Japanese Clear Soup

A warm bowl of Japanese Clear Soup is a delightful way to experience the comforting flavors of Japanese cuisine. This soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a festive gathering with friends. Its light and soothing nature makes it an ideal starter or a meal on its own. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time and over an hour of simmering, this recipe fits perfectly into any schedule.
• Flavorful Broth: The combination of chicken and beef broth creates a rich, savory base that will warm your soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have at home, making this soup adaptable for any season.
• Healthy Option: Low in calories but high in flavor, this soup is a great addition to your healthy meal rotation.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as an appetizer or enjoy it as a main dish; it suits any dining experience beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking experience and ensure you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large 8-quart stock pot
• Skimmer or slotted spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large 8-quart stock pot: Ideal for simmering large quantities of broth without splashing.
• Skimmer or slotted spoon: Perfect for removing vegetables easily while keeping the broth clear and clean.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Japanese Clear Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Broths and Oils

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

Vegetables

• 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, thinly sliced

Seasoning

• Salt, to taste

How to Make Japanese Clear Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare your very own Japanese Clear Soup.

Step 1: Sear the Vegetables

1. Place a large 8-quart stock pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sesame oil (or peanut oil).
3. Once hot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and ginger to the pot.
4. Sear the vegetables on all sides until they are caramelized but take care not to burn the garlic.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

1. Pour in both chicken broth and beef broth along with water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce to a low boil and let it simmer for at least one hour.

Step 3: Strain the Broth

1. Use a skimmer to remove the cooked vegetables from the broth.
2. Taste the broth and add salt as needed.

Step 4: Serve Hot

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

Enjoy your homemade Japanese Clear Soup! It’s sure to impress family and friends with its rich flavors and simplicity.

How to Serve Japanese Clear Soup

Japanese clear soup is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various dishes for a complete meal experience.

As an Appetizer

• Small Bowls: Serve in small bowls as a soothing starter before the main course.
• Garnished: Top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

With Proteins

• Grilled Chicken: Pair with grilled chicken slices for a hearty addition that complements the broth.
• Tofu Cubes: Add soft or fried tofu cubes for a plant-based protein option.

Accompanying Salads

• Seaweed Salad: The umami flavor of seaweed salad pairs wonderfully with the lightness of the soup.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds a crisp texture that balances the warm broth.

As Part of a Bento Box

• Bento Style: Include in a bento box alongside rice, pickled vegetables, and protein choices for a complete meal on-the-go.

How to Perfect Japanese Clear Soup

Creating the perfect Japanese clear soup involves attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables add depth and flavor to the broth, enhancing its overall taste.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Allow the broth to simmer at low heat for at least one hour to extract maximum flavor from the ingredients.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust salt levels during cooking to achieve balanced seasoning; this prevents over-salting at the end.
• Strain Carefully: Use a fine-mesh strainer when removing vegetables; this ensures a clear broth without impurities.

Best Side Dishes for Japanese Clear Soup

To complement your Japanese clear soup, consider these delicious side dishes. They enhance your meal while maintaining harmony in flavors.

1. Steamed Rice: A simple bowl of steamed rice absorbs the broth’s flavors, making it an excellent pairing.
2. Vegetable Tempura: Lightly battered and fried seasonal vegetables provide a crunchy contrast to the soup’s warmth.
3. Edamame Beans: These lightly salted green soybeans offer protein and fiber while being easy to prepare.
4. Pickled Vegetables: A small serving of pickles adds tanginess that contrasts nicely with the savory broth.
5. Sushi Rolls: Choose simple sushi rolls filled with cucumber or avocado for a refreshing bite alongside the soup.
6. Nasu Dengaku (Miso Glazed Eggplant): This sweet and savory dish enhances the umami experience with its rich flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Japanese Clear Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is essential for the best flavor and texture.

• Boldly skip the broth quality: Using low-quality broth can lead to a bland soup. Always choose high-quality chicken and beef broths for rich flavor.
• Boldly ignore vegetable preparation: Not caramelizing the vegetables can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Sear your onions, garlic, and carrots properly for better taste.
• Boldly overlook seasoning: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning will leave your soup flat. Always taste before serving and adjust salt as needed.
• Boldly misuse cooking time: Cooking for too little or too long can affect the soup’s clarity and texture. Allow the soup to simmer for at least one hour for optimal results.
• Boldly neglect garnishes: Skipping toppings like scallions and mushrooms makes for a less appealing presentation. Always garnish your soup to enhance both flavor and looks.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers to keep your soup fresh.

Freezing Japanese Clear Soup

• • Duration: Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Japanese Clear Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring often until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Japanese Clear Soup that many cooks have.

What is Japanese Clear Soup?

Japanese Clear Soup is a light, broth-based soup typically made with chicken and beef broth, flavored with vegetables like onion and ginger.

How do you customize Japanese Clear Soup?

You can customize this soup by adding different vegetables or proteins like tofu or chicken to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make Japanese Clear Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken and beef broths, and include additional veggies or plant-based proteins for a delicious version.

How long does it take to prepare Japanese Clear Soup?

The total time takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, including prep time of 5 minutes and cook time of 1 hour.

Final Thoughts

Japanese Clear Soup is not only soothing but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding various vegetables or proteins according to your preference. This recipe is perfect year-round, providing warmth during colder months while being refreshing in warmer weather. Give it a try!

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Japanese Clear Soup

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Japanese Clear Soup is a delightful and aromatic broth that encapsulates the comforting essence of Japanese cuisine. This light yet flavorful soup is perfect as an appetizer or a standalone meal, making it an excellent choice for cozy dinners or festive gatherings. With a rich base created from chicken and beef broths, combined with fresh vegetables like carrots, ginger, and mushrooms, each spoonful warms your soul. Plus, its quick preparation time makes it easily accessible for busy weeknights. Customize it with your favorite seasonal veggies or proteins to create your own unique rendition. Dive into this simple recipe today and enjoy a soothing bowl of homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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, thinly sliced
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Sear onion, garlic, carrots, and ginger until caramelized.
2. Add chicken broth, beef broth, and water; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least one hour.
3. Strain the broth using a skimmer to remove vegetables; adjust salt as needed.
4. Serve the hot broth topped with chopped scallions and sliced mushrooms.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg