Perfect Pairings & Recipes for
White Miso

Analysing hundreds of thousands of recipes uncovers white miso's optimal flavour pairings.

White miso is defined by the unmistakable flavours of glutamate and seaweed, but beneath its umaminess lies a complex symphony of subtle flavour notes, such as protease, lactic acid, and rice, that give it remarkable depth. The key to finding the perfect pairing for white miso is understanding how these notes harmonise.

To map these harmonies, we analysed thousands of ingredients, breaking each one down across 150 flavour dimensions, identifying which notes complement and contrast. Our analysis reveals, for example, how chia seed's seminal tones ground white miso, and how cayenne pepper's capsaicin notes create a surprising synergy with its savoury richness.

An ingredient's flavour profile is determined by its core characteristics (e.g. maillard, floral, and acidic) enhanced by layers of subtle aroma notes (outer bars). When pairing ingredients, aim for a mix of core traits to build balance, and select complementary aroma notes to create harmony.

The Secret Language of Flavour

To understand exactly which flavours harmonise, we compiled a database of over 50,000 ingredient pairings commonly used in cooking. We then analysed these pairings, identifying the specific flavour notes that frequently appear together.

Our analysis shows that the flavour of glutamate is strongly associated with the flavour of chilli. This suggests we should look for ingredients with a hot flavour, such as cayenne pepper, when pairing with the glutamic notes of white miso.

The recipes below provide inspiration for pairing white miso with cayenne pepper.

Harmonious Flavours Of White Miso

Just as our analysis indicated that glutamate and hot flavour accents combine harmoniously, we can identify the full profile of flavours that harmonise with each of the flavour notes present in white miso. For instance, the seaweedy notes of white miso are strongly associated with vanillic and sugary notes.

The aroma notes associated with the various notes of white miso can be seen highlighted in the pink bars below.

Matching Flavour Profiles

The flavour profile of chia seed offers many of the aroma notes complementary to white miso, including seedy and astringent aroma notes. Because the flavour profile of chia seed has many of the of the features that are complementary to white miso, they are likely to pair very well together.

The chart above shows the unique profile of chia seed across 150 dimensions of flavour, while the recipes below offer inspiration for bringing these flavours together with white miso.

Recipes That Pair White Miso With Chia Seed

Linked Flavour Notes

Looking at the aroma notes that are most strongly associated with the various flavours of white miso, we can identify other ingredients that are likely to pair well.

The left side of the chart above highlights the aroma notes of white miso, along with the complementary aromas associated with each note. While the right side shows some of the ingredients that share many of the aroma accents complementary to white miso.

Harmonies Of White Miso

White miso offers a range of distinct flavour notes, each with its own set of harmonising partners. Glutamic notes pair especially well with ingredients that have the fiery sensation of chilli and the pungent aroma of onion. While seaweed tones complement vanilla notes and sugar's clean sweetness. Here, we explore the many flavours that resonate with each note of White miso, revealing abundant possibilities for creative pairing.

Each Chord Connects Two Harmonising Flavour Notes

What To Drink With White Miso

The flint notes in saint-romain make it a perfect pairing with white miso. Likewise, the flint flavours in margaux create a match made in heaven. Explore a variety of ingredients below that beautifully complement the unique character of white miso below.