Japanese Clear Soup
A light, savory broth with mushrooms and scallions, this Japanese Clear Soup is the perfect starter for any meal.
Ingredients
Broth and Flavor Base
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option) Use dashi for authentic flavor.
- 1 small onion, halved
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon mirin (optional)
Mushrooms and Garnish
- 6-8 pieces button mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium pot, bring chicken broth to a gentle simmer.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Let simmer for 10 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Strain the broth to remove solids, then return the clear broth to the pot.
- Stir in soy sauce and mirin. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add sliced mushrooms and simmer for 2–3 minutes until tender.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and omit bonito flakes if making dashi. Strained broth can be made up to 3 days in advance and reheated before serving. Pair with sushi, teriyaki, or gyoza for a complete meal.