Japanese Clear Soup is a light and warming dish that’s simple to make. With clear broth, fresh vegetables, and sometimes tofu or seafood, it’s both tasty and healthy!
This soup is perfect when you want something comforting without being heavy. I love adding a sprinkle of green onions on top for that extra pop of flavor! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dashi Stock: This is the foundation of Japanese Clear Soup, providing that rich umami flavor. You can find instant dashi in Asian grocery stores or make your own from kombu (seaweed) and bonito flakes. If you’re vegetarian, consider using kombu dashi for a plant-based option.
Mushrooms: Fresh shiitake give an earthy taste, but you can use button mushrooms for a milder flavor. Other options include enoki or oyster mushrooms. Just remember, each type adds its unique character, so pick what you enjoy!
Tofu: It’s optional but adds great texture. Firm or silken tofu works well. If you’re looking for a non-soy alternative, try adding diced cooked chicken or shrimp instead.
Soy Sauce & Mirin: They’re essential for flavoring. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use tamari as a soy sauce substitute. For mirin, a splash of rice vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar can work in a pinch!
How Do You Make Clear Soup in a Way That’s Simple and Delicious?
Making a clear soup may sound tricky, but it’s quite manageable! The key is to use fresh ingredients and maintain a gentle simmer. Here’s how:
- Start with your dashi stock—make sure it’s good quality since this sets the soup’s tone.
- Keep the heat moderate when you add your mushrooms; this prevents boiling, ensuring clear broth.
- If including tofu, add it just before serving to keep it soft. Too much cooking can make it grainy.
- Taste as you go with the soy sauce and mirin—everyone’s tolerance for saltiness varies!
- Always finish with fresh ingredients like green onions right before serving to keep their flavor and crunch.
This simple method will help you create a delicious Japanese Clear Soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings! 😊
Japanese Clear Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups dashi stock (Japanese soup stock)
- 3-4 fresh shiitake or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup tofu, cut into small cubes (optional)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Wakame seaweed, rehydrated (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Japanese Clear Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying dish. So in just about 25 minutes, you can enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of this delightful soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dashi Stock:
Start by preparing the dashi stock, either using a store-bought packet or making it from scratch. Follow the package instructions if using instant dashi or simmer kombu and bonito flakes in water for a homemade version. This stock is the base of your soup and brings in a lot of flavors!
2. Simmer the Stock:
Once you have your dashi ready, pour it into a medium-sized pot. Heat it over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. It’s important not to let it boil as you want to keep that lovely clarity in the broth.
3. Add the Mushrooms:
Now add the sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button) to the pot. Let them cook in the simmering stock for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become tender. This will infuse the broth with a delicious mushroom flavor!
4. Incorporate Tofu and Wakame:
If you’re using tofu and wakame seaweed, gently add them into the broth now. Heat them for another 2 minutes to warm through. Make sure to treat them gently to keep the tofu soft and the wakame flavorful.
5. Season the Soup:
It’s time to add flavor! Stir in the soy sauce, mirin, and salt. Taste the soup and adjust any seasonings if needed. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to make it your own!
6. Serve the Soup:
Remove the pot from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. The clear broth should glisten beautifully, and you should see the delightful ingredients swimming in it!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish your soup by garnishing with thinly sliced green onions. This little touch adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the dish. Serve your Japanese Clear Soup hot and enjoy it as a light appetizer or a comforting meal!
This recipe yields a clear, flavorful soup true to the Japanese tradition, allowing the umami from the dashi and mushrooms to shine through with simple but balanced seasonings. Enjoy your meal! 😊
Can I Use Homemade Dashi for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dashi adds a fresh and authentic taste to your soup. You can make it using kombu (dried kelp) and bonito flakes or skip the bonito for a vegetarian version using just kombu. Just simmer for about 30 minutes for the best flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Mirin?
No worries! If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a mix of rice vinegar and sugar – about 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 teaspoon of sugar should suffice. It won’t have the exact same flavor, but it’ll give a nice sweet tang!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Soup?
Sure! Feel free to customize your clear soup by adding other vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or snap peas. Just make sure to chop them small so they cook quickly in the broth.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or microwave, making sure not to boil the soup again, as that may make the broth cloudy.
