Savory Salmon Tofu Miso Soup with Broccoli

It’s very intriguing how the human brain works. Memories seem to be kept in files in a huge filing cabinet. Sometimes something will come along and trigger you to open a distant file from ages ago. Out of the blue, this was how the Savory Salmon Tofu Miso Soup with Broccoli recipe was born.

Earlier this week, my best friend treated me to a cute little Japanese restaurant, Kiyo Sushi and Sake in Irvine. She wanted to show me Kiyo’s impressive lunch specials. I love eating Japanese meals out of Bento boxes. The food is always beautifully garnished and organized into little compartments, making it look so much more inviting and tasty. I ordered the grilled salmon lunch special which came with the miso soup, and it was so delicious.  As I started eating, an old file popped open and my thoughts wandered back to my time in Hokkaido many years ago.

Hokkaido is one of my favorite cities in Japan. I was there to see the Lavender Festival at Farm Tomita over the summer. It was also the first time I’ve ever tried their famous lavender ice cream, and I was blown away by the sweet and creamy texture and the rich lavender flavor. Aside from their special ice cream, my top three must-eat foods at Hokkaido are its famous Red King Crab and the Hokkaido Salmon Hot Pot.

The Hokkaido Salmon Hot Pot (Ishikari Nabe) uses fresh seafood and in-season vegetables. It’s usually cooked in a miso-based broth with salmon or trout and vegetables. I’ve had a lot of hot pots before, but this is definitely one of those unforgettable dishes you wish you could eat again.

I think the combination of grilled salmon and miso soup really made me crave for the Hokkaido salmon Hot Pot again, and I decided to create the dish the American way with salmon and our in-season vegetables.

This soup combines the rich flavors of tender salmon and soft tofu with the umami-packed goodness of white miso paste, all while adding a vibrant crunch with fresh broccoli. It’s a perfect symphony of flavors and textures that not only pleases the palate but also packs a punch of essential nutrients. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, protein from the tofu, and a bounty of vitamins and minerals from the broccoli, this meal is a heart-healthy, immune-boosting, and anti-inflammatory champion. Moreover, miso, a fermented soybean paste, adds a unique layer of flavor and brings its own set of health benefits, including aiding digestion and providing a good source of vitamins B, E, K, and folic acid. Every spoonful not only warms you up but also contributes to your overall well-being, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to nourish their body without compromising on flavor.

This savory soup was a complete success at the dinner table, and everyone kept going for seconds. My kids even asked me where I bought the yummy vegetables. The Umami Boost from the Miso made everything taste better, adding the perfect blend of salty, sweet, and nutty flavors.

I hope you will love this Savory Japanese hot pot and trigger to open your memory files too. Let’s all get inspired!