If you’d told me miso belonged anywhere near a British steak dinner, I’d have raised a sceptical eyebrow. But after trying this miso-glazed steak from Mary Berry’s Makes It Easy, I’ve been properly converted.
I made this on a busy Tuesday night, hoping for something speedy that didn’t taste like I’d just thrown things in a pan—and it delivered. The steaks were meltingly tender with a sweet-savoury glaze, and the crunchy veg on the side made it feel fresh and not too heavy.
What nearly went wrong? I forgot to save the marinade the first time—so I had no sauce to finish it with. Lesson learned. Always reserve that liquid gold. Here’s how I got it right on the second round.
Why This One Works So Well
- The miso marinade does all the heavy lifting. In just 30 minutes, it tenderises the steak and adds a deep, savoury flavour that’s not too salty or overpowering.
- Quick-cook veg keep things light and bright. No soggy stir-fry here—just flash-fried crunch.
- That glossy pan sauce pulls it all together. Just thickened with cornflour and a splash of water, it’s rich without being heavy.
INGREDIENTS + WHY THEY MATTER
- White miso paste – The sweet, mellow kind. Adds umami and richness. I used a brand from my local Asian shop—it really matters.
- Soy sauce + honey + vinegar – This trio creates that perfect salty-sweet balance with a hint of tang.
- Sweet chilli sauce – Adds both heat and sugar in one spoonful. Don’t skip it.
- Cornflour – Just a touch thickens the sauce. I once forgot this step and ended up with watery drizzle—still tasty, but not the same.
- Rump steak (or sirloin) – A solid, flavourful cut that stays juicy. Slice against the grain if you’re serving it cut.
- Asparagus, spring onions, carrots, ginger – Classic crunchy contrast. Ginger adds heat and brightness.
Want to Change It Up? Here’s How
- Swap the steak: Chicken thighs work brilliantly. Just cook a little longer and slice after resting.
- Make it veggie: Use thick slices of aubergine or large portobello mushrooms in place of the meat. Marinade the same way.
- Low sugar? Leave out the sweet chilli sauce and just use honey. Add a pinch of chilli flakes to bring the heat back.
- Add noodles or rice: Serve the steak over soba noodles or jasmine rice to turn it into a heartier meal.
MISTAKES I’VE MADE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)
What Went Wrong | Why It Happens | How to Fix It |
---|---|---|
Forgot the reserved marinade | Tossed it with the meat | Always scoop out the sauce before adding meat |
Overcooked steak | Pan too hot, no resting time | 2 mins per side, then rest for 5 mins |
Soggy veg | Cooked too long or crowded pan | Fry veg hot and fast, in batches if needed |
Sauce too thick | Reduced it too long | Just bring to a boil—don’t simmer it down |
HOW TO MAKE MARY BERRY’S MISO STEAK
- Marinate the steak – Mix soy, sweet chilli, miso, honey, and vinegar. Add steaks and let sit 30 mins (or up to 1 hour). Reserve the marinade before cooking!
- Cook the steak – Heat oil, season steaks, and fry 2 mins per side for pink centre. Rest on a warm plate.
- Stir-fry the veg – Wipe pan, add oil, fry veg over high heat for 1 min. You want a light char but plenty of crunch.
- Make the sauce – Mix reserved marinade with cornflour and water. Bring to boil in a small pan until thick and glossy—takes about 1–2 mins.
- Serve it up – Slice steaks if you like, plate with veg, pour over sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Heaven.

TIPS FROM MY KITCHEN
- I toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan while the steak rests—tastes miles better than untoasted.
- Always pat the steak dry after marinading or it’ll steam, not sear.
- A julienne peeler makes carrot and ginger matchsticks way easier to prep.
- Leftover sauce? Stir it through rice or drizzle on grilled tofu—it’s too good to waste.
STORAGE + REHEATING
- Fridge: Keeps up to 3 days in a sealed container. Store steak and veg separately if you can.
- Freezer: Freeze sliced steak with sauce in a sealed tub for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight.
- Reheat: Gently in a pan for 3–5 mins or microwave in 30-second bursts. Add a splash of water if it gets dry.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Meatball Toad in the Hole
- Mary Berry Jumbo Sausage Rolls
- Mary Berry Sage And Onion Stuffing Balls
- Mary Berry Mushroom And Asparagus Risotto
Mary Berry Miso Steak Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AsianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes6
minutes310
kcalJuicy, Umami-Rich Miso Steak With Crisp Veggies—Quick To Cook, Big On Flavour, And Perfect For A Speedy Supper.
Ingredients
- For the Steak
4 small steaks (rump or sirloin)
3 tbsp sunflower oil
½ tsp cornflour
- Marinade
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
2 tsp white miso paste
2 tsp honey
2 tsp white wine vinegar
- Vegetable Salad
2 carrots, matchsticks
6 spring onions, matchsticks
Small knob ginger, matchsticks
8 asparagus spears, trimmed
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Directions
- Mix marinade ingredients and coat steaks. Marinate 30 mins–1 hour. Reserve marinade before cooking.
- Heat pan. Pat steaks dry, season, and cook 2 mins each side. Rest.
- Wipe pan, add oil, stir-fry veg over high heat for 1 min.
- Mix reserved marinade with cornflour + 6 tbsp water. Boil in pan until thick.
- Slice steaks if desired, serve with veg, sauce, and sesame seeds.
Notes
- I toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan while the steak rests—tastes miles better than untoasted.
- Always pat the steak dry after marinading or it’ll steam, not sear.
- A julienne peeler makes carrot and ginger matchsticks way easier to prep.
- Leftover sauce? Stir it through rice or drizzle on grilled tofu—it’s too good to waste.