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Japanese Clear Soup Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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