Soup season is upon us! Whether you’re looking for a warm and comforting bowl to brighten up a chilly winter day or a light and refreshing brew to pair with your summer meals, Japanese soups have got you covered. With their rich, savory broths and delicate flavors, these bowls are sure to become your new go-to comfort food. From classic miso soup to hearty hot pots and clear broths, we’ve rounded up 18 of the most flavorful Japanese soup recipes for every season.
Miso Soup with Tofu and Wakame
A comforting and nutritious soup that combines the rich flavor of miso paste, the creaminess of tofu, and the nutty taste of wakame seaweed.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon white miso paste
– 1/4 cup cubed firm tofu
– 1/4 cup dried wakame seaweed
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vegetable broth and miso paste. Whisk until the miso is fully dissolved.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add cubed tofu and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
4. Add dried wakame seaweed and cook for an additional minute.
5. Stir in garlic and green onions.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired. Enjoy!
Tonjiru (Pork and Vegetable Miso Soup)
Tonjiru is a classic Japanese soup that warms the heart and soul. This comforting dish combines tender pork, colorful vegetables, and rich miso broth for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or shoulder, sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and bok choy)
– 4 cups dashi broth (or chicken broth with miso paste)
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in dashi broth (or chicken broth with miso paste) and bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in white miso paste and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Clear Clam Soup with Sake
This traditional Japanese soup, known as “Otsuski” or “Sake-Clam Broth,” is a delicate and flavorful dish that showcases the sweetness of clams and the subtlety of sake. With just a few ingredients, you can create a refreshing and savory soup perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds of clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 4 cups of water
– 1/2 cup of sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
Instructions:
1. Rinse the clams under cold water and remove any broken or open shells.
2. In a large pot, combine the clams, water, sake, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and white pepper.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the clams are cooked through.
4. Strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding the solids.
5. Serve hot, garnished with thinly sliced green onions and a dash of soy sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chanko Nabe (Sumo Wrestler Hot Pot)
In the heart of Japanese sumo culture, Chanko Nabe is a nourishing hot pot dish that fuels wrestlers for intense matches. This hearty recipe combines rich flavors and tender ingredients to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef or pork bones
– 2 cups dashi broth (or chicken stock)
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake
– 2 tablespoons mirin
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, sliced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (lotus root, daikon, bok choy, etc.)
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine bones, dashi broth, soy sauce, sake, and mirin in a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Add garlic and onion; cook for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables and continue cooking until they are tender (about 20-25 minutes).
5. Ladle hot Chanko Nabe into bowls and garnish with green onions.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
Kitsune Udon (Udon with Fried Tofu)
This recipe combines the comforting warmth of udon noodles with the crispy delight of fried tofu, all wrapped up in a savory broth. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package udon noodles
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 4 cups dashi broth (or chicken broth)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and onion. Cook until softened, about 1 minute.
4. Add dashi broth, soy sauce, and mirin to the pan. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add cooked noodles and fried tofu to the pan. Stir gently to combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Oden (Japanese Winter Stew)
Oden is a traditional Japanese winter stew that warms the heart and soul. This hearty dish is made with dashi broth, tofu, and various vegetables, making it a perfect comfort food for the cold season.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dashi broth (or substitute with chicken or vegetable broth)
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup daikon radish, sliced
– 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup dried wakame seaweed
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring dashi broth to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add tofu, daikon radish, carrots, and green onions to the pot.
3. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in soy sauce and mirin.
5. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with dried wakame seaweed.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Zosui (Japanese Rice Soup)
Savor the warm comfort of this classic Japanese rice soup, perfect for a cozy meal or as a soothing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice (preferably Koshihikari)
– 4 cups water
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dashi broth or chicken broth
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Drain and rinse the rice again.
3. In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Pour in the dashi broth or chicken broth and bring to a boil.
7. Add the rinsed rice and stir gently to combine.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
9. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Kabocha Squash Soup with Miso
This creamy and comforting soup is a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. The sweetness of kabocha squash pairs beautifully with the savory flavor of miso, creating a harmonious balance that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium kabocha squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the squash with oil, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4. In a blender or food processor, puree the roasted squash mixture with broth, miso paste, and cream.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Shoyu Ramen with Chashu Pork
This classic Japanese recipe combines the rich flavors of soy sauce, pork, and noodles to create a comforting bowl of goodness. With tender chashu pork and springy ramen noodles swimming in a savory shoyu broth, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or shoulder
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup soy sauce (shoyu)
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 12 ounces ramen noodles
– Sliced green onions and bean sprouts for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
3. Meanwhile, braise the pork belly in sesame oil until tender, about 2 hours.
4. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions.
