Japanese Clear Soup

Japanese Clear Soup, a light and comforting dish, is perfect for any meal. With its soothing broth, tender tofu, and a delicate hint of soy and mirin, this simple soup brings warmth and flavor in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy starter or a wholesome side, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Japanese Clear Soup is the epitome of comfort food with a healthy twist. The broth, made from dashi (or vegetable broth), is a delicate yet rich base, complemented by soft tofu and mushrooms. The addition of soy sauce and mirin balances the flavors perfectly, making each spoonful light but satisfying. Whether you’re trying to enjoy a lighter meal or just crave a warming bowl of soup, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a light lunch.

Ingredients

• 4 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)

• 1/2 cup tofu, cubed

• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon mirin

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a medium pot, bring the dashi broth (or vegetable broth) to a simmer over medium heat.

2. Add the tofu cubes, sliced mushrooms, soy sauce, and mirin to the pot. Stir well.

3. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the tofu has absorbed the flavors.

4. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

5. Serve the soup hot in small bowls.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 servings

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or carrots for added nutrition and color.

• Swap the Protein: For a different protein, you can substitute tofu with chicken, shrimp, or fish.

• Spicy Twist: Add a few slices of fresh chili or a dash of chili oil for a bit of spice.

• Make It Vegan: Use vegetable broth and skip any non-vegan ingredients to keep it plant-based.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup over medium heat until heated through. Avoid boiling to prevent the tofu from becoming too firm.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup without dashi broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute for dashi broth if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option.

2. Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Absolutely! You can use shiitake, button mushrooms, or any other type of mushrooms you like.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce. Regular soy sauce contains wheat, so make sure to choose a gluten-free option if needed.

4. Can I add noodles to this soup?

Yes, you can add noodles like soba or udon for a more filling dish.

5. How do I make this soup spicier?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh chili slices to give the soup a spicy kick.

6. Can I use pre-made dashi?

Yes, pre-made dashi stock is a convenient option and can be used for this soup. Just follow the instructions on the packaging.

7. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

This soup is best served fresh, but you can prepare the broth and veggies ahead of time, then simply reheat and add the tofu and green onions when ready to serve.

8. Can I freeze Japanese clear soup?

Freezing this soup is not recommended as the tofu may change texture when thawed, and the broth may separate.

9. Can I use regular mirin instead of sweetened mirin?

Yes, but regular mirin has a stronger, less sweet flavor, so you may want to adjust the amount to taste.

10. What can I serve this soup with?

This soup pairs wonderfully with sushi, rice, or grilled fish for a light, balanced meal.

Conclusion

Japanese Clear Soup is a wonderfully light yet flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort with every bowl. With a simple list of ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s an easy addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a snack, this soup is a perfect way to incorporate healthy, savory flavors into your day. Enjoy it hot, and feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!

Japanese Clear Soup

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A traditional Japanese clear soup with a light and savory flavor, made with dashi broth, tofu, mushrooms, and green onions.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin

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Instructions

1. In a medium pot, bring the dashi broth to a simmer.
2. Add the tofu, mushrooms, soy sauce, and mirin. Simmer for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the green onions.
4. Serve hot in small bowls.

Notes

• You can substitute vegetable broth if dashi broth is not available.
• Adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce or mirin to taste.
• Great as an appetizer or a light starter.

• Author: Sophia
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stove Top
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Diet: Low Calorie

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 80 kcal