Easy Miso Tuna Pasta with Smoked Daikon Radish: A Japanese-Style Recipe

Craving a quick, flavorful, and surprisingly sophisticated weeknight dinner? Look no further than this easy Miso Tuna Pasta recipe! This dish masterfully blends the umami richness of miso paste with the delicate sweetness of tuna, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe is designed for busy cooks who appreciate delicious, healthy meals without the fuss. The smoky addition of daikon radish adds a unique textural element and a subtle depth that elevates this simple pasta dish to something truly special.

This Japanese-inspired pasta is packed with protein and flavor, making it a perfect lunch or dinner option. Ready to experience the magic of miso tuna pasta for yourself? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step process to recreate this delightful meal in your own kitchen.

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • Tuna (canned)
  • Garlic: 3 cloves
  • Pasta
  • Miso paste: 1 teaspoon
  • Olive oil: 405cc
  • Smoked daikon radish (Iburigakko)
  • Parsley (or Mitsuba)
  • Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Miso Sauce

  • Peel and roughly mash the garlic.
  • In a frying pan, heat olive oil over high heat. Add the mashed garlic and cook until fragrant, then reduce heat to low.
  • Add the miso paste and stir-fry until well combined. The miso flavor will be the base of the sauce.
  • Add the canned tuna (with oil) and mix lightly to combine with the miso sauce.
Peel and roughly mash the garlic.In a frying pan, heat olive oil over high heat. Add the mashed garlic and cook until fragrant, then reduce heat to low.Add the miso paste and stir-fry until well combined. The miso flavor will be the base of the sauce.Add the canned tuna (with oil) and mix lightly to combine with the miso sauce.
Prepare the Miso Sauce
  • Add the smoked daikon radish, cut in half.
Add the smoked daikon radish, cut in half.
Prepare the Miso Sauce

Step 2. Cook the Pasta

  • Boil the pasta in salted water (approx. 1% salt, or less as the sauce is already flavorful).
Boil the pasta in salted water (approx. 1% salt, or less as the sauce is already flavorful).
Cook the Pasta

Step 3. Combine and Finish

  • Add the cooked pasta to the frying pan with the sauce. Mix gently to coat the noodles.
  • Stir in chopped parsley (or Mitsuba).
Add the cooked pasta to the frying pan with the sauce. Mix gently to coat the noodles.Stir in chopped parsley (or Mitsuba).
Combine and Finish

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve and enjoy!
Serve and enjoy!
Serve

Read more: Kinpira Gobo Recipe: A Sweet & Savory Japanese Side Dish

Tips

  • Using Mitsuba instead of parsley gives a more authentic Japanese flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of olive oil to your preference. A more oily pasta is delicious.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the tuna?

Yes! Salmon, cooked chicken, or even tofu would be delicious substitutes. Adjust cooking time as needed for different proteins.

2. What kind of miso paste should I use?

White or yellow miso paste works best for this recipe. Avoid red miso, as it's stronger and might overpower the other flavors.

3. Where can I find smoked daikon radish?

Many Asian grocery stores carry smoked daikon radish. You can also try making your own by smoking a daikon radish using a smoker or even a grill.


This easy Miso Tuna Pasta with Smoked Daikon Radish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering. The unique combination of ingredients creates a surprisingly sophisticated dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Enjoy this culinary adventure and savor the delicious results!