Japanese Clear Soup Recipe
If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of something delicate yet deeply flavorful, let me introduce you to Japanese Clear Soup. This simple, aromatic broth is renowned for its crystal-clear appearance and subtle umami depth, often served as a welcome opener at Japanese restaurants—especially before hibachi or sushi feasts. Imagine a soup that’s light on the palate but rich in aroma, showcasing the elegance of a handcrafted broth studded with paper-thin vegetables and a whisper of ginger. Nothing soothes quite like a steaming bowl of Japanese Clear Soup!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is at the heart of Japanese Clear Soup, but don’t underestimate the role each ingredient plays. Every component has a purpose: some build savory depth, others add gentle sweetness or lovely color, and all combine for a perfectly balanced bowl.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups): The base of the soup, lending a mild, savory body without overpowering the rest of the flavors.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Just enough beef broth brings an extra dimension and richness unique to Japanese Clear Soup.
- Water (1 cup): Helps mellow and blend the broths for a subtle, never-too-salty taste.
- Garlic, smashed (1 clove): Adds a light aromatic punch; smashing helps extract more flavor without overwhelming the broth.
- Fresh ginger, peeled and sliced (1-inch piece): Beautiful warmth and gentle spiciness that makes the broth sing.
- Green onions, chopped (2, white and green parts separated): The white parts infuse the broth, while the greens make a fresh garnish.
- Mushrooms, thinly sliced (4, shiitake or white button): Authentic earthiness and meaty feel—shiitake is traditional but any fresh variety works beautifully.
- Carrot, thinly sliced or julienned (1 small): For sweetness, gentle crunch, and a pop of color in every spoonful.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Just a dash is all you need for balanced umami and a hint of salty depth.
- Salt, to taste: Optional, but a pinch might be needed depending on your broths for perfect seasoning.
- Optional garnish: sliced green onion tops or parsley: Adds freshness and a pretty, vibrant look to your finished soup.
How to Make Japanese Clear Soup
Step 1: Build Your Broth Base
Pour the chicken broth, beef broth, and water into a large pot. Toss in the smashed garlic, sliced ginger, and the white parts of your chopped green onions. This combination is where the magic starts, infusing the soup as it gently simmers with layers of flavor, warmth, and aroma.
Step 2: Simmer and Infuse
Bring your pot to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce it to a simmer. Let it bubble away, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the aromatics a chance to work their wonders, extracting subtle notes and ensuring your Japanese Clear Soup base remains beautifully translucent.
Step 3: Strain for Clarity
Once your simmering time is up, carefully strain out all the solids—ginger, garlic, and green onion whites—so you’re left with a crystal-clear broth. This step is what gives Japanese Clear Soup its signature graceful appearance.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Season
Return the golden broth to the stovetop and add your thinly sliced mushrooms, carrots, and a tablespoon of soy sauce. Simmer everything together for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. Taste and add a pinch of salt if you feel it’s needed.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into small bowls and finish with plenty of sliced green onion tops or a sprinkle of parsley. The result is perfectly balanced, nourishing, and honestly, so satisfying you’ll want to sip to the very last drop!
How to Serve Japanese Clear Soup
Garnishes
The classic garnish for Japanese Clear Soup is a handful of thinly sliced green onion tops, which add a fresh, punchy accent and a pop of green. If you want a milder flavor or don’t have green onions on hand, fresh parsley works as a lovely substitute—offering color and a hint of earthiness. Don’t skip the finishing touch; even a sprinkle makes a huge difference.
Side Dishes
Japanese Clear Soup is traditionally served as a starter before heavier dishes, but it also shines alongside sushi, hibachi-style meals, or a plate of crispy tempura. Its understated flavor balances out bolder mains. For a comforting at-home Japanese night, try pairing it with rice, grilled fish, simple salads, or gyoza dumplings.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, ladle your Japanese Clear Soup into elegant ceramic or lacquered bowls. You can float extra-thin carrot or mushroom slices in fun shapes, or even use a star-shaped vegetable cutter for a playful touch. Tiny edible flowers make it striking for dinner parties, or you can serve it in espresso cups as a fun amuse-bouche. Have fun with the presentation—each approach will make guests feel truly cared for!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made a big batch of Japanese Clear Soup, you’ll be happy to know it keeps beautifully. Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then pour into a well-sealed container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days—just be sure to ladle off only what you’ll eat at a time to keep the rest pristine.
Freezing
For longer storage, Japanese Clear Soup can easily be frozen. Pour cooled, strained soup (without garnishes) into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It keeps well for up to two months. When ready to serve, defrost overnight in the fridge so the flavors stay bright and true.
Reheating
To reheat, simply transfer your soup to a small saucepan and gently warm over low heat. Avoid boiling—this keeps the broth clear and avoids overcooking the veggies. If garnishing fresh, add the green onions or parsley right before serving for the best flavor and color.
FAQs
What is Japanese Clear Soup made of?
Japanese Clear Soup is built on a delicate base of chicken and beef broths, water, fresh ginger, garlic, and green onion, then finished with mushrooms, carrots, and a splash of soy sauce. The result is a clear, elegant broth with a gentle umami profile.
Is Japanese Clear Soup healthy?
Absolutely! Japanese Clear Soup is naturally low in calories, fat, and carbs, while still providing comforting warmth and the goodness of fresh vegetables. It’s gluten-free and works for low-carb diets, making it a healthy choice as a starter or light meal.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian or vegan twist, just swap the chicken and beef broths with vegetable broth or a light kombu dashi. You’ll still enjoy the clarifying, savory profile while making it plant-based.
What mushrooms work best for Japanese Clear Soup?
Shiitake mushrooms are the classic choice, imparting an earthy, slightly smoky flavor. If you can’t find them, use white button or cremini mushrooms—both provide great texture and look beautiful in the bowl.
Can I add noodles or rice to this soup?
While Japanese Clear Soup is traditionally served as a pure, unadorned broth, you can easily add a handful of cooked rice, soba noodles, or even soft tofu cubes for a heartier meal. Just remember to keep the add-ins delicate to preserve the soup’s light, clear appeal.
Final Thoughts
Japanese Clear Soup is the kind of dish that feels like a gentle hug in a bowl—simple, soothing, and totally satisfying. Try making it at home the next time you want something nourishing but not heavy. I promise, you’ll fall for its subtle elegance and want to share its warmth with everyone around your table.
Print
Japanese Clear Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A light and flavorful Japanese Clear Soup that is perfect as a starter or a light meal. This simple broth-based soup is infused with umami flavors from mushrooms and soy sauce, making it a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Broth:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
Aromatics and Vegetables:
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 1 small piece fresh ginger (about 1 inch), peeled and sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 4 mushrooms (shiitake or white button), thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, thinly sliced or julienned
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Optional garnish: additional sliced green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, beef broth, and water. Add the smashed garlic, sliced ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Infuse Flavors: Strain out the solids and return the clear broth to the pot. Add mushrooms, carrots, and soy sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a more traditional presentation, use shiitake mushrooms and serve in small soup bowls.
- This light, umami-rich broth pairs well with hibachi or sushi dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
