Japanese Clear Soup

A warm bowl of Japanese Clear Soup is a delightful choice for any occasion. This light and soothing soup is perfect for cozy nights at home or as a starter for casual gatherings. Its clear broth, combined with fresh vegetables and aromatic flavors, makes it a standout dish that anyone can enjoy. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, allowing you to savor the goodness in just over an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup on the table in no time.
• Flavorful Broth: The combination of chicken and beef broth provides a rich base that warms the soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins.
• Nutritious Option: Packed with vitamins from fresh veggies, this soup is both comforting and healthy.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as an appetizer or enjoy it as a light meal any day of the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making Japanese Clear Soup, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stock pot
• Skimmer
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stock pot: Ideal for simmering the broth and ensures even cooking of all ingredients.
• Skimmer: Useful for removing vegetables from the broth easily without disturbing the liquid.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for efficiently chopping vegetables to enhance flavor infusion.

Ingredients

Aromatics and Oil

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil (or peanut oil)
• 1 large sweet onion, peeled and cut into wedges
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced

Broths and Liquids

• 8 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 cups water

Vegetables

• 2 large carrots, cut into chunks
• 4 whole scallions, chopped
• 10 button mushrooms, thinly sliced

Seasoning

• Salt, to taste

How to Make Japanese Clear Soup

Step 1: Sear the Vegetables

1. Place a large stock pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sesame oil (or peanut oil).
3. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and ginger to the pot.
4. Sear the vegetables on all sides until they are caramelized. Be cautious not to burn the garlic.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

1. Pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and water into the pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce to a low boil and let it simmer for at least one hour.

Step 3: Final Touches

1. Use a skimmer to carefully remove all solid vegetables from the broth.
2. Taste your soup and season with salt as needed.

Step 4: Serve

1. Ladle hot broth into bowls.
2. Top each serving with chopped scallions and sliced mushrooms before enjoying.

This comforting Japanese Clear Soup will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection!

How to Serve Japanese Clear Soup

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

As an Appetizer

• Start your meal with a warm bowl of Japanese Clear Soup as a soothing starter. It sets the tone for a comforting dining experience.

Topped with Fresh Ingredients

• Enhance the flavor by adding toppings like chopped scallions and sliced mushrooms. These fresh ingredients add color and texture to the soup.

Pairing with Rice

• Serve alongside a small bowl of steamed rice. The soup complements the rice perfectly, creating a satisfying combination.

Accompanied by Noodles

• Consider adding cooked udon or soba noodles directly into your soup. This transforms it into a heartier dish while maintaining the lightness.

With a Side Salad

• A refreshing cucumber salad pairs nicely with Japanese Clear Soup. The crunchiness provides contrast to the warm broth.

Enjoying with Dumplings

• Serve with vegetable dumplings for a delightful bite-sized treat that enhances the overall meal.

How to Perfect Japanese Clear Soup

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Japanese Clear Soup, follow these simple tips.

• Use quality broth: Opt for homemade or high-quality chicken and beef broth for depth of flavor.
• Sear vegetables properly: Ensure vegetables reach a nice caramelization for added sweetness and complexity.
• Simmer patiently: Allow the soup to simmer gently for at least one hour to extract all flavors from the ingredients.
• Taste before seasoning: Always taste your broth before adding salt; this helps prevent over-seasoning.
• Add fresh herbs last: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Garnish creatively: Experiment with different garnishes such as sesame seeds or chili flakes for an extra kick.

Best Side Dishes for Japanese Clear Soup

Pairing side dishes with Japanese Clear Soup can elevate your meal further. Here are some excellent options:

1. Edamame – Lightly salted steamed edamame beans provide protein and a fun snack.
2. Seaweed Salad – A refreshing salad made from wakame seaweed, seasoned with sesame oil and vinegar.
3. Tempura Vegetables – Crispy tempura veggies offer a crunchy counterpart to the soup’s smoothness; serve hot.
4. Gyoza – Pan-fried dumplings filled with vegetables or chicken add heartiness to your meal.
5. Rice Balls (Onigiri) – These portable rice snacks can be filled with various ingredients, making them both tasty and versatile.
6. Pickled Vegetables (Tsukemono) – A variety of tangy pickled veggies can balance out the flavors of the soup beautifully.
7. Miso Soup – For an additional warm option, miso soup complements Japanese Clear Soup well without overpowering it.
8. Grilled Fish Skewers – Lightly seasoned fish skewers bring an umami flavor that pairs nicely with the clear broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Japanese Clear Soup can be a simple and rewarding experience. However, here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Bold Ingredients Choices: Using low-quality broth can affect the overall flavor. Always opt for high-quality chicken and beef broth for the best results.
• Bold Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sear them just until caramelized to retain their texture and flavor.
• Bold Forgetting to Season: Not tasting your broth before serving can lead to a bland soup. Add salt gradually and taste as you go for the right balance.
• Bold Ignoring Simmer Time: Skipping the simmering step can result in an underdeveloped flavor. Allow the soup to simmer for at least one hour to deepen the taste.
• Bold Serving Without Garnish: Serving without toppings like scallions or mushrooms misses a chance for added flavor and presentation. Always add fresh garnishes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Japanese Clear Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Japanese Clear Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm throughout, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Japanese Clear Soup that may help you get started.

What is Japanese Clear Soup?

Japanese Clear Soup is a light and soothing broth made from chicken and beef stocks, flavored with fresh vegetables and seasonings.

How do I customize my Japanese Clear Soup?

You can add various vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or even noodles to personalize your soup according to your taste preferences.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken and beef broths with vegetable broth and include more plant-based ingredients for a vegetarian version.

How do I store leftovers of Japanese Clear Soup?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

Japanese Clear Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can enjoy it as a starter or light meal, and it’s easy to customize with different vegetables or garnishes. Give this recipe a try today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Japanese Clear Soup

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Japanese Clear Soup is a delightful and rejuvenating dish that warms the soul with its light, aromatic broth. This soothing soup is perfect as a starter or a light meal, making it an ideal choice for cozy nights or casual gatherings. Featuring a blend of rich chicken and beef broths infused with fresh vegetables like carrots, scallions, and mushrooms, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly customizable based on your preferences. In just over an hour, you can enjoy a bowl of comforting goodness that’s brimming with flavor and nutrition.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 large sweet onion
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 large carrots
• 4 whole scallions
• 10 button mushrooms
• Salt to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and ginger; sear until caramelized.
2. Pour in chicken broth, beef broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least one hour.
3. Remove solid vegetables using a skimmer and season the broth with salt as needed.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and sliced mushrooms.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg