MISO PASTE WHITE SHIRO 1KG (MARUKOME 10667)

Elevate Everyday Cooking with Authentic Japanese White Miso

MISO PASTE WHITE SHIRO 1KG (MARUKOME 10667) is a premium-grade fermented soybean paste crafted in the traditional Japanese style. Sourced from Marukome, one of Japan’s most respected miso producers, this Shiro (white) miso offers a delicate balance of sweetness and umami. Ideal for soups, sauces, marinades, and dressings, this 1kg bulk format is perfect for both home cooks and food professionals across New Zealand who want to add depth and flavour to everyday meals.

Miso paste is a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and increasingly embraced in modern global kitchens. Made from fermented soybeans and rice, white miso is known for its lighter taste, creamier colour, and higher rice content compared to other types like red (Aka) or mixed (Awase) miso. This particular product from Marukome is crafted using time-honoured methods and is free from artificial additives, offering clean flavour and nutritional integrity.

Whether you're preparing a traditional miso soup, exploring plant-based recipes, or adding complexity to a salad dressing, White Shiro Miso brings subtle savoury richness and smooth texture to your dishes.

What Is Shiro (White) Miso?

Shiro miso is a type of Japanese miso that is fermented for a shorter period, typically using a higher proportion of rice to soybeans. This results in:

• A lighter colour (pale beige to light yellow)
  
• A milder, sweeter flavour profile
  
• Smoother texture ideal for blending
  

Unlike darker misos (like red or barley miso), white miso is less salty and has a naturally sweet, mellow taste. It’s the miso of choice for light broths, miso butter, salad dressings, and subtle marinades.

White miso is particularly appreciated in Western-style and fusion cooking because of its delicate character and versatility in non-traditional recipes.

The Marukome Legacy

Marukome is Japan’s top-selling miso brand, with over 160 years of experience in fermenting soy-based products. They are renowned for their quality, innovation, and adherence to authentic fermentation techniques. Each batch of miso is crafted using carefully selected soybeans, polished rice, and traditional koji fermentation methods.

Their Shiro Miso Paste is processed in modern, hygienic facilities while still retaining the flavour depth and nutritional benefits of traditional miso making. It’s a brand trusted not only in Japan but across the globe—including in the kitchens of discerning New Zealanders looking for high-quality ingredients.

Ingredients and Nutritional Profile

White miso is considered one of the healthiest fermented foods due to its combination of soy protein, enzymes, and probiotics developed during fermentation.

Typical ingredients include:

• Soybeans
  
• Rice
  
• Salt
  
• Koji (rice malt)
  

Nutritional highlights (per 100g approx.):

• Calories: 190–210 kcal
  
• Protein: 10–12g
  
• Fat: 4–6g
  
• Carbohydrates: 25–30g
  
• Sodium: 4–6g
  
• Probiotics: Naturally present, may diminish when heated
  

Miso is naturally:

• Vegan
  
• Cholesterol-free
  
• Lactose-free
  
• Gluten-free (depending on processing; check label)
  

In traditional Japanese diets, miso is prized for its umami (the fifth basic taste) and its ability to stimulate digestion, improve gut health, and add depth without heavy seasoning.

Culinary Applications

Miso Soup

Miso paste is most famously used in miso soup (misoshiru), a staple in Japanese meals. Made with dashi broth and vegetables or tofu, the soup is gently seasoned with miso, which is whisked in toward the end of cooking to preserve its probiotic content.

Shiro miso offers a smoother, less salty soup compared to darker misos, making it ideal for everyday consumption.

Marinades and Glazes

The natural sugars in white miso caramelize beautifully, making it excellent for grilled meats, vegetables, tofu, or seafood. Mix with ingredients like sake, mirin, sesame oil, or honey for a rich marinade.

Popular uses:

• Miso-glazed salmon
  
• Roast aubergine with miso sauce
  
• Grilled chicken thighs with sweet miso paste
  
• White miso-marinated tofu
  

Dressings and Dips

Because of its sweet-savory balance, Shiro miso excels in cold dishes:

• Miso-tahini salad dressings
  
• White miso Caesar dressing
  
• Miso and sesame dipping sauces
  
• Miso mayonnaise or aioli for sushi rolls or sandwiches
  

These are perfect for raw vegetables, noodles, and cold rice bowls.

Fusion and Plant-Based Dishes

White miso is a versatile addition to non-traditional or fusion recipes. Add a spoonful to boost flavour in:

• Vegan cheese sauces
  
• Ramen and noodle broths
  
• Butter blends (e.g. miso butter on steak or corn)
  
• Mushroom risotto
  
• Mashed potatoes or creamy soups
  

In plant-based cooking, miso often replaces cheese or meat-based umami by enriching dishes with complex, satisfying flavour.

Baking and Sweets

Shiro miso’s mild sweetness has made it popular in desserts and baking. It pairs well with ingredients like chocolate, caramel, and nuts.

Examples include:

• Miso caramel sauce
  
• White miso chocolate chip cookies
  
• Miso and maple glazed nuts
  
• Savoury miso pie crusts or crackers
  

This trend is growing in New Zealand bakeries and kitchens looking to add depth to sweet and savoury hybrids.

Why Choose the 1KG Format?

For anyone cooking frequently with miso—whether at home or in commercial settings—the 1kg format is economical, efficient, and long-lasting. It’s especially beneficial for:

• Families using miso in soups and weekly meals
  
• Cafés or restaurants preparing Japanese fusion dishes
  
• Bulk-buying to reduce packaging and waste
  
• Food prep enthusiasts and meal planners
  

This format ensures consistent flavour in your kitchen, with no need to repurchase often. Marukome’s packaging is sturdy and resealable, designed for easy scooping and professional handling.

Why It Appeals to New Zealand Cooks

The Kiwi culinary landscape is evolving. As Japanese and Asian cuisine gain popularity throughout New Zealand, the demand for authentic and health-forward ingredients is rising.

Here’s why MISO PASTE WHITE SHIRO 1KG appeals to New Zealand consumers:

• Global Palates: More households are exploring ramen, sushi, miso soups, and fusion dishes.
  
• Plant-Based Movement: Miso is a valuable meat-free umami enhancer, popular among vegetarians and vegans.
  
• Health Focus: As a fermented food, it supports gut health, digestion, and immunity.
  
• Convenient & Versatile: Use it for soups, marinades, dressings, glazes, and even desserts.
  
• Low Waste: Buying in bulk supports sustainability by reducing plastic waste.
  

With the 1kg size, this miso paste provides ongoing culinary flexibility, supporting both everyday cooking and adventurous kitchen experiments.