If you’ve ever wanted to savor a bowl of delicate, soothing broth that feels like a warm hug from Japan, you’re in for a treat with this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe. This beautifully light and flavorful soup is the perfect harmony of simple ingredients coming together to create a broth that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether you want a gentle starter for your meal or a healthy, low-calorie dish to brighten your day, this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe is a true kitchen gem that’s incredibly easy to prepare yet deeply satisfying to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Japanese Clear Soup Recipe just right depends on using a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients that bring depth and balance to every spoonful. Each one plays an important role, from adding fragrant notes to introducing tender textures and vibrant color.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a mild, savory base that keeps the soup light and healthy.
- 2 cups water: Helps create the perfect broth consistency without overpowering flavors.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami richness and subtle saltiness to enhance the broth.
- 1 tablespoon mirin: Brings a hint of sweetness and gentle acidity that balances the soup beautifully.
- 1 garlic clove (smashed): Infuses aromatic warmth that deepens the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (sliced): Adds a bright, peppery zing that lifts the soup’s profile.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Offer a fresh crunch and mild oniony freshness to finish the dish.
- ½ cup thinly sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button): Bring earthiness and a tender bite for added texture.
- ½ block soft tofu (cubed, optional): Gently enriches the soup with creaminess and subtle protein.
- Fresh parsley or additional green onion for garnish: Adds a splash of color and bright herbal notes at the end.
How to Make Japanese Clear Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth Base
Begin by combining the chicken broth, water, soy sauce, mirin, smashed garlic clove, and sliced ginger in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. This initial step is where all the savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors begin to meld together. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, giving the ingredients enough time to infuse the broth with their essence.
Step 2: Strain the Aromatics
For a perfectly clear, refined broth, strain out the garlic and ginger pieces. This step is optional but highly recommended if you want a crystal-clear soup that epitomizes traditional Japanese style. Removing these solids also helps avoid overpowering the delicate balance you’ve created in the broth.
Step 3: Add Mushrooms and Tofu
Next, stir in the thinly sliced mushrooms and the soft tofu cubes if you’re using them. Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 3 to 4 minutes until the mushrooms become tender and the tofu is heated through. This step introduces a lovely texture contrast while maintaining the lightness of the soup.
Step 4: Finish with Green Onions
Finally, fold in the sliced green onions. Their fresh, slightly sharp flavor offers a delightful counterpoint to the soothing broth, elevating the soup’s overall character right before serving.
How to Serve Japanese Clear Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with fresh parsley or extra sliced green onions not only brightens the soup visually but also adds a refreshing herbal lift that complements the delicate broth. A careful sprinkle can turn each bowl into a little work of art and a burst of fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
This Japanese Clear Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with light and elegant sides. Think sushi rolls, tempura vegetables, or simple steamed rice. These accompaniments emphasize the soup’s clean flavors while rounding out the meal with satisfying variety.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate presentation, serve the soup in traditional Japanese lacquerware bowls for authenticity, or use clear glass bowls to showcase the broth’s clarity and the vibrant colors of mushrooms, tofu, and green onions. For a special occasion, add an edible flower or a thin slice of yuzu peel as a final decorative touch that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the Japanese Clear Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garnish separate to maintain its freshness and prevent wilting.
Freezing
This soup freezes well without losing its flavor thanks to its simple broth base. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the tofu to maintain its texture—add fresh tofu when reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat to preserve its delicate flavors. Avoid boiling to keep the broth clear and bright. Add fresh green onions or parsley right before serving to renew the freshness.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth to keep all the flavors intact. This adjustment still yields a deliciously light and savory Japanese Clear Soup Recipe perfect for vegetarian diets.
Is mirin necessary for the recipe?
Mirin provides a gentle sweetness and depth that balances the soy sauce’s saltiness. While you can skip it, adding mirin brings authenticity and a richer flavor profile to your Japanese Clear Soup Recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with thinly sliced carrots, daikon, or snow peas for extra color and texture. Just keep additions minimal to preserve the soup’s delicate balance.
What’s the best way to keep the broth clear?
Straining out the garlic and ginger after simmering is key for a crystal-clear broth. Also, avoid boiling the soup vigorously and remove any foam or impurities that form during cooking.
How long does it take to make this soup?
This Japanese Clear Soup Recipe is wonderfully quick, taking about 25 minutes total, including prep and cooking time—making it perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends.
Final Thoughts
This Japanese Clear Soup Recipe is a wonderful discovery for anyone who appreciates the beauty of simplicity in cooking. It’s a dish that feels nourishing and special with every spoonful, showcasing how a handful of humble ingredients can create something truly memorable. I encourage you to try making this soup at home—it’s comforting, elegant, and sure to become one of your treasured go-to recipes for its amazing taste and effortless charm.
Print
Japanese Clear Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Japanese Clear Soup is a delicate, light, and flavorful broth-based soup traditionally served as a starter in Japanese cuisine. Made with low-sodium chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, fresh ginger, garlic, mushrooms, and optional soft tofu, this clear soup is perfect for warming the palate while complementing dishes like sushi or tempura.
Ingredients
Broth Base
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 garlic clove (smashed)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (sliced)
Soup Add-ins
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- ½ cup thinly sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
- ½ block soft tofu (cubed, optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or additional green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a medium saucepan, combine the low-sodium chicken broth, water, soy sauce, mirin, smashed garlic clove, and sliced fresh ginger. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer flavors: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and allow it to cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors from the garlic and ginger deeply infuse into the broth.
- Strain the broth: For a cleaner and clearer broth, strain out the garlic and ginger pieces using a fine mesh sieve or slotted spoon, discarding the solids.
- Add mushrooms and tofu: Return the clear broth to the stove and add the thinly sliced mushrooms and cubed soft tofu if using. Let it simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and tofu is warmed through.
- Finish with green onions: Stir in the sliced green onions into the soup just before serving to impart fresh flavor and a slight crunch.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot clear soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or additional green onions as desired. Serve immediately as a light appetizer.
Notes
- For a vegetarian or vegan variation, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- This soup is traditionally served as a starter in Japanese meals and pairs wonderfully with sushi or tempura.
- Optionally, remove garlic and ginger solids for a smoother broth texture.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the soup gluten-free and lower in carbohydrates.
