Japanese Clear Onion Soup

An easy Japanese Clear Onion Soup recipe is a delightful addition to any meal. This light and clear soup is reminiscent of the offerings at your favorite Hibachi Steakhouse, making it suitable for casual dinners or festive gatherings. With just 9 simple ingredients and a preparation time of only 30 minutes, you’ll find this dish comforting and refreshing. The unique balance of flavors ensures that it stands out, while its simplicity makes it perfect for all occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use healthy vegetables and broth to create a nutritious dish that delights the palate.
• Versatile Flavor Profiles: Adjust the taste with optional soy sauce or sriracha to suit your preferences, offering both depth and spice.
• Perfectly Clear Broth: The technique used allows you to enjoy a beautifully clear soup that looks as good as it tastes.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is suitable for all ages, appealing to children and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make Japanese Clear Onion Soup effectively, having the right tools on hand can streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Crucial for cooking the broth evenly while allowing enough space to stir ingredients comfortably.
• Fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon: Essential for removing solids from the broth, ensuring a clear soup.

Ingredients

For the Broth

• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups onions, (diced)
• 1 cup celery, (diced)
• 1 cup carrots, (peeled and diced)
• 1 tbsp garlic, (minced)
• ½ tsp fresh ginger, (minced)
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For Garnishing

• 1 cup button mushrooms, (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup scallions (sliced)
• soy sauce (optional)
• sriracha (optional)

How to Make Japanese Clear Onion Soup

Step 1: Cook the Onions

Heat a little oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Broth

Stir in the carrots, celery, garlic, and ginger. Pour in the sesame oil along with the vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 4: Strain the Broth

Use a fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon to remove the vegetables from the broth. Discard the solids or save them for another use if desired.

Step 5: Prepare Serving Bowls

Place a handful of thinly sliced mushrooms and scallions into serving bowls.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Pour the hot broth over the mushrooms and scallions, allowing them to soften slightly in the heat.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Add a splash of soy sauce for extra depth or sriracha for a spicy kick before serving. Enjoy your delicious Japanese Clear Onion Soup!

How to Serve Japanese Clear Onion Soup

Japanese Clear Onion Soup is a delightful and light dish that can be served in various ways. Its simplicity allows it to pair well with many foods, making it versatile for any meal.

As an Appetizer

• Serve small bowls of the soup as a starter to awaken the palate before the main course.

With Fresh Herbs

• Top each bowl with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for added flavor and freshness.

Accompanied by Noodles

• Add cooked soba or udon noodles directly into the soup for a heartier dish.

Garnished with Toasted Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the soup for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Served with Rice

• Offer a side of steamed rice to complement the flavors of the soup and provide a filling addition.

How to Perfect Japanese Clear Onion Soup

To make your Japanese Clear Onion Soup truly exceptional, consider these tips for enhancing its flavor and presentation.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the overall taste and aroma of your soup.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your broth before serving; adjust salt, pepper, or soy sauce according to your preference.

• Garnish Thoughtfully: Use vibrant garnishes like sliced scallions or herbs to elevate the visual appeal of the dish.

• Experiment with Spices: A pinch of white pepper or a dash of chili flakes can add a unique twist to your soup.

• Serve Hot: Ensure your soup is steaming when served, as this enhances both flavor and enjoyment.

Best Side Dishes for Japanese Clear Onion Soup

Pairing sides with Japanese Clear Onion Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted steamed edamame adds protein and is easy to prepare.

2. Vegetable Tempura: Crispy vegetable tempura provides a nice contrast in texture alongside the clear soup.

3. Seaweed Salad: A refreshing seaweed salad brings brightness and complements the umami flavors of the soup.

4. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar makes for a crisp side that balances warmth.

5. Rice Balls (Onigiri): These can be filled with various ingredients like pickled vegetables, making them fun finger food.

6. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers add protein that pairs wonderfully with the lightness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Japanese Clear Onion Soup can be simple, but avoiding common pitfalls will enhance your experience.

• Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs are key to a flavorful soup. Always choose fresh onions, garlic, and ginger for the best taste.
• Overcooking the broth: Cooking the broth for too long can turn it cloudy. Simmer gently for just 30 minutes to keep it clear.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to your preference during cooking for a balanced flavor.
• Using low-quality broth: A good vegetable broth enhances the soup’s flavor. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought options.
• Ignoring garnishes: Don’t forget to add scallions and mushrooms at serving. They provide texture and flavor that elevate the dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Japanese Clear Onion Soup

• Freeze in suitable containers for up to 2 months.
• Leave some space at the top of each container, as the liquid will expand when frozen.

Reheating Japanese Clear Onion Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe pot until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Japanese Clear Onion Soup.

What is Japanese Clear Onion Soup?

Japanese Clear Onion Soup is a light and flavorful broth-based soup made with onions, vegetables, and optional garnishes like mushrooms and scallions.

Can I customize this Japanese Clear Onion Soup recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables or proteins like chicken or tofu to suit your taste preferences while keeping it deliciously clear.

How do I store Japanese Clear Onion Soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months.

What can I serve with Japanese Clear Onion Soup?

This soup pairs well with rice dishes or can be enjoyed as an appetizer before a main meal. It’s light yet satisfying!

Final Thoughts

Japanese Clear Onion Soup is not only easy to prepare but also versatile. You can tailor it with various veggies and garnishes based on your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its comforting flavors!

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Japanese Clear Onion Soup

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 portions 1x

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Description

Japanese Clear Onion Soup is a light and flavorful broth that captures the essence of comforting Asian cuisine. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a refreshing starter at dinner parties, this soup comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal effort. The combination of fragrant onions, fresh vegetables, and optional garnishes like mushrooms and scallions creates a delightful balance of flavors. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with noodles or rice, this clear soup is sure to please everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

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• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups diced onions
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup peeled and diced carrots
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• ½ tsp minced fresh ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 cup thinly sliced button mushrooms
• ½ cup sliced scallions
• soy sauce (optional)
• sriracha (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, heat a little oil and cook the diced onions for about 10 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
2. Stir in the carrots, celery, garlic, and ginger. Add the sesame oil and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 30 minutes to develop flavors.
4. Strain the broth using a fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon to remove solids.
5. Place sliced mushrooms and scallions in serving bowls.
6. Pour hot broth over the garnishes and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg