Japanese Clear Onion Soup

Japanese Clear Onion Soup is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Japanese cuisine in a simple, clear broth. This soup is perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a festive gathering. The lightness and clean flavors make it an excellent starter or a comforting meal on its own. With just nine ingredients and a cooking time of 30 minutes, you can enjoy restaurant-quality soup right from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Japanese Clear Onion Soup can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Base: The combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices creates a deliciously rich broth that warms the soul.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite proteins or vegetables to make this soup your own.
• Healthy Option: Low in calories but high in flavor, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking lighter meals.
• Versatile Serving: Enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course when paired with rice or noodles.

Tools and Preparation

To make Japanese Clear Onion Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures that the preparation goes smoothly and efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the broth and vegetables together to develop deep flavors.
• Fine-mesh strainer: Essential for achieving that clear broth by removing solids after cooking.

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 Garnish

• 1 cup button mushrooms, thinly sliced
• ½ cup scallions, sliced
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Sriracha (optional)

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How to Make Japanese Clear Onion Soup

Step 1: Sauté 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 for Flavor

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 fully.

Step 4: Strain for Clarity

Use a fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon to remove the vegetables from the soup, leaving you with a clear broth. Discard the solids or save them for another use.

Step 5: Prepare Serving Bowls

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

Step 6: Serve Hot Broth

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

Step 7: Add Optional Flavorings

For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or sriracha if you prefer a spicy kick. Enjoy your delicious Japanese Clear Onion Soup!

How to Serve Japanese Clear Onion Soup

Serving Japanese Clear Onion Soup is all about enhancing its delicate flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Below are some suggestions to take your soup to the next level.

Pair with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro can add a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
• Chives: Chopped chives provide a mild onion taste that enhances the overall profile of the dish.

Add Protein Options

• Tofu: Cubes of silken or firm tofu can make the soup heartier while keeping it light and nutritious.
• Shrimp: Adding cooked shrimp gives an elegant touch and pairs well with the broth’s flavors.

Enhance with Condiments

• Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce adds umami and depth, making each spoonful more flavorful.
• Sriracha: For those who enjoy a kick, sriracha can be drizzled on top for added heat.

Serve with Rice

• Steamed Rice: A small bowl of steamed rice on the side is perfect for soaking up the broth and enjoying every last drop.

How to Perfect Japanese Clear Onion Soup

Perfecting your Japanese Clear Onion Soup involves attention to detail when preparing and serving. Here are some tips to elevate your soup-making skills.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance flavors and create a brighter, more vibrant soup.
• Control Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the onions; aim for soft but not browned for that perfect sweetness.
• Strain Carefully: Using a fine-mesh strainer ensures you get a clear broth without any unwanted solids.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; adjusting salt and pepper can significantly impact flavor balance.
• Serve Hot: This soup is best enjoyed hot, so make sure to serve immediately for optimal warmth.

Best Side Dishes for Japanese Clear Onion Soup

Pairing side dishes with Japanese Clear Onion Soup can create a more satisfying meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame beans are a great finger food that complements the soup’s lightness.
2. Seaweed Salad: This refreshing salad adds texture and a unique umami flavor that pairs well with the broth.
3. Gyoza: Crispy or steamed gyoza filled with savory ingredients make for a perfect accompaniment.
4. Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered and fried vegetables bring crunch and contrast to the clear soup.
5. Nasu Dengaku (Miso Eggplant): Sweet miso-glazed eggplant offers a rich flavor that balances the simplicity of the soup.
6. Sushi Rolls: Simple vegetable sushi rolls provide additional flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Overcooking the Vegetables: If you cook the vegetables too long, they can become mushy and lose their flavor. Keep an eye on them and remove them once they are tender.
• Using Low-Quality Broth: A poor-quality vegetable broth can lead to a bland soup. Always use a good-quality broth or even homemade for the best flavor.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season your broth properly can result in a tasteless soup. Taste your broth as it cooks and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Skipping the Straining Step: Not straining the soup means you’ll have bits of vegetables in your broth, which can detract from the clear soup experience. Be sure to strain well for a clean finish.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold ingredients into hot broth can lower the temperature of your soup. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before adding them to maintain heat.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Japanese Clear Onion Soup in airtight containers.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Japanese Clear Onion Soup

• Freeze the clear broth only for optimal texture.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Japanese Clear Onion Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally, heating until hot but not boiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Japanese Clear Onion Soup?

Japanese Clear Onion Soup is a light broth-based soup made primarily with onions, celery, carrots, and various seasonings. It’s known for its clean flavor and simplicity.

Can I customize my Japanese Clear Onion Soup?

Yes! You can add different vegetables like spinach or bok choy, or proteins such as tofu or chicken to suit your taste preferences.

How do I make this soup vegan?

To keep your Japanese Clear Onion Soup vegan, ensure you use vegetable broth and skip any animal-based additives like fish sauce or meat-based broths.

What can I serve with Japanese Clear Onion Soup?

This clear onion soup pairs well with sushi, rice dishes, or as an appetizer before a main meal. Its lightness makes it versatile alongside many cuisines.

Final Thoughts

Japanese Clear Onion Soup is not only easy to prepare but also offers incredible versatility. With just nine simple ingredients, you can create a delightful dish that serves as a warm appetizer or a light meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for added flavor! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Japanese Clear Onion Soup

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 servings 1x

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Description

Japanese Clear Onion Soup is a refreshing and aromatic dish that embodies the simplicity of Japanese cuisine. This soup features a delicate, clear broth infused with the natural sweetness of onions and a medley of vegetables. Perfect as a starter or light meal, it’s ideal for cozy dinners or festive gatherings. With its quick 30-minute preparation time and only nine ingredients, you can easily whip up this delightful soup at home without compromising on flavor. Customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies to make it truly your own!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups diced onions
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• ½ tsp minced fresh ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 cup thinly sliced button mushrooms (for garnish)
• ½ cup sliced scallions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions for about 10 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
2. Add the carrots, celery, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes to develop flavors.
4. Strain the soup using a fine-mesh strainer to achieve a clear broth; discard solids.
5. Serve hot by placing sliced mushrooms and scallions in bowls before pouring the broth over them.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Feel free to add tofu or shrimp for extra protein. Enhance flavor with soy sauce or sriracha according to taste. Pair with rice or side dishes like edamame or seaweed salad for a complete meal.