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Meat, East Asian

Tonjiru with white rice

Tonjiru is a Japanese miso soup with pork and root vegetables, served with white rice, for 4 people in 40 minutes, easy level, at €2.50 per person. The key to success is stirring the miso in off the heat so it keeps all its flavor.

Tonight, a hearty miso soup with pork and vegetables, tonjiru, perfect for a warm and quick dinner with a bowl of rice.

Tonjiru with white rice
Total time
40 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.50
Calories per person
620 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Fall

Tonjiru combines a dashi broth, pork that flavors the whole pot as it cooks, and soft winter vegetables like daikon, carrot, and potato. Miso adds a salty, slightly sweet roundness that's very different from a plain broth, and the tofu brings a soft texture that contrasts nicely with the vegetables' light bite.

It's a great weeknight soup for cold evenings when you want something warm, filling, and easy to make without constant attention. Served with a bowl of white rice on the side, it becomes a complete, comforting meal, best suited to adults and teens who enjoy miso's deep flavor.

The ingredients

4 people

Butcher

  • Thin pork belly 250 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Daikon radish 200 g
  • Carrots 2
  • Potatoes 2
  • Scallion 3 sprigs

Dairy

  • Firm tofu 200 g

Pantry

  • Miso paste 4 tbsp
  • Instant dashi 1 tsp
  • Sesame oil 1 tsp
  • Riceoften in the pantry 300 g

Allergens Soy, Gluten, Fish

The step by step recipe

  1. Cut the pork into small pieces, the vegetables into half moons, and the tofu into cubes.

    The smaller the pieces, the faster the soup cooks.

  2. Brown the pork in the sesame oil, then add the vegetables and cook for a few minutes. 5 min

    The pork releases a bit of fat that flavors the soup.

  3. Add a liter and a half of water and the dashi, then let it simmer over low heat. 20 min

    Skim the surface regularly for a clear broth.

  4. Dissolve the miso with a bit of broth, then pour it into the pot with the tofu off the heat.

    Stir gently so the tofu stays whole.

  5. Cook the rice in salted water and serve the soup topped with chopped scallion. 11 min

    Eat the soup with the rice on the side, it's the classic Japanese meal.

Our tips to get it right

  • Start with a miso that isn't too salty, you can always stir in another spoonful at the end if the flavor needs more punch.
  • Cut all the vegetables about the same size so they cook evenly and stay tender without falling apart.
  • If you can't find daikon, a white turnip works well instead, it gives the broth the same soft texture.

The variations

  • Swap the pork belly for sliced chicken for a lighter version.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the pork and double the tofu, using a kombu based vegetable dashi instead.
  • To save time, use pre-cut vegetables and precooked rice, and the soup will be ready in 25 minutes.

What to serve it with

  • Plain white rice
  • Hot green tea
  • Japanese pickled vegetables

Storage

Tonjiru keeps for 2 days in the fridge in a sealed container, but avoid freezing it since the tofu changes texture. Reheat gently over low heat without boiling, to keep the miso's flavor intact.

Questions about this dish

Can you make tonjiru ahead of time?

You can prepare the broth with the vegetables and pork ahead of time, then add the miso and tofu just before serving. This keeps the tofu from falling apart and preserves the miso's full flavor.

What type of miso works best for this soup?

A white or yellow miso, milder and slightly sweet, suits this family recipe well. A stronger red miso also works, but use a little less of it.

Can you replace the instant dashi?

Yes, you can make homemade dashi with kombu seaweed and dried bonito flakes. Instant dashi is just a quick, convenient option that gives a similar result.

Why shouldn't you boil the miso?

Miso contains live ferments and delicate flavors that break down under high heat. That's why it's always stirred in off the heat, right before serving the soup.

How long does it take to make a tonjiru pork and vegetable miso soup with white rice?

Count 40 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a tonjiru pork and vegetable miso soup with white rice?

About 620 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a tonjiru pork and vegetable miso soup with white rice cost?

About €2.50 per serving, or €10.00 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains soy, gluten, fish. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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