Name: Japanese Clear Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 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, thinly sliced; Salt, to taste

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Introduction

This Japanese Clear Soup is a comforting and flavorful broth that highlights simple, fresh ingredients. It’s a light yet satisfying soup, perfect as a starter or a warming dish on its own.

A close-up view of a white bowl with blue floral designs filled with clear broth, topped with five light brown mushroom slices and thin green onion rings. A matching ceramic spoon rests inside the bowl, also holding one mushroom slice and green onion ring. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with scattered green onion pieces around it. Other similar bowls and a wooden bowl with more green onions are partially visible around the main bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, thinly sliced
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Place a large 8-quart stock pot over medium-high heat and add the sesame or peanut oil. Add the onion wedges, smashed garlic cloves, carrot chunks, and sliced ginger. Sear the vegetables on all sides until caramelized, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Allow it to simmer gently for at least one hour to develop deep flavors.
Step 3: Use a skimmer or slotted spoon to remove the cooked vegetables from the broth. Taste the broth and add salt as needed for seasoning.
Step 4: To serve, ladle the hot clear broth into bowls and top with the chopped scallions and thinly sliced button mushrooms.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, roast the vegetables in the oven before searing them in the pot.
Substitute shiitake mushrooms for button mushrooms for an earthier taste.
Add a splash of soy sauce or a few drops of toasted sesame oil at the end for extra depth.
Use homemade broth if possible for the best fresh flavor.

Storage

Store leftover broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding fresh toppings just before serving for best results.

How to Serve

The image shows three white bowls with blue floral patterns filled with clear broth soup, topped with several slices of light brown mushrooms and scattered green onion pieces. Each bowl contains a white spoon with blue designs resting inside, some holding mushroom slices and green onions. Nearby, there is a wooden bowl filled with extra chopped green onions on a white marbled surface. A white cloth napkin is partially visible in the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can substitute the chicken and beef broth with vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version. Use shiitake mushrooms and add kombu (seaweed) for umami flavor.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Keep the heat at medium-high but careful to watch the garlic closely while searing. Stir frequently and remove from direct contact with the pan’s hottest spots if it starts to brown too quickly.