Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

I never expected a simple carrot soup to become my go-to comfort meal, but this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup changed everything. It’s a vegan bowl that blends sweet carrots with rich coconut milk and savory miso for a warming experience that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Last winter, I was craving something warming but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I threw together this soup with ingredients I already had, and the combination surprised me. The natural sweetness of carrots balances perfectly with the umami-rich miso and just enough heat from sriracha. Now it’s my weeknight staple when I need something nourishing fast. This easy miso carrot soup comes together in 30 minutes and serves four hungry people.

Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

Pro tip: I always use white miso paste for this recipe because it has a milder, slightly sweet flavor that doesn’t overpower the carrots. Red miso works too if you prefer a deeper, saltier taste.

• 4 cups carrots, chopped (about 1 pound)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons miso paste (white or red)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

How to Make This Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and soft.

Step 2: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes until you smell that amazing ginger-garlic aroma filling your kitchen. Don’t let the garlic brown or it’ll taste bitter.

Step 3: Toss in chopped carrots and pour in the vegetable broth. Turn the heat to high and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The carrots should be fork-tender and easy to pierce.

Step 4: Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until completely smooth. If you’re using a standard blender, let the soup cool slightly, then blend in batches. Be careful with hot liquids in blenders.

Step 5: Return the soup to the pot if you used a standard blender. Stir in coconut milk, miso paste, soy sauce, and sriracha. Whisk well until the miso paste dissolves completely with no lumps.

Step 6: Warm the soup gently over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Don’t let it boil once you’ve added the miso because high heat destroys the beneficial probiotics.

Step 7: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. The soy sauce adds saltiness, so start conservatively.

Step 8: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro for brightness and color.

Perfect Pairings for This Carrot Soup

This spicy miso carrot soup pairs beautifully with dishes that complement its creamy texture and bold flavors.

Crusty Bread: A slice of warm sourdough or baguette is perfect for dipping into this creamy soup. The crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the smooth broth.

Rice or Quinoa: Adding a scoop of cooked rice or quinoa transforms this into a heartier meal. The grains soak up the flavorful broth and add staying power.

Asian Cucumber Salad: A light, tangy cucumber salad cuts through the richness of the coconut milk and refreshes your palate between bites.

Roasted Chickpeas: Crispy roasted chickpeas on top add protein and crunch. They’re the best sides for spicy miso carrot soup when you want extra substance.

More Warming Miso Soups to Try

This Spicy Miso Carrot Soup brings bold heat and earthy sweetness, making it a perfect addition to any miso soup collection. If you enjoy the bright, zesty flavors here, you’ll love our Lemon Ginger Miso Soup with its refreshing citrus notes, or try the comforting Ginger Miso Brothy Soup for a lighter, aromatic option.

For heartier meal options, pair this vibrant soup with our Miso Udon Noodle Soup featuring thick, chewy noodles, or serve it alongside the satisfying Spicy Miso Ramen for a complete Japanese-inspired feast.

Storing Your Leftover Soup

Store leftover spicy miso carrot soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and don’t let it boil to preserve the probiotic benefits from the miso paste. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

Pro tip: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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