“Dive into a bowl of serenity with our Japanese Onion Soup, where simplicity meets elegance. This delicate broth, infused with the sweet essence of caramelized onions, whispers tales of Japanese culinary tradition. Dashes of soy and miso meld seamlessly, creating a symphony of umami that dances gracefully on the palate. Touched by a sprinkle of scallions and mushrooms, each sip is a tranquil journey through the Land of the Rising Sun. Embrace the zen of flavors with this soul-soothing, exquisite soup!”

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Immerse yourself in a warm, aromatic bowl of Japanese Onion Soup Recipes, a light yet flavor-packed broth that beautifully blends the subtlety of the East. Savor the delicate balance of sweet onions and savory miso, harmoniously concocted to intrigue your palate.

As the first spoonful touches your lips, imagine the bustling streets of Tokyo and the tranquil Zen gardens, echoing the cultural symphony that is Japan. Health-focused gourmets will appreciate the beneficial attributes of this comforting broth.

Dive into this story as we traverse the culinary landscape of Japan, unlocking the tempting layers of the seemingly simple Japanese Onion Soup.

What Is Japanese Onion Soup?

Japanese Onion Soup, also known as ‘Hibachi Soup,’ is a flavorful, light, clear broth often served as a starter in Japanese cuisine.

It combines the gentle sweetness of thinly sliced onions with the savory richness of chicken or vegetable broth, topped with finely chopped spring onions and mushrooms.

It differs from its French counterpart by being less concentrated and without cheese. A traditional comfort food in Japan, this soup is loved for its simplicity, subtle flavors, and healthful properties, delivering a warm, satisfying experience with each spoonful.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Protein: Tofu cubes or thinly sliced chicken can add a protein boost. For a seafood twist, try adding prawns or clams.
Other Vegetables: Feel free to include other veggies for added nutrition and flavor. Carrots, bok choy, or thinly sliced bell peppers can work well. You could add corn for a bit of sweetness.
Mushrooms: Swap out the traditional shiitake mushrooms for other varieties like cremini, portobello, or oyster mushrooms. Each type lends a unique flavor.
Spices: Add a slice or two of fresh jalapeno or a dash of chili oil for a hint of heat.
Vegan/Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and opt for a kombu and shiitake-based dashi for a fully vegan version.
Garnish: Besides green onions, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Sesame seeds or thinly sliced nori (seaweed) can add a different texture and flavor.

Japanese Onion Soup’s Recipe Other Ingredient

Recipe Directions

In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, onion, and carrot. Sauté them for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for another minute to release their flavors.
Pour in the chicken stock and add the beef bouillon granules. Stir well to dissolve the granules and incorporate the flavors.
Add the chopped shiitake mushrooms and continue cooking for a few minutes until they soften.
Pour in the water and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

Add other vegetables, like thinly sliced carrots or baby bok choy, for a more substantial soup.
You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms beyond shiitake, such as cremini or maitake.
Include tofu, prawns, or thinly sliced chicken for a protein-packed version.

Add-Ons

To add a unique twist, consider infusing the soup with flavors like ginger or lemongrass.
A splash of sake or mirin can also enhance the soup’s complexity.
A few slices of fresh jalapeno or a hint of chili oil can elevate the soup for those desiring a bit of heat.

Toppings

While scallions are a classic topping, garnish the soup with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Seaweed strips, sesame seeds, or fried garlic chips could offer a crunchy contrast.
A dollop of miso paste or a drizzle of sesame oil just before serving can also enhance the soup’s flavor profile.

Can I Make The Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

Sauté the onions and mushrooms in a pan until lightly browned to bring out their flavors, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
Add the broth and other ingredients, such as dashi or soy sauce, into the slow cooker.
Set the slow cooker to low and let it simmer for 4-6 hours. This slow, gentle cooking will help to develop a deep flavor in the soup.
Strain the soup before serving, garnish with scallions, and serve hot.

Instant Pot

Use the sauté function to brown the onions and mushrooms.
Add the broth and other ingredients to the Instant Pot, and secure the lid.
Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for about 15-20 minutes, sufficient time to develop the flavors.
Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
Strain the soup, garnish with scallions, and serve hot.

The Japanese Onion Soup’s Different Vegetables

Can I Use Store-Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth: This is a convenient and time-saving option, ideal for whipping up a quick Japanese Onion Soup. However, choosing a high-quality, low-sodium broth is important to avoid an overly salty soup.
Also, check the ingredient list for any unwanted additives or preservatives.
Homemade Broth: Making your broth allows you to control the ingredients and the sodium level. You can also customize the flavors to your liking. Chicken, beef, or vegetable broths can all work well, each lending a distinct taste to your soup.
Making your broth does take more time and effort, but many find the enhanced flavor worth it.

How To Serve?

Serve Hot: Soup is best served hot. As soon as it’s ready, ladle it into bowls and serve. The flavors are more pronounced when it’s hot, and the warmth contributes to the comforting nature of the dish.
Proper Dishware: Use deep bowls to serve the soup. Traditionally, Japanese Onion Soup is served in small, lidded bowls, but any deep soup bowl will work. Using Asian soup spoons can add an authentic touch and enhance the eating experience.
Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chives on top just before serving adds to the flavor and gives the soup a pop of color. You can also consider other garnishes like thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a touch of seaweed for added visual appeal and taste.
Accompaniments: The soup can be served as a starter before the main course or as part of a larger Japanese-inspired meal. Pair it with sushi, a simple salad, or a rice dish for a complete dinner.
Freshness: The fresh ingredients like mushrooms and chives should have a vibrant color and texture. This ensures the soup looks its best and has the newest flavor.

