Japanese Clear Soup Recipe

Introduction

Japanese Clear Soup is a delicate and flavorful broth that highlights simple ingredients with a subtle complexity. Perfect as a light starter or a comforting bowl on its own, this recipe combines savory broths and fresh aromatics for a soothing experience.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil (or peanut oil)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 cups water
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place a large 8-quart stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the oil, then add the onion, garlic, carrots, and ginger. Sear the vegetables on all sides until caramelized, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a low boil and simmer for at least one hour to develop flavor.
3. Step 3: Use a skimmer or slotted spoon to remove the vegetables from the broth. Taste the broth and add salt as needed.
4. Step 4: To serve, ladle the hot broth into bowls and garnish with chopped scallions and sliced mushrooms.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, roast the vegetables in the oven before adding to the pot.
• Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Add a splash of soy sauce or a few drops of toasted sesame oil when serving for additional depth.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid breaking down the flavors. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, the soup actually tastes better if made ahead. Prepare the broth and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld before reheating to serve.

Can I add noodles or other ingredients to make it a meal?

Absolutely. Adding cooked noodles, tofu, or vegetables such as spinach or bok choy can turn this clear soup into a more substantial dish.

Japanese Clear Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 124 reviews

This Japanese Clear Soup is a light and flavorful broth made by simmering a blend of chicken and beef broths with fresh vegetables and aromatics. The soup is beautifully clear, infused with the sweetness of caramelized onions, garlic, carrots, and fresh ginger, then garnished with sliced mushrooms and scallions for a delicate and comforting appetizer or side dish.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Broth Base

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

Aromatics & Vegetables

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil (or peanut oil)
• 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

Instructions

1. Sear the Vegetables: Place a large 8-quart stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil and then place the onion wedges, smashed garlic cloves, carrot chunks, and sliced ginger into the pot. Sear the vegetables on all sides to caramelize them, taking care not to burn the garlic as it cooks.
2. Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and water into the pot with the seared vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a low boil and let it simmer gently for at least one hour to extract the flavors.
3. Strain the Broth: Use a skimmer or slotted spoon to remove the cooked vegetables from the broth. Discard the solids or save for another use. Taste the broth and add salt as needed to adjust the seasoning.
4. Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot clear broth into serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped scallions and thinly sliced button mushrooms for added freshness and texture. Serve immediately.

Notes

• This soup can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
• Use homemade or high-quality broths for the best flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, replace meat broths with vegetable broth and omit the meat-based stock.
• Adjust salt carefully, as broth base might be pre-seasoned.
• If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, increase the fresh ginger slice amount.

Keywords: Japanese clear soup, chicken broth soup, beef broth soup, light soup, clear broth, easy Japanese recipe, comforting soup