If you’ve ever craved a bowl of soothing, delicate, and beautifully balanced broth, then the Japanese Clear Soup with Tofu and Mushrooms Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This soul-warming soup combines the gentle flavors of silky tofu and earthy mushrooms with the umami-packed goodness of dashi broth, creating a dish that’s both light and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a busy day or want to impress guests with an elegant, authentic Japanese touch, this soup is a simple yet unforgettable choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, yet each component plays a key role in layering flavors and textures that make this soup so special. From the nourishing dashi broth to fresh green onions, every ingredient adds depth and balance.
- 4 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth): The heart of the soup, providing a rich umami base that’s light and clear.
- 1/2 cup tofu, cubed: Silky and soft, tofu adds creaminess and protein without overpowering the delicate broth.
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms bring a savory depth and subtle texture contrast to each spoonful.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Fresh and vibrant, green onions add a mild oniony crunch and color.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances umami with a hint of salty richness for a well-rounded flavor.
- 1 tablespoon mirin: A touch of sweetness that beautifully balances the savory components and brightens the soup.
How to Make Japanese Clear Soup with Tofu and Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by warming your dashi broth in a medium pot over medium heat. Bringing it just to a simmer will ensure the delicate flavors aren’t overwhelmed by high heat and remain clear and aromatic.
Step 2: Add Tofu, Mushrooms, Soy Sauce, and Mirin
Gently stir in the cubed tofu and sliced mushrooms, followed by the soy sauce and mirin. Let everything simmer lightly for about 5 minutes so the tofu warms through and the mushrooms soften, soaking up the savory broth flavors without losing their texture.
Step 3: Finish with Green Onions
After turning off the heat, fold the chopped green onions into the soup. This final step adds a fresh, crisp note and a lovely pop of color that makes the dish irresistibly inviting.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into small bowls and serve immediately to enjoy its fragrant warmth and comforting simplicity at its best.
How to Serve Japanese Clear Soup with Tofu and Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds or a tiny pinch of shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice) for a subtle kick. A small sprig of fresh mitsuba or cilantro can also brighten the presentation and add an herbaceous hint.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a side of steamed rice, a light cucumber salad, or even delicate tempura vegetables. It’s perfect as a starter or part of a multi-course Japanese meal that’s both light and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the soup in traditional lacquer bowls or clear glass bowls to highlight the broth’s clarity and the colorful tofu and mushrooms. Adding thinly sliced radish or edible flowers can elevate the visual appeal for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Consume within 2 days for the freshest taste and texture.
Freezing
While the tofu’s texture may soften after freezing, you can still freeze the broth separately if needed. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and adding freshly cubed tofu and green onions for the best experience.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to retain the clear broth’s delicate nuances. Adding fresh green onions right before serving helps revive the soup’s brightness and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this Japanese Clear Soup with Tofu and Mushrooms Recipe?
Absolutely! Shiitake, enoki, or maitake mushrooms work wonderfully and bring their own unique textures and flavors. Feel free to experiment to suit your taste and what’s available.
Is dashi broth essential for an authentic flavor?
Dashi provides the traditional umami base that defines Japanese clear soup, but if it’s unavailable, a high-quality vegetable broth can be a suitable substitute, keeping in mind the flavor will be milder.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Simply use a kombu-based dashi or vegetable broth and soy sauce that is vegan-friendly to keep the soup completely plant-based while preserving its savory profile.
How long does it take to make this soup?
This Japanese Clear Soup with Tofu and Mushrooms Recipe is impressively quick, needing just about 15 minutes total from start to finish, perfect for a quick nourishing meal.
Can I add noodles or other proteins?
Definitely! Adding cooked udon noodles or thinly sliced chicken can turn this soup into a more substantial meal, though it may shift slightly away from the classic clear soup simplicity.
Final Thoughts
This Japanese Clear Soup with Tofu and Mushrooms Recipe is a delightful dish that’s all about comfort in simplicity. Its clear, fragrant broth and tender ingredients come together effortlessly to warm your soul and delight your palate. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and watch it quickly become a cherished go-to in your kitchen!
Print
Japanese Clear Soup with Tofu and Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 2.2 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Japanese Clear Soup is a light and flavorful broth-based soup featuring delicate dashi broth, soft tofu, tender mushrooms, and a hint of soy sauce and mirin. Perfect as a soothing appetizer or a gentle, comforting dish, this recipe is quick to prepare and embodies traditional Japanese flavors with a clean, clear presentation.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Bring Broth to Simmer: In a medium pot, bring the dashi broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat, ensuring the base is hot but not boiling vigorously.
- Add Ingredients: Add the cubed tofu, sliced mushrooms, soy sauce, and mirin to the simmering broth. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to let the tofu and mushrooms absorb the flavors and become tender.
- Finish with Green Onions: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped green onions, adding a fresh aromatic note to the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the clear soup into small bowls and serve hot, enjoying the light yet savory Japanese flavors.
Notes
- Dashi broth is traditional for authentic flavor, but vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative.
- Use silken tofu for a softer texture or firm tofu for a chewier bite.
- You can substitute shiitake mushrooms for other sliced mushrooms based on preference.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to control saltiness according to taste.
