Miso Soup with Clams
Instead of using dashi, the soup gets its flavor from the natural brininess of the clams and their juices, which, combined with sake, form the base.

- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 pound Manila or small Littleneck clams
- 1/2 cup sake
- 4 cups water
- 3 tablespoons red miso paste
- 1 small bunch mitsuba, leaves removed, or substitute 1 scallion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- 1
Scrub the clams in several changes of cold water to remove any excess sand.
- 2
In a medium pot, combine the clams with the sake. Cover and bring to boil over high heat. Once the clams start to open (about 1 to 2 minutes), add the water, cover, and bring to boil again. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover and discard any clams that are not open. Carefully stir in the miso paste and continue stirring until the paste is fully dissolved.
- 3
Ladle the soup and clams into individual bowls. Garnish with a few mitsuba leaves or sliced scallions and serve.