Name: Japanese Clear Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or dashi; 1 cup water; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; ½ cup thinly sliced mushrooms (shiitake or white button); 1 small carrot, thinly sliced; ½ teaspoon soy sauce; ¼ teaspoon sesame oil (optional); Salt to taste; Fried onions; Fresh parsley; Tofu cubes

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Japanese Clear Soup is the ultimate cozy, soothing dish that brings the peaceful flavors of a traditional Japanese restaurant right to your kitchen. Delicate mushrooms, slivers of carrot, and a whisper of sesame mingle in a shimmering broth, letting every ingredient truly shine. It’s light enough for a first course but so satisfying as a comforting snack or simple supper. Whether you’re in need of a palate cleanser, a gentle belly hug, or just a taste of something wonderfully clean and restorative, this soup is ready in 20 minutes and impresses every time.

Japanese Clear Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Japanese Clear Soup lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is purposeful, building layers of delicate flavor and vibrant color. Don’t skip the garnishes—they transform the bowl from humble to special!

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or dashi: This forms the savory base, so choose the highest quality you can, or opt for aromatic dashi for a classic taste.
1 cup water: It lightens the broth, allowing every fresh flavor to shine through.
2 green onions, thinly sliced: Their gentle sharpness and pop of color are essential for finishing the soup.
½ cup thinly sliced mushrooms (shiitake or white button): Mushrooms bring earthiness and a pleasant texture; shiitake adds extra umami.
1 small carrot, thinly sliced: Adds a hint of natural sweetness and a beautiful orange glow.
½ teaspoon soy sauce: Just a splash deepens the umami and rounds out the broth.
¼ teaspoon sesame oil (optional): A drizzle adds warmth and a gentle nutty aroma—highly recommended if you love sesame!
Salt to taste: Season your clear soup perfectly to match your palate.
Optional garnishes: fried onions, fresh parsley, or tofu cubes: Sprinkle your favorite finish for extra crunch, color, or heartiness.

How to Make Japanese Clear Soup

Step 1: Simmer the Broth

Pour the chicken broth (or dashi, for even more traditional flavor) and water into a medium saucepan. Set your burner to medium heat and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. This step wakes up the flavors and prepares the perfect foundation for Japanese Clear Soup.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the broth is quietly bubbling, add the sliced mushrooms, carrots, and half of the green onions. Let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the veggies are tender but still bright and full of fresh flavor.

Step 3: Season the Soup

Stir in the soy sauce and, if you love a little toasty depth, the optional sesame oil. Taste and season with salt as needed—the balance should be gentle, not overpowering. Give the pot a stir and let the aroma fill your kitchen!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle on the remaining green onions for a pop of green. Finish with any optional garnishes—fried onions for crunch, parsley for color, or tofu cubes for a little extra substance. Serve your Japanese Clear Soup piping hot and enjoy the steam rising, carrying that cozy, savory fragrance.

How to Serve Japanese Clear Soup

Garnishes

The right garnish turns a simple broth into a memorable starter. A handful of fresh parsley or fried onions adds irresistible aroma and texture, while soft tofu cubes sink in for a heartier feel. Let your mood (and what’s in your pantry) be your guide!

Side Dishes

Japanese Clear Soup is the ideal match for sushi night, but it’s also lovely to serve before tempura, grilled yakitori, or a platter of pickled vegetables. Its understated flavors cleanse the palate and set off more richly seasoned dishes beautifully, making any dinner spread feel elegant and intentional.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour your soup into slender teacups or small miso bowls for a refined, restaurant-style touch. For a special meal, float a paper-thin slice of radish or a tiny edible flower on top. You could even set out little “build your own” garnish bowls at the table so everyone personalizes their own Japanese Clear Soup masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Japanese Clear Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Pour any extra into a lidded container, let it cool fully, and pop it in cold storage. When possible, store garnishes like green onions or fried onions separately to keep them crisp.

Freezing

You can freeze Japanese Clear Soup for quick comfort on demand! Just let the soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags (leave a bit of space for expansion). Freeze for up to two months. For best texture, it’s smart to add garnishes and tofu fresh after reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready for another bowl, gently rewarm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until piping hot. You could also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between rounds. Top with fresh green onions and your favorite garnishes before serving each bowl.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable broth to make Japanese Clear Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swapping in vegetable broth keeps the soup light and flavorful for vegetarians. For a classic touch, try using a quick kombu (seaweed) broth for depth and a hint of ocean freshness.

What’s the difference between Japanese Clear Soup and miso soup?

Miso soup uses fermented miso paste as its base, which makes it cloudy and quite savory. Japanese Clear Soup, on the other hand, is all about a delicate, see-through broth with minimal seasoning—it’s lighter and lets each vegetable shine.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Simply use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. Double-check your broth or dashi ingredients as well, as some store-bought versions may contain hidden wheat.

Can I add noodles or rice?

Definitely! Thin rice noodles, glass noodles, or a scoop of steamed white rice all turn Japanese Clear Soup into a more filling meal while keeping the broth’s beautiful clarity and gentle flavor profile.

Can Japanese Clear Soup be made in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the broth and vegetables ahead of time, then quickly reheat and add fresh garnishes just before serving. This makes it a fantastic choice for dinner parties or make-ahead meal prep.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a soul-soothing, elegantly simple soup, Japanese Clear Soup will win your heart. Give it a try, play with the garnishes, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving a warm bowl on quiet nights and busy days alike!

Japanese Clear Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A light and flavorful Japanese Clear Soup, perfect as a starter or light meal. This simple yet delicious soup is made with chicken broth, vegetables, and traditional Japanese seasonings.

Ingredients

Scale

Broth:

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or dashi
1 cup water

Soup Ingredients:

2 green onions, thinly sliced
½ cup thinly sliced mushrooms (shiitake or white button)
1 small carrot, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon soy sauce
¼ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Fried onions
Fresh parsley
Tofu cubes

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Instructions

Prepare Broth: In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth (or dashi) and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Add Ingredients: Add the sliced mushrooms, carrots, and half of the green onions. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Season and Serve: Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil. Season with salt to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with remaining green onions and garnishes. Serve hot.