5. Assemble bowls by placing cooked noodles, sliced chashu pork, and garnishes.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (braising time) + 15 minutes (cooking noodles)
Kinoko Soup (Mushroom Clear Soup)
This classic Japanese soup, known as Kinoko Soup, is a comforting and savory dish that highlights the rich flavor of mushrooms. With its delicate broth and tender vegetables, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, oyster), sliced
– 4 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms, carrot, and dashi broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in soy sauce and mirin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Tamago Toji Soup (Egg Drop Soup)
A classic Japanese comfort food, Tamago Toji Soup is a simple and soothing dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth and water to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Crack in the eggs and whisk them gently with a fork until they’re well-beaten.
3. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the pot while stirring it gently with a spoon to create thin, egg-drop-like strands.
4. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Kenchinjiru (Vegetable and Tofu Soup)
A comforting and nutritious Japanese soup that combines the creaminess of tofu with a variety of colorful vegetables, perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 potato, peeled and diced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (such as shiitake and cremini), sliced
– 4 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and grated daikon for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, potato, and mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the tofu and dashi broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the soup has reached desired consistency.
5. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and daikon if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Suimono (Clear Broth with Seafood)
A classic Japanese soup that highlights the delicate flavors of seafood, Suimono is a refreshing and revitalizing dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups dashi broth (or substitute with chicken or fish stock)
– 1/2 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams)
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions
– 1/4 cup grated daikon radish
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring the dashi broth to a simmer in a large pot.
2. Add the mixed seafood and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through.
3. Stir in the green onions, daikon radish, soy sauce, and mirin.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Nabeyaki Udon (Hot Pot Udon)
Nabeyaki Udon is a popular Japanese hot pot dish from the Kansai region, where udon noodles are cooked in a savory broth with various ingredients. This recipe serves 2-3 people and can be adjusted to suit individual tastes.
Ingredients:
– 200g udon noodles
– 400ml dashi broth (or substitute with chicken or vegetable stock)
– 1/4 cup sliced pork (such as pork loin or shoulder), cut into thin strips
– 1/2 cup mixed mushrooms (e.g., shiitake, cremini, and button)
– 1/4 cup diced carrots
– 1/4 cup diced green beans
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame oil for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the dashi broth to a simmer in a large pot.
2. Add the sliced pork, mushrooms, carrots, and green beans. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the ingredients are cooked through.
3. Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Add the cooked noodles to the hot pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring gently.
5. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sesame oil if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gomoku Wan (Five-Ingredient Clear Soup)
This traditional Japanese soup, also known as Five-Ingredient Clear Soup, is a staple of many Japanese households. With only five ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dashi broth (or chicken or vegetable broth)
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions
– 1/4 cup shredded shiitake mushrooms
– 1/4 cup diced tofu
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions:
1. Bring the dashi broth to a simmer in a large pot.
2. Add the sliced green onions, shredded mushrooms, and diced tofu. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the soy sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Shrimp and Daikon Radish Soup
This light and refreshing soup is perfect for a hot summer day. The sweetness of the shrimp pairs perfectly with the crunchiness of daikon radish, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 medium daikon radishes, peeled and sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and just done, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the sliced daikon radish and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until slightly caramelized.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the radish is tender.
6. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pot and stir in soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Miso Ramen with Ground Pork
A flavorful and spicy twist on traditional ramen, this recipe combines the richness of ground pork with the savory depth of miso paste.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground pork
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon white miso paste
– 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 8 oz ramen noodles
– Scallions, thinly sliced
– Sesame seeds and grated daikon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. In a large pot or wok, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the ground pork, garlic, and ginger. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in the miso paste and gochujang. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Serve hot, garnished with scallions, sesame seeds, and grated daikon if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Yosenabe (Seafood and Vegetable Hot Pot)
Experience the warmth and comfort of a traditional Japanese hot pot with this easy-to-make Yosenabe recipe, perfect for any occasion. This flavorful dish is packed with an assortment of seafood and vegetables, all cooked to perfection in a savory broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (or dry white wine)
– 4 cups dashi broth (or chicken stock)
– 1/2 cup sliced carrots
– 1/2 cup sliced lotus root
– 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
– 1/2 pound assorted seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams)
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add soy sauce and sake; simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Add dashi broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and add vegetables; cook for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
5. Add seafood and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get cozy with these 18 delicious Japanese soup recipes, perfect for every season! From hearty hot pots to comforting clear broths, this collection has something for everyone. Try classic miso soups like Miso Soup with Tofu and Wakame or Tonjiru (Pork and Vegetable Miso Soup), or explore unique flavors like Clear Clam Soup with Sake or Spicy Miso Ramen with Ground Pork. With a range of ingredients and cooking methods, these recipes will warm your belly and your heart.
