This Japanese Clear Soup is a warm and comforting bowl of goodness. Made with simple broth and tasty ingredients like mushrooms and green onions, it’s light but full of flavor!
Whenever I make this soup, I feel like I’m having a cozy moment, even on a busy day. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up when the weather gets chilly! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dashi Stock: This is the heart of your soup and gives it a unique umami flavor. You can make it from scratch using kombu and bonito flakes. If you don’t have time, look for instant dashi powder as a quick substitute.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works well, but you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Alternatively, tamari is a great gluten-free option.
Mirin: This sweet rice wine adds depth to the flavor. If you’re out, you can mix a bit of sugar with rice vinegar as a substitute.
Mushrooms: Fresh shiitake mushrooms are a fantastic choice, but you can replace them with button mushrooms or even dried mushrooms (just soak them first). For more flavor, try adding some enoki mushrooms!
Carrot: The sweet crunch of carrots complements the dish well. You can use other vegetables like daikon radish or even zucchini if you prefer.
How Do I Make the Perfect Dashi Stock?
Making dashi is simple, and it’s crucial for your soup. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with cold water to bring out the deep flavors of kombu (about 4 cups).
- Add a piece of kombu and let it soak for 30 minutes, then slowly heat until just before boiling.
- Remove the kombu and add bonito flakes, simmer for a few minutes, then strain the broth. This will be your dashi!
If you’re using instant dashi, just follow the instructions on the package for quick results. This broth is light yet filled with flavor, setting the stage for your clear soup.
Japanese Clear Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups dashi stock (Japanese soup stock)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 fresh shiitake or white mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, peeled and thinly sliced into rounds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced diagonally
- Optional: small pieces of tofu or wakame seaweed for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Japanese Clear Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes to cook, making it a total of around 20 minutes. Easy and quick for a cozy meal at any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dashi Stock:
If you’re not using ready-made dashi stock, start by making your own. In a pot, combine 4 cups of water with a piece of kombu (kelp) and bring to a gentle simmer. After about 5 minutes, remove the kombu and add bonito flakes. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, then strain the mixture to obtain your clear broth.
2. Simmer the Broth:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the dashi stock and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. It’s important not to boil it too hard, as you want to keep that lovely clear color.
3. Add Flavor:
Next, stir in the soy sauce, mirin, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
Carefully add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and carrot rounds into the simmering broth. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender but still have a nice crunch!
5. Final Touches:
Right before serving, stir in the sliced green onions. This will add a pop of color and fresh flavor to your soup, so don’t skip this part!
6. Adjust Seasoning:
Give your soup a taste and see if it needs a little more soy sauce or salt. Adjust it to your liking!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot soup in bowls. For an extra touch, you can garnish with small pieces of tofu or a sprinkle of wakame seaweed. Enjoy this light and refreshing soup as a starter or a lovely light meal!
This soup is delicate and emphasizes the umami flavors from the dashi, making it a comforting choice for any occasion. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dashi Stock?
Yes, absolutely! Store-bought dashi stock is a convenient option. Just follow the instructions on the package for the right water-to-stock ratio, and you’ll save time without sacrificing flavor.
What If I Can’t Find Mirin?
If you can’t find mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of rice vinegar and sugar. For every tablespoon of mirin, use 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to mimic the sweetness and acidity.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Note that some vegetables may lose texture when reheated, but the flavor will still be delightful!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bok choy, green beans, or even a bit of spinach. Just be sure to chop them thinly so they cook quickly and evenly in the broth.
