Japanese Clear Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s both light and satisfying, this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe is just what you need! It’s the kind of soup that warms your soul and brings a sense of tranquility. Whether you’re coming in from a chilly day or simply want a quick meal, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s a beloved classic often found in Hibachi restaurants, and now you can easily recreate it at home!

This recipe shines not only for its delightful flavors but also for the simplicity of its preparation. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll have a delicious soup ready to enjoy in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can have this soup simmering away while you relax.
• Family-friendly: Its mild flavors make it appealing to kids and adults alike, perfect for serving everyone at the table.
• Make-ahead convenience: This soup stores beautifully; make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
• Wholesome goodness: Packed with nutritious vegetables, it’s as healthy as it is tasty.
• Versatile base: Use this clear broth as a foundation for many dishes or enjoy it simply on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will make cooking this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe a breeze! You’ll find that many of them are common staples you might already have in your kitchen.

For the Broth

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil (or peanut oil)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 cups water

For the Vegetables

• 1 large sweet onion (peeled and cut into wedges)
• 6 cloves garlic (peeled and smashed)
• 2 large carrots (cut into chunks)
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger (sliced)
• 4 whole scallions (chopped)
• 10 button mushrooms (sliced thin)
• Salt to taste

Variations

One of the best things about this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add protein: Toss in some cooked chicken or tofu for an extra boost of protein.
• Change up the veggies: Use seasonal vegetables like bok choy or snap peas for added freshness.
• Spice it up: Add a splash of soy sauce or chili oil if you prefer a little kick!
• Herb infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten up the flavors even more.

How to Make Japanese Clear Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Vegetables

Place a large 8-quart stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil and toss in your sweet onion, garlic, carrots, and ginger. Searing these veggies on all sides caramelizes their natural sugars and brings out their flavors. Just be careful not to burn the garlic—it can turn bitter quickly!

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

Next, pour in your chicken broth, beef broth, and water. Bring everything to a boil! Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a low boil and let it simmer for at least one hour. This step allows all those lovely vegetable flavors to meld together into a soothing broth.

Step 3: Strain & Season

Once your soup has simmered delightfully, use a skimmer to carefully remove the vegetables from the broth. At this point, give it a taste and add salt as needed to enhance those yummy flavors.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

To serve your delightful clear soup, ladle hot broth into bowls. Sprinkle chopped scallion and sliced mushrooms over each serving for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every warm sip!

Pro Tips for Making Japanese Clear Soup Recipe

Creating the perfect Japanese Clear Soup can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you elevate your dish to new heights!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors to your soup, making it more visually appealing.

• Adjust the salt to taste: Since different broths can vary in sodium content, always taste before adding salt. This ensures your soup is perfectly seasoned without being overly salty.

• Simmer slowly: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps all the flavors meld beautifully. This slow cooking technique enhances the depth of flavor in your broth.

• Experiment with mushrooms: While button mushrooms are traditional, try using shiitake or enoki for a unique twist. Different mushrooms provide different textures and flavors that can make your soup even more interesting.

• Prepare ahead of time: Making the broth a day in advance allows the flavors to develop further. Just reheat and add garnishes when you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Japanese Clear Soup Recipe

Serving this delightful clear soup is as important as making it! A warm bowl of this comforting soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the rich flavors of the broth.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime right before eating brightens up the soup and adds a zesty kick.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the overall experience.

Side Dishes

• Edamame: Steamed edamame pods sprinkled with sea salt are a healthy and fun finger food that pairs perfectly with soup.
• Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: These sweet and savory skewers bring protein to your meal, making it hearty while still keeping things light.
• Seaweed Salad: A refreshing seaweed salad adds texture and is full of umami flavors, complementing your clear soup nicely.
• Vegetable Tempura: Lightly battered and fried veggies provide a crunchy contrast to the warmth of your soup, creating an enjoyable mix of textures.

Enjoy crafting this heartwarming Japanese Clear Soup, and don’t forget to get creative with your garnishes and side dishes!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Japanese Clear Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy days. You can easily prepare a large batch ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If using a large pot, consider transferring individual portions to make reheating easier.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Label the containers with the date and type of soup.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe container to reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

What is a Japanese Clear Soup Recipe?

A Japanese Clear Soup Recipe typically features a light broth made with chicken or beef stock, fresh vegetables, and seasonings. It’s known for its comforting flavors and is often served as a starter in hibachi restaurants.

Can I make this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken and beef broth. You can also add a variety of vegetables like bok choy or snow peas to enhance flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.

How long does it take to make this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe?

The total time to prepare this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe is about 70 minutes—5 minutes of prep time followed by 65 minutes of cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe as much as I do! It’s a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside dinner or enjoying it as a light lunch, I’m sure you’ll love every sip. Enjoy making this recipe, and feel free to share your experiences or variations with me!