It's Alive with Brad Season 3 Episode 8 Brad Makes Miso Paste
- July 26, 2018
- 14 min
Brad is back in the kitchen for another episode of It's Alive with Brad, and this time he's tackling the age-old technique of making miso paste. This Japanese condiment is typically made from fermented soybeans and is a key ingredient in many Japanese dishes like miso soup, ramen, and even marinades for meat.
Brad starts by showing viewers how to source the ingredients, which include soybeans, koji (a mold that kickstarts the fermentation process), and salt. He explains the importance of using high-quality ingredients and finding the right balance of flavors.
Once the ingredients are prepped, Brad gets to work on the fermentation process. He walks viewers through the steps of soaking the soybeans, cooking them, and blending them into a chunky paste. Then he adds the koji and salt, explaining how they'll work together to ferment the mixture over the next several months.
Brad checks in on the miso paste periodically over the course of several weeks, showing viewers how the fermentation process is progressing. He explains how the miso paste will change in flavor and consistency as it ages, and how to tell when it's ready to use in different dishes.
Throughout the episode, Brad emphasizes the importance of patience and precision in the fermentation process. He also shares tips and tricks for troubleshooting common miso-making problems, like a too-salty or too-bitter final product.
As always, Brad injects plenty of humor and personality into the episode, making it both informative and entertaining. Fans of the show will appreciate the continued focus on traditional fermentation techniques and unique ingredients, while newcomers will find the episode approachable and easy to follow.