Welcome to the secret of your favorite Japanese steakhouse! This classic clear soup recipe is a delicate and comforting starter, known for its light yet deeply satisfying flavor. While often enjoyed at hibachi restaurants, its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it incredibly easy to recreate at home. Get ready to enjoy a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Clear Soup
You’ll quickly fall in love with this delightful clear soup recipe for several fantastic reasons.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: It requires minimal active cooking time, perfect for busy evenings.
- Light, Refreshing, and Deeply Flavorful: The broth is subtly rich, making it a perfect palate cleanser.
- Perfect as a Starter or Light Meal: Enjoy it before your main course or as a wholesome light lunch.
- Comforting and Nourishing: This warm soup is incredibly soothing, especially on a chilly day.
- Fully Customizable to Taste: Easily adjust seasonings and garnishes to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Creating this delicious clear soup starts with a few basic, fresh ingredients.
- 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil (like avocado or sunflower)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large sweet onion, peeled and cut into wedges
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly smashed
- 4 whole scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 10 button mushrooms, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
Notes & Substitutions
For your homemade clear soup recipe, you have some flexibility with ingredients. For the broth, low-sodium chicken broth is best for controlling salt, but beef or vegetable broth also work beautifully if you prefer. Sweet onions are ideal for their mild flavor, but yellow onions can be used if that’s what you have. You don’t need to peel the ginger; its skin adds an earthy note to the broth. Feel free to use alternative mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for a different umami profile in your garnish. Any neutral cooking oil, such as avocado or sunflower, is suitable for sautéing. Remember to adjust salt at the end, especially if using regular broth.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes cooking a breeze.
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your comforting clear soup recipe. This method ensures maximum flavor and clarity.
- Prepare Vegetables: Start by roughly chopping your sweet onion and carrots into large chunks. Thinly slice the fresh ginger and lightly smash the garlic cloves. Set aside the thinly sliced scallions and mushrooms for garnishing later.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 2 teaspoons of neutral cooking oil to the hot pot.
- Caramelize Vegetables: Place the chopped onion, carrots, and sliced ginger into the pot. Sear these vegetables on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to lightly brown and caramelize. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor in your clear soup recipe.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the smashed garlic cloves. Cook for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn, as this can make your broth bitter.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, incorporating all that delicious flavor into the liquid. Bring the broth to a rolling boil.
- Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for a full 60 minutes. This slow simmer allows the vegetables to infuse their flavors deeply into the broth.
- Strain Broth: Carefully pour the entire contents of the pot through a fine-mesh sieve or colander lined with cheesecloth into a clean bowl or back into the cleaned pot. This separates the clear broth from the solids.
- Discard Solids: Discard the cooked onion, carrots, ginger, and garlic. You can also reserve them for another use, like a vegetable stock base, if you prefer.
- Season Broth: Taste the strained clear broth. Add salt as needed, starting with a pinch and adding more until it reaches your desired seasoning level.
- Prepare Garnish: Take your previously thinly sliced scallions and mushrooms. These will add fresh texture and flavor.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the hot, aromatic clear broth into individual serving bowls. Top each bowl generously with the fresh sliced scallions and thinly sliced mushrooms. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade clear soup.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect clear soup recipe is easy with these helpful tips.
- Achieve Clarity: Avoid excessive stirring during simmering; this helps keep the broth crystal clear.
- Deepen Flavor: Ensure vegetables are well-seared to develop rich caramelization before adding broth.
- Avoid Bitterness: Cook garlic just until fragrant; overcooking it can introduce a bitter taste.
- Broth Concentration: Adjust simmering time for desired strength; longer simmers yield a more concentrated flavor.
The culinary science behind creating a crystal-clear broth often involves clarifying agents like egg whites and careful straining, as detailed in this article on consommé techniques.
- Cloudy Broth: Skim any foam or impurities from the surface during simmering to maintain clarity.
- Making Ahead: Prepare the broth in advance; it tastes even better the next day. Store chilled.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always start with low-sodium broth, then salt to taste at the very end.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile clear soup recipe is delightful in many ways.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it as a light and elegant starter before a main course.
- Offer small dishes of soy sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil on the side.
- Garnish with crispy fried onions, toasted garlic bits, or delicate tempura flakes.
- Pair it with steamed white rice or a simple, crisp green salad.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Cool the strained broth completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooled broth in individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Gently warm the clear soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat until hot. Avoid rapid boiling, which can sometimes diminish the delicate flavors.
Variations
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute chicken broth with a good quality vegetable broth and add cubed silken tofu.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked shrimp, thinly sliced leftover chicken, or delicate fish cakes for a heartier meal.
- Noodle Soup: Incorporate cooked ramen noodles, udon noodles, or thin vermicelli pasta directly into the hot broth.
- Extra Umami: A dash of mirin or a few drops of light soy sauce can enhance the savory depth of the broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few drops of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes in your clear soup recipe. It does not include added salt or garnishes.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Total Carbs | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
Beyond its delicate flavor, clear broth soup can offer various health benefits, including support for digestive health and hydration, according to the Los Angeles Hub.
This clear soup is generally low in calories and fat, making it a light and healthy option. It provides a good source of hydration and small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
FAQ
You’ve got questions about this delicious clear soup recipe, and we have answers!
- What makes clear soup clear? The clarity comes from straining out all solids after simmering, leaving behind a pure, sediment-free broth. Gentle simmering also prevents proteins from clouding the liquid.
- Can I use vegetable broth for this recipe? Absolutely! Vegetable broth works wonderfully for a vegetarian or vegan version, maintaining the light and flavorful profile.
- What are the crunchy bits in Japanese clear soup? Those are typically fried onions, sometimes called “crispy onions” or “tempura flakes,” which add a delightful texture.
- Can this clear soup be frozen? Yes, the broth freezes very well. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months for a quick meal later.
- How long does homemade clear soup last? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the clear soup broth will last for 3-4 days.
- Is this clear soup healthy? Yes, this soup is very healthy. It’s low in calories and fat, hydrating, and packed with subtle flavors from fresh aromatics.
- What can I do with the strained vegetables? You can discard them, or consider blending them into a different vegetable soup or using them as a base for a different stock.
Conclusion
This authentic clear soup recipe brings the comforting taste of your favorite Japanese steakhouse right into your kitchen. Its simple ingredients and straightforward process prove that incredible flavor doesn’t require complex techniques. We hope you’ll love preparing and savoring this delicate, nourishing soup as much as we do. Enjoy its versatility and feel free to customize it to your heart’s content. We’d love to hear about your culinary adventures, so share your experiences with us!
