Japanese Clear Onion Soup

Japanese Clear Onion Soup is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the comforting flavors of Japanese cuisine right to your kitchen. With just nine simple ingredients and a cooking time of around 30 minutes, this clear soup is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light starter or a cozy meal, this recipe delivers on taste and simplicity, making it a standout choice for soup lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy this delightful soup in no time.
• Flavorful Broth: The combination of vegetable broth, onions, and aromatic spices creates a rich yet clear soup that is both satisfying and refreshing.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
• Healthy Option: Low in calories but packed with flavor, this soup is a great choice for those seeking a nutritious meal.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Serve it as an appetizer before dinner or as a light lunch; it’s suitable for any dining occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To make Japanese Clear Onion Soup efficiently, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for simmering the broth and vegetables together evenly.
• Fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon: Helps separate the solid ingredients from the clear broth for that signature clarity.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for preparing your ingredients.

Ingredients

To prepare Japanese Clear Onion Soup, gather the following fresh ingredients:

For the Broth

• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups onions, (diced)
• 1 cup celery, (diced)
• 1 cup carrots, (peeled and diced)
• 1 tbsp garlic, (minced)
• ½ tsp fresh ginger, (minced)
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For Serving

• 1 cup button mushrooms, (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup scallions, (sliced)
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Sriracha (optional)

How to Make Japanese Clear Onion Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Heat a little oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Broth

Stir in the carrots, celery, garlic, and ginger. Pour in the sesame oil and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes so that all flavors develop beautifully.

Step 4: Strain the Broth

Use a fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon to remove the vegetables, leaving behind a clear broth. Discard the solids or save them for another use.

Step 5: Prepare Serving Bowls

Place a handful of thinly sliced mushrooms and scallions into serving bowls.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Pour hot broth over the mushrooms and scallions, allowing them to soften slightly in the heat.

Step 7: Add Flavors

Add a splash of soy sauce for extra depth or sriracha if you like some spice!

Enjoy your homemade Japanese Clear Onion Soup!

How to Serve Japanese Clear Onion Soup

Japanese Clear Onion Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve small bowls of the soup before the main course to stimulate the appetite and provide a light start to the meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or cilantro for added flavor and a pop of color.

Accompanied by Rice

• Pair the soup with a side of steamed rice. This combination makes for a comforting meal, perfect for chilly evenings.

With Noodles

• Add cooked soba or udon noodles to the soup for a heartier option. This addition will make it more filling and satisfying.

With Fried Tofu

• Top the soup with crispy fried tofu cubes. This adds protein and texture, making it a more complete dish.

As Part of a Bento Box

• Include the soup as one item in a bento box alongside sushi, pickled vegetables, and fruit for a balanced meal.

How to Perfect Japanese Clear Onion Soup

Perfecting Japanese Clear Onion Soup can elevate your cooking game. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out great every time.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables bring out the best flavors in this soup. Always opt for the freshest onions, carrots, and celery available.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste your broth before serving and adjust with salt or soy sauce as needed. Proper seasoning enhances the overall taste.
• Simmer longer – If time allows, let your broth simmer longer than 30 minutes. This helps develop richer flavors.
• Strain carefully – When removing solids from the broth, use a fine-mesh strainer to achieve clear broth without any vegetable debris.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add spices like white pepper or a dash of chili flakes for a unique twist.
• Serve hot – Ensure that the broth is served steaming hot to provide maximum comfort and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Japanese Clear Onion Soup

Pairing side dishes with Japanese Clear Onion Soup can transform your meal into a delightful culinary experience. Here are some recommended sides that complement this light soup perfectly.

1. Edamame – Steamed edamame pods sprinkled with sea salt offer protein and a refreshing crunch.
2. Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
3. Vegetable Tempura – Crispy vegetable tempura adds texture and flavor diversity; serve it alongside dipping sauces.
4. Pickled Vegetables – A small serving of pickled vegetables balances the flavors and adds tanginess to your meal.
5. Steamed Dumplings – Soft, steamed dumplings filled with vegetables offer heartiness and pair well with the clear broth.
6. Sushi Rolls – Light sushi rolls filled with fresh vegetables or fish can complement the gentle flavors of the soup nicely.
7. Seaweed Salad – A chilled seaweed salad adds umami flavors and a unique texture alongside your warm soup.
8. Grilled Fish – Simple grilled fish seasoned lightly can serve as an elegant main dish next to your comforting clear onion soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Japanese Clear Onion Soup can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Boldly skipping the broth: Always use good-quality vegetable broth as it’s the base of your soup. Avoid using plain water, as it will lack flavor.

• Boldly ignoring the vegetables: Don’t overlook the importance of properly cooking the onions and other vegetables. Ensure they are soft and slightly caramelized before adding the broth for depth of flavor.

• Boldly rushing the simmering: Be patient with simmering. Cooking for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld. Don’t skip this step or reduce the cooking time drastically.

• Boldly discarding solids without thought: While you want a clear broth, don’t just throw away cooked vegetables. Save them for another dish or incorporate them into a stir-fry.

• Boldly over-seasoning: Keep an eye on seasonings like soy sauce. Start with a little, and adjust to taste after cooking so you don’t overpower the soup’s delicate flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Japanese Clear Onion Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Japanese Clear Onion Soup

• You can freeze the soup if stored in freezer-safe containers.
• It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer. Leave space at the top of containers for expansion when freezing.

Reheating Japanese Clear Onion Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making Japanese Clear Onion Soup.

What is Japanese Clear Onion Soup?

Japanese Clear Onion Soup is a light and clear broth made primarily from onions, vegetables, and seasonings that create a warm and comforting meal option.

How do I make my soup tastier?

Using quality vegetable broth and allowing your vegetables to caramelize fully enhances the flavor of your Japanese Clear Onion Soup significantly.

Can I add protein to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken or tofu for added protein while keeping it light and healthy.

What can I use instead of sesame oil?

If you prefer not to use sesame oil, you can substitute with olive oil or any other neutral-flavored oil without compromising much on taste.

Is it possible to customize this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices according to your preference, making it versatile and personalized.

Final Thoughts

Japanese Clear Onion Soup is not just easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins based on what you have at home. Try this delightful recipe today for a warming bowl of comfort!

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Japanese Clear Onion Soup

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Japanese Clear Onion Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that captures the essence of Japanese cuisine in an easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this light and flavorful soup features a clear broth made from fresh vegetables. With just nine ingredients and a cooking time of about 30 minutes, it’s ideal as a starter or a cozy meal. Enjoy the aromatic blend of sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger, complemented by tender vegetables, making each sip satisfying and refreshing. Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins to create your perfect bowl of comfort.

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Ingredients

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• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups onions (diced)
• 1 cup celery (diced)
• 1 cup carrots (peeled and diced)
• 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp fresh ginger (minced)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 cup button mushrooms (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup scallions (sliced)
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Sriracha (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the diced onions in sesame oil for about 10 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
2. Add the carrots, celery, garlic, and ginger; pour in the vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
4. Strain the broth using a fine-mesh strainer to remove solids.
5. Serve by placing thinly sliced mushrooms and scallions in bowls before pouring the hot broth over them.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg