As a former professional chef turned food writer, my kitchen is STOCKED full of condiments and spices; everything from standards like ketchup and vinegars to more fun, off-beat options like hibiscus marmalade or yuzu hot sauce (thanks Trader Joe’s for that last one). I do love them all, but if I had to choose only one, I know what I’d pick—miso! Japanese miso is one of the best ways to add savory, slightly-sweet, almost-meaty depth to a variety of dishes. Everything from chicken, to fish, to vegan recipes…honestly, I can’t think of anything that wouldn’t benefit from a little miso boost. Check out these 35 recipes to see what I mean, then stock up and get ready—your dinners are about to be FULL of umami.

If you’re unfamiliar, umami is one of the top 5 identified flavors (the others being sour, sweet, salty, and bitter). IMO, it’s the best one, but it’s also the hardest to define! All you really need to know is that it’s the savory flavor experience that makes you go, “oh wow this is good” after your first bite, and that miso is one of the best ways to inject it into your meals.

Just getting started with miso? Miso soup, our miso ginger dressing, our miso bolognese, or our melting sweet potatoes are great recipes for dipping your toes into the wonderful world of miso.

Are you the kind of person who thinks a meal isn’t complete without meat? You’ve gotta try one of our meat-free recipes featuring miso. Our vegan white bean chili, our miso mushroom crispy rice, our creamy garlicky Alfredo ditalini, and our shroomami burger are all super satisfying.

Miso’s not just for boosting plant-based recipes, either. It also takes chicken, seafood, and more to a whole new level of amazing. Check out our sweet corn shrimp & rice skillet, our grilled swordfish with hazelnut miso sauce, or our sheet-pan miso chicken & sweet potatoes for inspiration, then try adding it to your favorite recipes.

delish!