Yuzu Miso
Yuzu Miso – Inspired by My Grandmother
In 2023, I had the joy of asking my grandmother how she uses the abundance of yuzu growing in her garden. Among her many ideas, one stood out to me - yuzu miso.
She described simmering fresh yuzu peel and juice with miso, adding sugar, soy sauce, and sake to create a rich, fragrant condiment. I didn’t get to taste it back then, but the idea stayed with me.
This year, I finally recreated it using the homemade yuzu marmalade I brought back from her kitchen—and it turned out even more special than I imagined.
This yuzu miso is sweet, savory, and bright with citrus. It’s incredibly versatile and instantly elevates simple dishes, from grilled vegetables to rice and even tofu.
If you love adding a little something extra to your meals, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your fridge at all times.
👉 Also check my yuzu marmalade recipeand watch the step-by-step process on my YouTube video.
Why You’ll Love This Yuzu Miso
A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and citrusy flavors
Easy to make in under 40 minutes
A great way to use yuzu jam or marmalade
Works as a sauce, glaze, or condiment
Keeps well in the fridge for quick meals
How to Use Yuzu Miso
Spread on grilled rice balls (onigiri)
Glaze for roasted vegetables
Sauce for tofu or grilled fish
Add to stir-fries for a citrusy twist
Use as a dip for cucumbers or steamed veggies
Drizzle it over furofuki daikon (boiled daikon) to experience a burst of flavors
Learn More about Miso
I shared my experience at an old miso shop I visited in Shimane, Japan - read here
RECIPE
Servings: 1 small jar
Time: 40 min
Ingredients:
4 tbsp white miso
1 tbsp mirin
1 tbsp sake
1/2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp yuzu jam
1 tbsp yuzu juice
Instructions:
Combine the base ingredients:
Place a pot over low heat and add miso, mirin, sake, and soy sauce.
Stir gently to blend.
Thicken the mixture:
As the liquid starts to evaporate, continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.
Then, add the yuzu juice for a bright, citrusy aroma.
Incorporate yuzu jam:
Once the mixture reaches a rich consistency and the juice has mostly evaporated, stir in the yuzu jam.
Mix until fully combined.
Simmer to perfection:
Let the mixture simmer on low heat until it becomes luscious and glossy.
Turn off the heat and allow it to cool before transferring to a jar.
Storage tip:
Keep in a small airtight jar in the refrigerator.
Use within 1–2 weeks for best flavor.
My kitchen tool:
FAQ
What is yuzu miso?
Yuzu miso is a Japanese condiment made by combining miso with yuzu citrus, sugar, and seasonings. It has a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor.
Can I make this without yuzu jam?
Yes! You can substitute with yuzu zest and sugar, though yuzu jam adds depth and sweetness.
What type of miso should I use?
White miso (shiro miso) works best for a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
How long does yuzu miso last?
It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze yuzu miso?
Yes, you can freeze small portions and thaw as needed.
Find More Ideas with Yuzu Miso:
If you have extra citrus, try my yuzu marmalade recipe for another delicious way to use it.
Looking for something to pair this with? Try my miso-based recipes for easy Japanese meals.”
This also pairs beautifully with my grilled onigiri recipe for a simple lunch idea.”
If you enjoy Japanese condiments, check out my homemade dressing.