This miso hot chocolate recipe is a unique way to jazz up a classic, warm cup of hot chocolate. Let’s start 2021 off with something fun!
There is nothing more cozy than drinking hot chocolate in cold weather, am I right? I’ve also been making a ton of salted warm drinks this season (like sea salt milk tea) so I thought miso hot chocolate would be a fun twist!
What is miso?
Miso is one of Japan’s most popular and common condiments. It is a fermented soybean paste that is used in everything from miso soup to marinades to salad dressing. It’s salty, earthy, a little funky and full of so much umami which is why it’s so widely loved and used. Miso is also incredibly healthy and is great for your digestion.
Why miso in hot chocolate?!
It is no secret that I’m a fan of miso in desserts (see my Miso Butterscotch Cookies here). Since I use white miso for situations like this, it’s not so much about adding miso flavor as it is about adding umami, richness, and saltiness to a dessert. It really deepens flavors and showcases the sweetness of dishes. It may sound totally weird, but I recommend giving this miso hot chocolate recipe a try!
What kind of miso do I use?
There are many kinds of miso out there, but for baking or sweets, I use plain white miso (make sure it doesn’t have dashi or anything in it). It’s light and naturally sweet but still salty and full of umami, which makes it perfect for using in desserts and sweet, light dishes.
If you don’t have access to Japanese or Asian markets for the miso, it can also be purchased online! You can find miso linked in my Pantry or down below in the “Shop this post” section.
Miso Hot Chocolate / 味噌ホットチョコレート
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 tsp white miso
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium sized pot, combine water, cocoa powder, and sugar. Mix well and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to stop the hard boil. Mix in the miso well. Make sure not to boil the mixture once the miso is added.
- Keep the heat on low and mix in the milk. Make sure the mixture is heated through but do not let the mixture boil.
- Remove from the heat once hot and add vanilla extract and mix.
- Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream or any toppings you like, and serve immediately.
Notes
Shop this post:
More items can be shopped in my Pantry, my Tools, or my Amazon shop.
The specific mug in my post is by Siera Matsuo Ceramics. Siera is a half-Japanese, half-Filipina creator in Seattle.
*Links and products on this page may be affiliate links. There is no extra cost for you and it allows me to keep creating free content for you!
Savory drink?! Wow, gonna try this one out!
Both sweet and savory! I hope you like it. 🙂