Name: Japanese Clear Soup: 6 Healthy Tips to Make at Home
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 tablespoon Sesame Oil (or Peanut Oil); 4 cups Chicken Broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought); 2 cups Beef Broth (or vegetable/mushroom broth for vegetarian); 4 cups Water (adjust to taste); 1 medium Sweet Onion (cut into wedges); 2 cloves Garlic (use fresh); 2 medium Carrots (chopped into chunks); 1 inch Fresh Ginger (sliced); 2 tablespoon Scallions (finely chopped); 1 cup Button Mushrooms (sliced thinly); to taste Salt (adjust after simmering)

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Japanese Clear Soup is a delightful and healthy dish that I love to prepare at home. This comforting soup, often enjoyed in Japanese cuisine, is not only warm and soothing but also low in calories, making it the perfect addition to any meal. With a rich combination of flavors from the broth and a variety of fresh ingredients, it’s a fantastic way to nourish your body and soul. Let’s dive into this traditional Japanese clear soup recipe that will surely become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Japanese Clear Soup

This Japanese Clear Soup is not only simple to make, but it also brings numerous health benefits. Here are a few reasons to love this dish:

Low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their weight.
Rich in nutrients thanks to the variety of vegetables used.
Versatile and can be customized with various proteins like tofu or chicken.
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Comforting and warming, ideal for colder days.
Easy to make for beginners wanting to explore Japanese soup recipes.
Great for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge.

This dish embodies the essence of traditional Japanese clear soup and highlights the best Japanese broth flavors.

Ingredients for Japanese Clear Soup

Gather these items:

2 tablespoon Sesame Oil (or Peanut Oil)
4 cups Chicken Broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
2 cups Beef Broth (or vegetable/mushroom broth for vegetarian)
4 cups Water (adjust to taste)
1 medium Sweet Onion (cut into wedges)
2 cloves Garlic (use fresh)
2 medium Carrots (chopped into chunks)
1 inch Fresh Ginger (sliced)
2 tablespoon Scallions (finely chopped)
1 cup Button Mushrooms (sliced thinly)
to taste Salt (adjust after simmering)

How to Make Japanese Clear Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Pour sesame oil into an 8-quart stock pot and set to medium-high heat. Let it warm for about 2 minutes until shimmering.
Step 2: Add sweet onion, garlic, carrots, and ginger to the pot. Sear for about 5 minutes until caramelized.
Step 3: Gently pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and water. Stir well and bring to a full boil, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Once boiling, reduce heat to low boil. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour.
Step 5: Carefully skim off the aromatics using a skimmer. Taste and season with salt according to preference.
Step 6: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with chopped scallions and sliced mushrooms.

Japanese Clear Soup: 6 Healthy Tips to Make at Home - Japanese Clear Soup - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Japanese Clear Soup

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins, like Japanese clear soup with tofu.
Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavors.
Adjust the salt after skimming to enhance the taste.
For a unique twist, try adding miso paste for an authentic touch.

Best Ways to Serve Japanese Clear Soup

This clear soup is perfect as a starter or can be served alongside any Japanese meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Pair it with sushi or sashimi for a complete meal.
Serve it as a comforting side dish with grilled meats.
Add it to your ramen bowl for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Japanese Clear Soup

To store your Japanese Clear Soup, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. This soup is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Clear Soup

What’s the secret to perfect Japanese Clear Soup?

The secret is in the quality of your broth. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought broth to achieve the best flavor in your Japanese soup. Additionally, fresh ingredients are key to enhancing the natural flavors of the soup.

Can I make Japanese Clear Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time! In fact, letting it sit for a few hours or overnight can deepen the flavors. Reheat it gently before serving, and it will taste just as delicious.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Japanese Clear Soup?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t over-salt the broth. Always taste the soup before seasoning it. Also, skimming off any foam during simmering can lead to a clearer broth.

Variations of Japanese Clear Soup You Can Try

If you want to switch things up, here are some variations to consider:

Add tofu for a protein boost and a vegetarian option.
Incorporate more vegetables like bok choy or spinach for added nutrients.
Use different broths, such as mushroom broth for a unique flavor.
Experiment with spices like chili flakes for a bit of heat.

These variations highlight the versatility of this authentic Japanese clear soup, making it suitable for any palate.

Japanese Clear Soup: 6 Healthy Tips to Make at Home - Japanese Clear Soup - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out Roasted Carrot Soup or Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil. If you’re interested in the health benefits of onions, visit this article for more information.

Japanese Clear Soup: 6 Healthy Tips to Make at Home

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Author: Michael
Total Time: 80 min
Yield: Serves 6
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Japanese Clear Soup: Your Healthy Hibachi Twist at Home

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoon Sesame Oil (or Peanut Oil)
4 cups Chicken Broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
2 cups Beef Broth (or vegetable/mushroom broth for vegetarian)
4 cups Water (adjust to taste)
1 medium Sweet Onion (cut into wedges)
2 cloves Garlic (use fresh)
2 medium Carrots (chopped into chunks)
1 inch Fresh Ginger (sliced)
2 tablespoon Scallions (finely chopped)
1 cup Button Mushrooms (sliced thinly)
to taste Salt (adjust after simmering)

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Instructions

Pour sesame oil into an 8-quart stock pot and set to medium-high heat. Let it warm for about 2 minutes until shimmering.
Add sweet onion, garlic, carrots, and ginger to the pot. Sear for about 5 minutes until caramelized.
Gently pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and water. Stir well and bring to a full boil, about 5-7 minutes.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low boil. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour.
Carefully skim off the aromatics using a skimmer. Taste and season with salt according to preference.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with chopped scallions and sliced mushrooms.