: Toss in cubes of tofu, slices of tempeh, or runny-yolk eggs for more texture.

Keeping It Fresh

Broth Saving Tips:
Keep your broth away from noodles and toppings for up to three days in the fridge.
Full Meal Prep:
Always boil fresh noodles when warming up leftover broth to avoid clumps.
A bowl of noodles with vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of noodles with vegetables. | mecooking.com

This peanut butter miso ramen shows what I love most about playing around in the kitchen—putting together weird ingredient combos that somehow work amazingly well together. In just 20 minutes, you can make a bowl of comfort that's good for your body and soul without much work but with tons of satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap peanut butter for something else?
Definitely, you can use almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter instead. Almond has a mild taste, cashew adds extra creaminess, and sunflower or tahini are nut-free options. Just stick to smooth, unsweetened ones for the best outcome.
→ Which miso paste should I go for?
Go with white miso for a light, sweet touch that works well with peanut butter. Yellow miso brings a stronger kick, while red miso is quite intense—so use only a small bit if you're trying it.
→ What if I don’t have coconut milk?
You can use unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk instead, mixed with a little nut butter for richness. Dairy milk works if you're not vegan, though the taste changes. Blended cashews or more veggie broth with extra peanut butter can also do the trick.
→ What proteins can I add?
Cubed tofu, tempeh, or edamame are great vegan picks. Not vegan? Toss in cooked chicken, sliced beef, shrimp, or eggs. For a quick fix, a can of chickpeas works too.
→ How can I spice up the soup?
Add chili oil, sambal, or sriracha for some heat. A slice of jalapeño or Thai chili during cooking works too. Don’t go overboard though—start small and add more if needed!
→ What noodles work in this dish?
Classic ramen noodles are great, but rice noodles, soba, or even spaghetti will do. For fewer carbs, go for shirataki or zucchini spirals. Always cook pasta separately so it holds the right bite.

Miso Peanut Butter Soup

A fast vegan dish combining peanut butter, miso, and coconut milk into a delicious, creamy soup. Perfect for when you're short on time!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Mariana

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Fusion

Yield: 2 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Soup Base

01 1 heaping tablespoon of peanut butter
02 1 teaspoon of grated garlic
03 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
04 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
05 1 tablespoon miso paste
06 1 cup of lite coconut milk
07 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth, separated
08 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce

→ Noodles and Vegetables

09 Optional: Baby bok choy, halved lengthwise
10 4-6 oz uncooked ramen noodles

→ Optional Garnishes

11 Sesame seeds
12 Corn
13 Sliced green onions
14 Julienned carrots
15 A drizzle of chili oil

Instructions

Step 01

Heat a small pot of water until it’s bubbling. Add the ramen noodles and bok choy, if using, and cook the noodles following the instructions on the packaging (usually 2-3 minutes). The bok choy cooks in the same time as the noodles but can be taken out earlier for extra crunch. Drain well and put aside.

Step 02

Get a medium saucepan warm over medium heat and add the sesame oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the grated garlic and ginger. Stir and let them cook for about 2 minutes or just until you can start smelling their aroma—don’t let the garlic burn!

Step 03

Stir the peanut butter and miso into the saucepan. Slowly pour in 2 tablespoons of hot veggie broth (or water) and mix until smooth. Let it cook for 1 minute so everything combines nicely.

Step 04

Add the coconut milk and the remaining veggie broth into the pot. Let it gently bubble for 5 minutes to get all the flavors mixed together. Stir in some soy sauce to your liking, starting with 1 tablespoon. Taste and add more if needed.

Step 05

Split the cooked noodles and bok choy between two bowls. Carefully pour the hot broth over the top. Add garnishes like green onions, sesame seeds, corn, julienned carrots, or a splash of chili oil. Serve while piping hot.

Notes

  1. You can make this hearty ramen in just 20 minutes—great for busy nights.
  2. For the best taste, use fresh grated ginger and garlic, but pre-grated works too.
  3. The dish is written to be completely vegetarian and vegan.
  4. Swap in gluten-free ramen noodles and tamari for a gluten-free version.

Tools You'll Need

  • A medium pan
  • A small pot for boiling noodles
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring tools (cups, spoons)
  • Strainer or colander

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes peanuts
  • Contains soy (miso paste, soy sauce)
  • Has wheat (ramen noodles unless swapped for gluten-free ones)
  • Contains coconut (coconut milk)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 389
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 8 g