Tonjiru (Pork Miso Soup) & Cold Tofu Salad: A Comforting Japanese Meal

Updated at: 04/06/2025

Craving a comforting and flavorful Japanese meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious combination of Tonjiru, a hearty pork and vegetable miso soup, and a refreshing Cold Tofu Salad. This dynamic duo offers a perfect balance of warm, savory goodness and cool, crisp freshness, making it ideal for any season. Tonjiru's rich broth, packed with tender pork and a variety of seasonal vegetables, provides a deeply satisfying experience, while the simple yet elegant Cold Tofu Salad offers a palate-cleansing counterpoint.

This complete meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, easily adaptable to your preferences and available ingredients. Ready to experience the authentic flavors of Japan in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions for creating this incredible Tonjiru and Cold Tofu Salad.

Tools Needed

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Preparing the Tonjiru (Pork Miso Soup)

  • Peel and thinly slice the daikon radish. Peel and cut the carrot into similarly sized pieces.
  • Slice the onion. Wash the burdock root and scrape off the outer skin. Shape it into thin curly slices.
  • Soak the burdock slices in water to remove bitterness.
  • Cut the konjac in half, slice thinly, sprinkle with salt, rub gently, rinse well.
Peel and thinly slice the daikon radish. Peel and cut the carrot into similarly sized pieces.Slice the onion. Wash the burdock root and scrape off the outer skin. Shape it into thin curly slices.Soak the burdock slices in water to remove bitterness.Cut the konjac in half, slice thinly, sprinkle with salt, rub gently, rinse well.
Preparing the Tonjiru (Pork Miso Soup)
  • Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces. Heat a pot with oil and stir-fry the pork until it changes color.
  • Add all the vegetables and konjac to the pot. Stir until coated in oil and starting to soften. Pour in water and add dashi powder.
  • Simmer for about 10 minutes, skimming off any foam. Once tender, gently stir in miso paste (avoid boiling after adding miso).
  • Chop green onions and serve the soup, sprinkling with green onions.
Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces. Heat a pot with oil and stir-fry the pork until it changes color.Add all the vegetables and konjac to the pot. Stir until coated in oil and starting to soften. Pour in water and add dashi powder.Simmer for about 10 minutes, skimming off any foam. Once tender, gently stir in miso paste (avoid boiling after adding miso).Chop green onions and serve the soup, sprinkling with green onions.
Preparing the Tonjiru (Pork Miso Soup)

Step 2. Making the Cold Tofu Salad

  • Chop green onions, grate garlic, and mix with salt, chicken bouillon powder, sesame oil, and lemon juice.
  • Cut the tofu and spoon the green onion sauce over it.
For the cold tofu salad dressing: Chop green onions, grate garlic, and mix with salt, chicken bouillon powder, sesame oil, and lemon juice.Cut the tofu and spoon the green onion sauce over it.
Making the Cold Tofu Salad

Step 3. Preparing the Broccoli Salad

  • Cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces, boil for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to cold water to stop cooking.
  • Make hard-boiled eggs, peel, and chop roughly.
  • Combine mayonnaise and mix well. Add broccoli and eggs to a bowl, pour dressing over, and toss gently.
For the broccoli salad: Cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces, boil for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to cold water to stop cooking.Make hard-boiled eggs, peel, and chop roughly.For the dressing: Combine mayonnaise and mix well. Add broccoli and eggs to a bowl, pour dressing over, and toss gently.
Preparing the Broccoli Salad

Read more: Vegan Braised Lotus Root (Yeongeun Jorim): Easy Korean Recipe

Tips

  • Soaking burdock removes bitterness.
  • Salting and rubbing konjac removes its unique odor.
  • Don't boil the miso paste after adding it to preserve its delicate flavor.
  • Adding salt to the boiling water when cooking broccoli helps it retain its green color.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the pork in the Tonjiru?

Yes! Chicken, beef, or even tofu can be used as a substitute for pork. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the protein used.

2. What kind of miso paste is best for Tonjiru?

Awase miso (mixed miso) is traditional and provides a well-rounded flavor. However, you can also use red or white miso, depending on your preference.

3. How far in advance can I prepare the Cold Tofu Salad?

It's best to prepare the Cold Tofu Salad right before serving to maintain its crispness. However, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and assemble just before serving.


This simple yet satisfying meal offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy night in or a light yet fulfilling lunch. The combination of hearty Tonjiru and refreshing Cold Tofu Salad showcases the versatility and deliciousness of Japanese cuisine. Enjoy the comforting warmth and flavorful experience this meal provides!