Japanese Clear Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and light soup that warms the soul, then this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe is just what you need! It’s a delightful staple from Hibachi restaurants, brimming with flavor yet gentle on the stomach. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this soup is simple enough to whip up in no time and will surely impress your loved ones.

Every spoonful of this clear soup brings back fond memories of dining out, but it’s easy to recreate that experience at home. Plus, its healthful ingredients make it a go-to choice when you want something nourishing without sacrificing taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious pot of soup ready in about 70 minutes!
• Family-Friendly: This flavorful broth is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Kids love the warm flavors and soft veggies!
• Flexible Ingredients: Customize it easily based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Deliciously Light: A great option for those who want a comforting dish that doesn’t weigh you down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe lies in its simple and wholesome ingredients. You probably have many of these items already in your pantry. Let’s gather what you need:

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

This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some leafy greens like spinach or bok choy for added nutrition and color.
• Make It Spicy: Add a few slices of fresh chili pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Swap the Protein: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken and beef broths for a vegetarian twist.
• Garnish Differently: Experiment with different toppings like bamboo shoots or cilantro for extra flavor!

How to Make Japanese Clear Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Place a large 8-quart stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the oil and toss in the onion, garlic, carrots, and ginger. Searing these vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Just be careful not to burn the garlic—burnt garlic can turn bitter!

Step 2: Add Broths and Water

Once your veggies are nicely caramelized, pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and water. Bring everything to a boil! Once boiling, lower the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Letting it simmer for at least an hour allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Strain the Broth

After an hour has passed, use a skimmer or slotted spoon to remove the vegetables from your pot. Taste your broth now; adjust with salt as necessary. This step ensures each bowl has just the right seasoning.

Step 4: Serve with Love

To serve, ladle hot broth into bowls and sprinkle chopped scallion and sliced mushrooms over each serving. The fresh toppings add delightful texture and brightness to your warm soup!

Enjoy making this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe—it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!

Pro Tips for Making Japanese Clear Soup Recipe

Making the perfect Japanese clear soup is all about enhancing flavors and ensuring a deliciously comforting experience. Here are some pro tips to help you along the way:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavors of your soup significantly. Freshness contributes to a vibrant taste that dried or older ingredients simply can’t match.
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Always taste your broth before adding salt. This way, you can control the saltiness and avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of the soup.
• Sear vegetables properly: Taking the time to caramelize your onions and garlic adds depth to your broth. This step brings out their natural sweetness, making your soup richer and more flavorful.
• Strain for clarity: For a beautifully clear broth, make sure to strain out all the solid ingredients after simmering. This leaves you with a pristine liquid that looks as good as it tastes.
• Experiment with aromatics: While this recipe calls for ginger and garlic, feel free to play around with other aromatics like lemongrass or cilantro stems to create unique flavor profiles in your broth.

How to Serve Japanese Clear Soup Recipe

Serving your Japanese clear soup is almost as delightful as making it! The presentation can add an extra touch of elegance, turning a simple dish into something special.

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Lemon zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest provides a bright acidity that balances the richness of the broth.
• Chili flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes can bring an exciting kick without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

• Edamame: These lightly salted young soybeans are not only healthy but also provide a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with soup.
• Steamed rice: A bowl of fluffy steamed rice serves as a wonderful accompaniment, soaking up the savory broth and making for a heartier meal.
• Seaweed salad: This refreshing side adds texture and a burst of umami flavor, making it an ideal match for your clear soup.
• Tempura vegetables: Crispy tempura vegetables can add fun contrast in texture while maintaining the lightness of your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing family and friends with this delightful Japanese clear soup! Enjoy every warm spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Japanese Clear Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prep! It stores well and can easily be reheated, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to separate any vegetables if you prefer them fresh when reheating.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool to room temperature before pouring it into freezer-safe containers.
• Leave some room at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For stovetop reheating, pour the soup into a pot and warm over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• If using a microwave, place soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in increments of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Add fresh scallions and mushrooms after reheating for that just-made taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe:

What is a Japanese Clear Soup Recipe?

A Japanese Clear Soup Recipe is a light broth-based soup, often featuring ingredients like vegetables, mushrooms, and aromatics. It’s perfect as an appetizer or light meal.

Can I make this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken and beef broth while keeping the other ingredients the same. This will create a delicious vegetarian version of the soup.

How long does the Japanese Clear Soup Recipe take to prepare?

This recipe takes approximately 70 minutes total—5 minutes of prep time followed by 65 minutes of cooking time to ensure all flavors meld beautifully.

What ingredients can I add to my Japanese Clear Soup Recipe?

Feel free to customize your soup with additional vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or even tofu for extra protein!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting Japanese Clear Soup Recipe as much as I do! Its simplicity and depth of flavor make it a special addition to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or sharing it with friends, this soup is sure to warm your heart. Happy cooking!