Japanese Clear Soup

Japanese Clear Soup is a delightful and nourishing dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This light, soothing soup is perfect for cozy evenings or as a refreshing starter at gatherings. Its unique blend of flavors from fresh vegetables, aromatic broth, and delicate toppings makes it a standout choice. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a wholesome bowl of goodness, this recipe fits the bill for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can create a flavorful broth that is both satisfying and easy to make.
• Health Benefits: Packed with nutritious ingredients like garlic and ginger, this soup offers not only flavor but also wellness benefits.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as an appetizer or a light main course; this soup adapts well to different meal settings.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to enhance the dish according to your preferences.
• Comforting Experience: The warm broth provides a soothing effect, making it ideal for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large 8-quart stock pot
• Skimmer
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large 8-quart stock pot: Essential for simmering the broth evenly and accommodating all ingredients comfortably.
• Skimmer: Helps remove vegetables from the broth without losing any liquid, ensuring a clear soup.

Ingredients

A classic hibachi-style clear soup that’s light, soothing, and perfect for any time of year.

Broth Ingredients

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

Vegetable Ingredients

• 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

How to Make Japanese Clear Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

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

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

1. Pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and water into the pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce to a low boil and let simmer for at least one hour.

Step 3: Strain the Broth

1. Use a skimmer to carefully remove all vegetables from the broth.
2. Taste the broth and add salt as needed for flavor.

Step 4: Serve Your Soup

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!

How to Serve Japanese Clear Soup

Japanese Clear Soup is a delightful, soothing dish that can be served in various ways. Whether as an appetizer or a light meal, it pairs well with different accompaniments.

As an Appetizer

• Offer small bowls of soup before the main course to awaken the palate.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro or parsley for added flavor and color.

Accompanied by Citrus

• Serve with lemon or lime wedges on the side to add a refreshing zing when squeezed into the soup.

Topped with Proteins

• Add cooked chicken, beef, or tofu on top to enhance the dish’s heartiness and nutritional value.

How to Perfect Japanese Clear Soup

Creating the perfect Japanese Clear Soup requires attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your soup-making skills.

• Use Quality Broth: Choose high-quality chicken and beef broth for a richer flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Sauté Vegetables Properly: Caramelizing the onions and garlic brings out their natural sweetness, giving depth to your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste your broth before adding salt. Adjust seasoning little by little to achieve the perfect balance.
• Simmer for Depth: Allow your soup to simmer for at least an hour; this extracts flavors from the vegetables and creates a fuller broth.
• Strain Well: Use a fine mesh strainer to ensure your broth is clear and free of any impurities after cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Japanese Clear Soup

Pairing side dishes with Japanese Clear Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Edamame: Lightly salted steamed edamame makes for a healthy and tasty finger food.
2. Seaweed Salad: A refreshing seaweed salad provides a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor.
3. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crisp spring rolls filled with fresh veggies offer a satisfying crunch alongside the soup.
4. Rice Paper Wraps: These wraps can be filled with shrimp, vegetables, or tofu, making them versatile and delicious.
5. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken adds protein and complements the warm flavors of the soup.
6. Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar brings a crisp, tangy element to your meal.
7. Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered and fried vegetables provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the clear soup.
8. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables provide a zesty bite that balances the savory broth perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Japanese Clear Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Searing Step: Not caramelizing the vegetables can lead to a bland soup. Always sear your onions, garlic, and ginger to enhance the flavor.
• Using Low-Quality Broth: The quality of your broth significantly affects the taste. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken and beef broths for the best results.
• Over-Salting Early: Adding too much salt at the beginning can overpower the delicate flavors. Season gradually and adjust at the end after tasting.
• Neglecting to Remove Vegetables: Leaving the vegetables in the broth can make it murky. Remember to strain them out for a clear and clean soup.
• Not Adjusting Consistency: If your soup is too thick, don’t hesitate to add more water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Allow soup to cool completely before sealing containers.

Freezing Japanese Clear Soup

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Japanese Clear Soup

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Japanese Clear Soup, along with their answers.

What is Japanese Clear Soup?

Japanese Clear Soup is a light and savory broth typically made with chicken and beef broth, infused with vegetables like onions, garlic, and ginger for depth of flavor.

Can I make Japanese Clear Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken and beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms and carrots for richer flavor.

How do I customize my Japanese Clear Soup?

Feel free to add ingredients like tofu, seaweed, or other seasonal vegetables based on your preference for added texture and nutrients.

How long does it take to make Japanese Clear Soup?

The entire process takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes from prep to serving. This includes cooking time and allowing flavors to develop.

Can I use store-bought broth?

Absolutely! High-quality store-bought chicken or beef broth works well if you don’t have time to make your own.

Final Thoughts

Japanese Clear Soup is not only soothing but also versatile. Its light yet flavorful profile makes it suitable for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Japanese Clear Soup

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 6 bowls 1x

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Description

Japanese Clear Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its light, aromatic broth pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables and optional proteins, making it a versatile choice for both casual meals and sophisticated gatherings. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a light main course, this soup is sure to warm your soul with its soothing flavors. With easy preparation steps and customizable ingredients, you can create a bowl of goodness that suits your taste preferences, all year round.

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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 the sesame oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and ginger until caramelized.
3. Pour in the chicken and beef broths along with water; bring to a boil.
4. Lower the heat and simmer for at least one hour.
5. Strain out the vegetables using a skimmer, then season the broth with salt.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and sliced mushrooms.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg