Name: Japanese Clear Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons sesame oil (or peanut oil); 8 cups chicken broth; 4 cups beef broth; 4 cups water; 1 large sweet onion, peeled and cut into wedges; 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed; 2 large carrots, cut into chunks; 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced; 4 whole scallions, chopped; 10 button mushrooms, sliced thin; Salt, to taste

Description

This Japanese Clear Soup is a light, refreshing, and aromatic appetizer that’s perfect for starting any meal. With a rich yet delicate broth infused with fresh vegetables, ginger, and sesame oil, this healthy and nourishing soup is simple to make and full of authentic flavor. It’s a comforting dish for cold weather or health-conscious meals, and a great way to enjoy Japanese-inspired flavors at home.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons sesame oil (or peanut oil)

8 cups chicken broth

4 cups beef broth

4 cups water

1 large sweet onion, peeled and cut into wedges

6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

2 large carrots, cut into chunks

2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced

4 whole scallions, chopped

10 button mushrooms, sliced thin

Salt, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sear the Vegetables:
In a large 8-quart stock pot, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and ginger to the pot. Sear the vegetables on all sides to caramelize them (avoid burning the garlic). This adds depth of flavor to the broth.
Add Broth & Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low boil. Let it simmer for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can simmer it longer for more intense flavor.
Remove the Vegetables:
After an hour, use a skimmer or slotted spoon to remove the vegetables from the broth. Taste the broth and add salt as needed to bring out the flavors.
Serve:
Ladle the hot broth into bowls. Top with chopped scallions and sliced mushrooms. Serve immediately and enjoy the aromatic flavors of your homemade Japanese clear soup.

Notes

Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. You can make it ahead of time, then rewarm the broth before serving.
Soy Sauce: Add a splash of soy sauce to deepen the flavor and add an extra savory note to the broth.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken and beef broth to make this soup vegetarian.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Category: Soup, Appetizer
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Japanese