Name: Japanese Clear Soup Recipe
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

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Japanese Clear Soup is the very definition of comfort in a bowl: light, soothing, yet surprisingly complex thanks to its fragrant broth enriched with a melody of vegetables, ginger, and a hint of sesame oil. This classic soup is a delightful appetizer or a cozy meal on its own, bringing you an unmistakable taste of Japanese cuisine that’s healthy, aromatic, and beautiful in its simplicity.

Japanese Clear Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Japanese Clear Soup so appealing is its reliance on a few straightforward, quality ingredients—each one playing a starring role in the finished broth, whether it’s the sweetness of carrots, the earthy aroma of mushrooms, or the signature warmth of fresh ginger.

Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma and sets the tone for the soup’s flavor base; peanut oil is a delicious alternative.
Chicken Broth: Forms the main body of the soup, providing protein-rich depth and gentle savory notes.
Beef Broth: Adds umami and robust undertones, balancing the lighter chicken broth.
Water: Keeps the flavors clean and ensures the soup isn’t overly salty or dense.
Sweet Onion: Gives a mellow sweetness when caramelized, enhancing the broth’s natural sugars.
Garlic: Smashed cloves infuse the broth with gentle warmth—just enough to energize the flavor.
Carrots: Provide vibrant color and a subtle caramelized sweetness after searing.
Fresh Ginger: Sliced for maximum aromatic infusion; ginger is key to that signature Japanese Clear Soup zing.
Scallions: Fresh, chopped green tops add a pop of color and a gentle bite at serving time.
Button Mushrooms: Thinly sliced, they soak up the fragrant broth and offer satisfying texture in every spoonful.
Salt: Essential to balance flavors and make everything in the broth sing.

How to Make

Step 1: Sear the Vegetables

Start by heating the sesame oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion wedges, smashed garlic, carrot chunks, and sliced ginger. Sear them on all sides until they’re lightly caramelized—you’re not looking for a heavy brown, just a touch of color and lots of aroma. This simple act is where the magic happens: caramelizing these veggies draws out their natural sweetness and lays down a rich, toasty foundation that brings out the best in Japanese Clear Soup.

Step 2: Add Broth & Simmer

Once your vegetables are golden and fragrant, pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and water. Give it a quick stir, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat so it simmers steadily. Let this mixture bubble away for an hour or more. The longer it simmers, the more those flavors meld and develop—be patient and let the broth work its subtle wonders.

Step 3: Remove the Vegetables

After at least an hour, use a slotted spoon or skimmer to lift out all the cooked vegetables and aromatics, leaving behind a gorgeous, clear, and golden broth. Now’s the time to taste, season with salt a little at a time, and adjust as needed. The soup should taste clean, delicate, and balanced with a gentle warmth in the background.

Step 4: Serve

To finish, ladle the hot broth into individual bowls. Top each with plenty of sliced fresh mushrooms and scattered scallions for a restaurant-quality look. Serve right away, letting everyone breathe in that impossibly fragrant steam—the very essence of homemade Japanese Clear Soup.

How to Serve

Garnishes

Japanese Clear Soup truly comes alive with the right garnishes. Floating mushroom slices and fresh scallion greens are a must, adding a splash of color and layers of earthy, peppery flavor. If you like, try a few tiny carrot stars or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a festive touch—each brings a little joy to the bowl.

Side Dishes

Want to make your Japanese Clear Soup part of a complete meal? It pairs beautifully with crispy tempura, light cucumber salad, steaming bowls of sushi rice, or a plate of gyoza dumplings. Think of it as the perfect palate cleanser before heartier Japanese dishes—clearing the way for the next bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve Japanese Clear Soup in elegant miso bowls, or use transparent tea cups to show off the shimmering broth. Add a few edible flowers or tiny enoki mushrooms for a chef-inspired flair. Try a communal soup pot for a cozy, interactive dinner party starter—everyone ladles their own, family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Japanese Clear Soup (and you might not!), let the broth cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, and honestly, the flavors often get even better overnight as they mingle.

Freezing

This soup freezes surprisingly well. Portion the cooled broth into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re craving Japanese Clear Soup, just thaw a container in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium-low heat until steaming hot, but don’t let it boil or you’ll lose those subtle aromas. If you’ve frozen the soup, thaw first before reheating for the best flavor and clarity. Finish with fresh garnishes to refresh the look and taste.

FAQs

Can I make Japanese Clear Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken and beef broths for good-quality vegetable broth. You’ll still get plenty of rich flavor, especially if you take time to deeply caramelize your vegetables at the start.

What type of mushrooms work best?

Button mushrooms are classic, but shiitake, enoki, or even king oyster mushrooms work beautifully. Their delicate flavors and textures infuse the broth while adding something special to each bowl.

How do I keep my soup crystal clear?

Don’t skip straining out the vegetables and use a fine mesh sieve if you have one. Avoiding a rolling boil also helps keep the broth from getting cloudy, ensuring your Japanese Clear Soup looks as stunning as it tastes.

Is Japanese Clear Soup gluten free?

It’s naturally gluten free, as long as your broths contain no wheat-based additives and you skip traditional soy sauce—or use tamari as a substitute.

Can I add proteins like tofu or chicken?

Sure! Tender cubes of silken tofu or a few pieces of poached chicken are lovely additions if you want a more satisfying, meal-worthy bowl while still keeping the spirit of Japanese Clear Soup intact.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of happiness in making and sharing a pot of Japanese Clear Soup—it’s comforting, elegant, and surprisingly easy for how much flavor it delivers. Give this homemade version a try the next time you crave a nourishing, feel-good soup, and enjoy a little taste of Japan at your own table!