What is Japanese clear soup made of?

Japanese clear soup, also known as suimono or hibachi clear onion soup, is typically made from a light broth base (vegetable, chicken, or dashi) simmered with onions, mushrooms, carrots, and celery. It’s seasoned with soy sauce, salt, and pepper, and sometimes garnished with scallions or fried onions.

Is Japanese clear onion soup healthy?

Yes. It’s naturally low in calories and fat while providing vitamins and minerals from vegetables. When made with low-sodium broth and minimal soy sauce, it’s an excellent light starter for any diet.

What is in Japanese onion soup?

Japanese onion soup contains onions as the star ingredient, along with carrots, celery, mushrooms, soy sauce, and a light broth. Garnishes like green onions, fried onions, or tofu may also be included.

What is the white stuff in Japanese clear soup?

The white bits are often tofu cubes or delicate egg ribbons added for texture. They’re optional and can be left out if you prefer a purely clear broth.

What is the difference between Japanese clear soup and miso soup?

Japanese clear soup uses a transparent broth without miso paste, offering a lighter, cleaner flavor. Miso soup contains fermented soybean paste, giving it a cloudy appearance and a more robust, salty taste.

What is the white and pink thing in Japanese soup?

That’s narutomaki , a type of fish cake with a pink swirl. It’s mostly used for visual appeal and has a mild, slightly chewy texture that soaks up broth flavor.

Japanese Clear Onion Soup Recipe – 7 Easy Steps to Perfection

Name: Japanese Clear Onion Soup Recipe – Authentic & Flavorful Japanese Classic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin; 1 medium carrot, sliced thin; 2 celery stalks, sliced thin; 2 cups mushrooms (white button or shiitake), sliced; 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock (low sodium); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 clove garlic, smashed; Salt & pepper to taste; Green onions or fried onions for garnish

Description

A light, flavorful Japanese clear onion soup inspired by hibachi restaurants, perfect as a healthy starter.

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin
1 medium carrot, sliced thin
2 celery stalks, sliced thin
2 cups mushrooms (white button or shiitake), sliced
4 cups vegetable or chicken stock (low sodium)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 clove garlic, smashed
Salt & pepper to taste
Green onions or fried onions for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables: Slice onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms evenly for uniform cooking.
Combine ingredients: Add vegetables, stock, soy sauce, and garlic to a large pot.
Simmer gently: Bring to a light simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. Avoid boiling to maintain broth clarity.
Cook for depth: Simmer for 30–40 minutes, skimming any foam from the surface.
Strain the broth: Use a fine-mesh sieve for a clear soup.
Season and serve: Adjust with salt and pepper, then garnish with green onions or crispy fried onions.

Notes

For a vegetarian/vegan version, use vegetable stock and skip any bonito-based dashi. Add a few slices of fresh ginger for a warming flavor. Strain twice for an ultra-clear broth, especially if serving for guests. Can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup / Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 35
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 0.5g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Japanese clear soup, onion soup, hibachi starter, healthy appetizer