© Original recipe by The Spoon Studio ©
Bright and Comforting Japanese Clear Soup Recipe 🍲✨
1. Introduction
Discover the soothing essence of Japanese clear soup, also known as *osuimono* — a beautifully simple, light Japanese soup that embodies comfort and elegance. This light Japanese soup uses minimal ingredients but offers a depth of flavor with its delicate broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you crave something nourishing yet easy to prepare, this comforting clear broth is a staple in Japanese cuisine that you can master at home.
2. Ingredients for the Japanese Clear Soup
- 4 cups dashi broth (see dashi recipe)
- 2-3 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup silken tofu, diced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 piece of kombu (kelp), optional for enhanced umami
- Light soy sauce or tamari, to taste
- Fresh mitsuba or parsley for garnish
- Salts or seasonings as necessary
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Japanese Clear Soup
Preparing the Dashi Broth
Begin by making or preparing your dashi broth. You can use instant dashi powder or make from scratch by soaking kombu in water and boiling with bonito flakes. For detailed instructions, visit our guide to dashi. Strain and set aside.
Cooking the Mushrooms
In a pot, bring the dashi broth to a gentle simmer. Add sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for about 3–4 minutes until tender.
Adding Tofu and Seasoning
Gently place diced silken tofu into the broth. Add a splash of soy sauce or tamari to enhance the broth’s flavor. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the tofu warms without breaking apart.
Finishing and Garnishing
Taste the broth and adjust with salt or soy sauce as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, then garnish with sliced green onions and fresh mitsuba or parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy the full flavor and warmth.
4. Tips for Making the Best Light Japanese Soup
- Use high-quality dashi for the most authentic flavor.
- Adjust the saltiness with soy sauce, keeping it light and balanced.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or napa cabbage for variation.
- This soup is best enjoyed hot, immediately after preparation.
5. Storage and Reheating Tips
Because of its delicate ingredients, this comforting clear broth is best consumed fresh. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stovetop, avoiding boiling to maintain the fragile tofu and flavor integrity.
6. Serving Suggestions for Japanese Clear Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with steamed rice, grilled fish, or a traditional Japanese side dish. For a complete meal, serve alongside simple chicken or vegetable dishes. Its light flavor makes it suitable for all seasons and as a starter for elegant dinners.
7. FAQs about Bright and Comforting Japanese Clear Soup
Can I replace ingredients in the Japanese clear soup?
Absolutely! If shiitake mushrooms are unavailable, button mushrooms or enoki work well. Substitute the tofu with other soft proteins or vegetables to suit your dietary preferences.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process takes approximately 20–30 minutes, making this an quick and easy light Japanese soup for busy weeknights or weekend relaxing meals.
Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, if you use a vegetarian dashi option, such as kombu-based broth without bonito flakes. Adjust seasonings accordingly for the best flavor.
What are some variations?
You can add ingredients like baby bok choy, daikon, or a splash of citrus for a fresh twist. The soup’s lightness makes it adaptable to different flavors.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Perfect for quick broths and reheating leftovers with ease.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Ensures even heating when preparing your dashi broth and cooking vegetables.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo — Versatile appliance for preparing sides like grilled fish or vegetables.
9. Conclusion
This bright and comforting Japanese clear soup embodies the essence of minimalism and harmony in Japanese cuisine. Its simple ingredients and delicate flavors make it a nourishing choice for any season. Whether you’re seeking a light starter or a nourishing main, this light Japanese soup offers a wholesome experience that can be adapted to your personal taste. Give it a try and savor the soothing, elegant flavors of Japan at home!
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Bright and Comforting Japanese Clear Soup Recipe
A light and flavorful Japanese clear soup featuring fresh vegetables and tofu, perfect for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups dashi broth
- 1 cup soft tofu, cubed
- 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 2 green onions, scallions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Optional: wakame seaweed
Instructions
- Heat the dashi broth in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and salt to taste.
- Add tofu cubes and continue to simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality dashi for authentic flavor.
- Adjust soy sauce and salt to taste for a milder or more savory soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 45 Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg