Are you looking for a flavorful vegan appetizer? This tofu misozuke is simple and easy to make, with only two ingredients. Give it a try today!

Enjoy this flavorful tofu cheese to start your meal. The creamy texture and deliciously salty flavor will bring you back for more!
- This recipe is for you if:
- You love Japanese tofu.
- You want to make tofu cheese.
- You are looking for easy misozuke recipe.
Let me walk you through the ingredients and the instructions. If you want to check the recipe, jump to the recipe. Let's get started!
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About This Recipe
- Japanese miso paste recipe
- Only two ingredients, miso and tofu
- Vegan recipe
- Creamy and cheesy
- An excellent starter for any meal
What is Misozuke?
Misozuke is a traditional Japanese cooking method using miso paste. Marinade ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or fish in miso paste to add depth and savory flavor.
Tofu misozuke is a unique misozuke that transforms bland tofu into a rich, tasty dish. The creamy and cheesy flavor is an excellent starter for any meal.
What is Miso Paste?
Miso paste is fermented soybean paste and a traditional Japanese condiment that adds complexity to any dish. Its unique umami flavor can transform simple dishes into something special.
It brings many health benefits for you as we have an old saying that eating miso every day keeps you away from a doctor.
Miso soup - flavorful and comforting classic soup has been one of the most popular dishes featuring miso paste for centuries!
Click here to check my beginner guide to learn more about miso paste!
📋 Ingredients
Here are the ingredients (amounts are in the recipe card below).
- Miso paste - I use darker-colored miso paste. White miso paste is the way to go for a sweet and mild taste. If you're looking for more rich flavor, try red miso.
- Tofu - Either silken (kinu) or firm (momen) tofu is OK. I use firm tofu in this recipe.
Where to Buy Japanese Ingredients
If you live in the US, you can find Japanese ingredients in the list below.
- Japanese grocery stores: Mitsuwa Marketplace, Marukai
- Asian grocery stores
- Whole Foods Market
- Health food stores
- Online stores: Instacart, Walmart, Amazon
🔪Instructions
Let me show you how to make it. Click here to watch the recipe video.
- Press tofu to remove extra moisture for 30 minutes or more
- Place a plastic wrap on a plate and spread miso paste
- Place the tofu and spread a thin layer of miso paste on all sides
- Wrap and keep it in the fridge for one or two days
- Open the wrap
- Remove the miso paste around the tofu with a spoon
Here you go! You can see that tofu is slightly colored brown as miso is soaked in.
Slice and enjoy its creamy, rich taste!
Helpful Tips
- To bring out the full potential of your misozuke, be sure to drain tofu thoroughly - this will allow miso's delicious flavors to seep in and give it a deep, rich taste.
- The second day is the best time to eat, but if you like a saltier taste, leave it for a few days.
- You can use leftover miso paste for miso soup, miso stir-fry, miso mayo, and other miso dishes.
- If you prefer a mild and light taste, pick white miso paste (shiro miso).
Ways to Use Tofu Misozuke
You can enjoy this tasty treat as it is or try other ways to savor its flavor! Give it a try!
- Dice it and eat it as it is for an appetizer
- Spread it on crackers
- Make it into the paste and use it for the creamy pasta
- Make it into the paste and spread it on the toast
- Grill it with olive oil for a creamy side dish
Variations
This recipe uses only miso, but you can mix other ingredients to make it more flavorful. Explore different flavors with these delicious variations!
- Umami - add dashi powder
- Spicy - add grated ginger or wasabi
- Sweet - add honey or sugar
- Mild - add mirin and Japanese sake
Storage
Store in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will be good for a week.
Thanks For Stopping By!
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog♡. If you've tried this recipe (or any other recipe on the blog), please give it a star rating below!
Also, feel free to leave comments if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!
Chef JA Cooks is a Japanese food blog that shares simple and healthy Japanese home cooking recipes, including vegan and vegetarian. From traditional Japanese recipes to modern recipes with step-by-step instructions.
More Miso Recipes You Might Like
- What is Miso Paste
- Miso Soup Ingredients
- 10-minute Vegan Miso Soup
- Tofu Miso Soup
- Wakame Miso Soup
- Miso Mayo Dipping Sauce
📖 Recipe
Tofu Misozuke (Tofu Cheese)
Print Pin SaveIngredients
- 150 g Firm tofu, 5.3 ounce
- 2 tbsp or more Miso paste
Instructions
- Drain: Press tofu to remove extra moisture for 30 minutes or more.
- Spread miso paste: Place a plastic wrap on a plate and spread a thin layer of miso paste on all sides.
- Marinate: Wrap the tofu and keep it in the fridge for one or two days to marinate.
- Remove miso: Open the wrap and remove the miso paste with a spoon.
Video
Notes
- Drain tofu completely - this will allow miso's delicious flavors seep in and give it a deep, rich taste. Click here to find more about how to press tofu.
- The second day is the best timing to eat, but if you like a saltier taste leave it for an extra few days.
- You can use leftover miso paste for miso soup, miso stir-fry, miso mayo, and other miso dishes.
- If you prefer mild and light taste, pick white miso paste (shiro miso).
Robbie
I frequently make vegan ricotta by blending tofu with some miso. Does the fermentation of misozuke develop a different flavour than what just the simple combination of the two ingredients deliver?
Juri Austin
Thanks, Robbie, that's a great question! Miso contains enzymes that soften ingredients, leading to a smoother texture when marinated. While this might not be as noticeable with tofu, it's more pronounced with fish and meat. Marinating with miso not only keeps them from drying out but also imparts a delightful umami richness. Anyway, you can taste the flavorful miso paste in both ways! I love making tofu cream cheese with tofu and miso paste too!
Linda
Easy and I love the variations!
JURI
Thanks, Linda! I'm glad you like the tofu recipe!