Imagine this: creamy, cold vanilla ice cream meeting the rich, savory depth of miso. It might sound unusual, but trust me, the combination is pure magic! Miso, a fermented soybean paste, adds a unique umami kick that elevates the sweetness of the ice cream to a whole new level.
Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or simply looking for an exciting dessert to impress, this miso-glazed ice cream recipe is for you. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the results are guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds.
Gather Your Ingredients:
For the Ice Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Miso Glaze:
- ¼ cup white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon water
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Ice cream maker
- Airtight container
- Small saucepan
Let’s Get Churning:
Making the Ice Cream Base:
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is just simmering.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the mixture cool completely.
The Magic of Miso Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the miso paste, brown sugar, mirin, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
Churn, Freeze, and Glaze:
- Pour the cooled ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to allow it to harden.
- When ready to serve, scoop the ice cream into bowls and drizzle generously with the cooled miso glaze.
Tips for Miso-Glazed Perfection:
- Miso Matters: White miso (shiro miso) is milder and works best for this recipe. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or online.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of miso in the glaze to your liking. Start with less and add more if you prefer a more pronounced umami flavor.
- Get Creative with Toppings: While the miso glaze is divine on its own, feel free to add your favorite toppings! Chopped toasted walnuts, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of sea salt would be delicious additions.