Perfect Side Dishes

Sushi Or Sashimi: Given the soup’s delicate nature, it pairs wonderfully with sushi or sashimi. These provide a nice contrast in flavors and textures.
Japanese Salads: A simple cucumber salad with a soy-sesame dressing or a surimono (vinegar-based salad) would be a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Yakitori Skewers: These grilled chicken skewers would add a smoky, savory element to your meal that complements the light, umami flavor of the soup.
Gyoza Or Dumplings: Japanese-style dumplings, either pan-fried or steamed, are fantastic. You can choose from a variety of fillings to suit your preference.
Steamed Rice Or Onigiri: A bowl of steamed jasmine rice or onigiri (rice balls) would work well with the soup, adding a filling and comforting element to the meal.

Storage And Make Ahead

Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Make Ahead: You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, enhancing the taste of the soup.
Flavor Enhancement: For even more flavor, consider making the soup a day ahead, as the flavors will intensify overnight.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Rice Enhancer: Use the soup as a flavorful broth to cook rice or other grains. It’ll infuse them with a delicious umami flavor.
Noodle Soup: Add some cooked ramen or soba noodles to the leftover soup for a quick noodle soup dish. You can also add excess protein or vegetables for a more substantial meal.
Stir-Fry Sauce: Reduce the soup on the stove until it’s more concentrated, and use it as a sauce in a stir-fry.
The Base for Other Soups: Use the leftover soup as a base for other soups. Add different vegetables, proteins, or grains to transform it into a whole new dish.
Braising Liquid: Use the soup as a braising liquid for meats or vegetables. It will impart a wonderful flavor to the ingredients.

TIPS

Enhance the flavor by caramelizing the onions before adding the broth. This step adds depth and richness to the soup.
Use a combination of vegetable and chicken broth for a more complex flavor profile. The vegetable broth adds sweetness, while the chicken broth adds savory notes.
Add a splash of mirin (sweet rice wine) and soy sauce for authentic Japanese flavor. These ingredients provide a balance of sweetness and saltiness.
Include sliced shiitake mushrooms for an earthy flavor and chewy texture. They are a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine and complement the soup well.
Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added freshness and crunch. These toppings add a burst of flavor and visual appeal to the soup.

Delicious Japanese Onion Soup Recipes – A Soul-Soothing Elegance

5 from 12 votes

Recipe by Hanna Barnes Course: Soups u0026amp; Broths

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

kcal

Japanese Onion Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the earthy sweetness of onions with aromatic vegetables and mushrooms. The soup is simmered in a savory broth infused with ginger and garlic, creating a warm and soothing bowl of goodness perfect for any time of the year.

Ingredients

1/2 1/2 Carrot, chopped
1 small 1 Onion, chopped
1 teaspoon 1 Grated fresh ginger root
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 Minced fresh garlic
1 tablespoon 1 Minced fresh chives
1 cup 1 Baby portobello mushrooms, sliced
1/2 stalk 1/2 Celery, chopped
1 cup 1 Chopped fresh shiitake mushrooms
3 teaspoons 3 Beef bouillon granules
2 teaspoons 2 Chicken stock
2 quarts 2 Water

Step-By-Step Directions

Preparation Steps
Cleanly chop the vegetables with ginger, and garlic.
Slice mushrooms, reserving the rest for later.
Cooking
Combine the chopped veggies in a large saucepan or stockpot.
Add chicken stock, beef bouillon, and water.
Place the pot over high heat, and bring to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium, and let it cook for 45 minutes.
Blending (optional)
If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use a blender or immersion blender at this point to blend the soup. However, this step is optional, and the soup can be left as it is for a more rustic feel.
Final Touches
While the soup is cooking, slice the remaining mushrooms and place them into a separate pot.
After 45 minutes of cooking, place a strainer over the pot with the raw mushrooms.
Carefully strain the cooked soup into the pot with the mushrooms, discarding the strained materials.
Serving
Ladle the soup with mushrooms into small porcelain bowls.
Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top for a colorful and tasty garnish.
Serve hot, using Asian soup spoons for an elegant touch.
EQUIPMENT LIST
Large pot
Cutting board And knife
Grater
Stirring spoon Or ladle
Measuring spoons
Soup Bowls And garnish tools

Notes

Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, snow peas, or spinach for added texture and nutrition.
Broth options: While the recipe calls for vegetable broth, you can use other types of broth, such as chicken or mushroom broth, for variations in flavor.
Soy sauce alternatives: If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or low-sodium soy sauce.
Garnish ideas: Apart from minced fresh chives, you can garnish the soup with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.
Storage and reheating: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Serving suggestion: Enjoy the Japanese Onion Soup as a light and comforting appetizer, or pair it with steamed rice or a salad for a more substantial meal.

Nutrition Table

Author
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Hanna Barnes

Hanna is a writer at Soup Chick. Yulia's website reignited her passion for crafting affordable, veggie-packed soups. She is certified by the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and has expertise in healthy, baking, and vegan cuisine. With years of food blogging and collaborating with chefs, she offers a range of recipes on Soup Chick, from classic broths to the heavenly slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. Join her in creating flavorsome, wholesome soups in your kitchen!