Japanese Clear Soup Recipe - Light and Flavorful

Japanese Clear Soup Recipe

Light, flavorful, and comforting, Japanese Clear Soup (Suimono) is a traditional dish that’s perfect as a starter or side. This simple recipe brings the authentic taste of Japan to your kitchen.

What is Japanese Clear Soup?

Japanese Clear Soup, also known as Suimono, is a delicate and transparent soup made with a light dashi broth. It’s often served in Japanese restaurants alongside sushi or as part of a multi-course meal. The soup is known for its clean, refreshing flavor and is incredibly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 4 cups dashi stock (homemade or instant)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sake (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or enoki)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced carrots
• 1/4 cup cubed tofu
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into small pieces (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the broth: In a medium pot, heat the dashi stock over medium heat. Add soy sauce, sake (if using), salt, and sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.
2. Add vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms and carrots to the broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add tofu: Gently stir in the cubed tofu and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with green onions and nori pieces. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Japanese Clear Soup

• Use high-quality dashi stock for the best flavor. You can make it from scratch using kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes or use instant dashi powder.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more soy sauce for a richer flavor or reduce the salt for a lighter taste.
• Feel free to customize the soup with other ingredients like spinach, shrimp, or fish cake.

Enjoy this light and refreshing Japanese Clear Soup as a starter or side dish. It’s a simple yet elegant addition to any meal!