Don’t worry if you can’t solve it yourself. Check the answer to “Key ingredient in a savory Japanese soup” in Cookie Jam right here.
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It’s Friday, which means a new Buzzwords challenge in Cookie Jam has started. If you’re here, it’s probably because you need a little extra help – or you just want to be extra sure you guessed it right. We’re kicking off with the hint: “Key ingredient in a savory Japanese soup,” so scroll down for the correct answer.
This hint in Cookie Jam could have many possible answers, but when it comes to four-letter words, there’s only one:
Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made by fermenting soybeans with salt and a type of fungus called koji, which is usually grown on rice, barley, or soy. This fermentation process transforms the soybeans into a thick, flavorful paste that is celebrated for its rich umami taste, the savory “fifth flavor” that adds depth to dishes.
While miso is most famously used to make miso soup, it’s far from limited to that. Chefs and home cooks alike use it in a variety of ways, stirred into sauces, blended into marinades, drizzled over dressings, or even incorporated into desserts, to give dishes a satisfying, savory complexity. Its versatility makes it a staple in both traditional and modern Japanese cooking.
Although miso has been a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine for thousands of years, it originally came from China, where early forms of fermented soybean paste were developed. Beyond flavor, miso is also nutritionally rich, packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, which support digestion and overall health. In Japan, miso soup is so ubiquitous that it’s often referred to as “the food for the soul,” a comforting dish enjoyed daily by many families.
Make sure to check out our other Cookie Jam guides. We have answers to other Buzzwords, like “Boil water on the [blank],” “Long, fried, dipped,” and more.
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Author: Olga Racinowska
Been with gamepressure.com since 2019, mostly writing game guides but you can also find me geeking out about LEGO (huge collection, btw). Love RPGs and classic RTSs, also adore quirky indie games. Even with a ton of games, sometimes I just gotta fire up Harvest Moon, Stardew Valley, KOTOR, or Baldur's Gate 2 (Shadows of Amn, the OG, not that Throne of Bhaal stuff). When I'm not gaming, I'm probably painting miniatures or admiring my collection of retro consoles.