17 Traditional Japanese Savory Soup Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Traditional Japanese cuisine is known for its simplicity, balance of flavors, and use of fresh and seasonal ingredients. One dish that embodies all of these qualities is a savory soup, or "suimono" in Japanese. This soup is not only delicious and nourishing, but it also holds cultural significance in Japan. In this article, we will dive into the history and ingredients of this traditional Japanese savory soup recipe, and learn how to recreate it in our own kitchens. So grab your chopsticks and let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Water, Fresh Ginger Root, Garlic, Soy
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, then you've probably had the pleasure of dining at a Japanese steakhouse. While the main dishes are always delicious, one of the highlights of the meal is often the savory soup that's served at the beginning. Now, you can recreate that same delicious soup at home with this easy Japanese steakhouse soup recipe. Not only is it simple and quick to make, but it's also packed with bold umami flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.
Udon noodles are thick, chewy, and incredibly satisfying. They're a staple in Japanese cuisine and are often used in soups and stir-fry dishes. This Japanese udon noodle soup recipe combines the comforting warmth of a soup with the hearty texture of udon noodles. It's perfect for a chilly day or when you're feeling under the weather.
Ramen is a beloved dish in Japan and has gained immense popularity all over the world. While it may seem daunting to make at home, this Japanese ramen recipe breaks it down into easy steps that anyone can follow. The result is a rich and flavorful broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and tender slices of chashu pork.
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Easy Miso Soup (Japanese Clear Soup)
Main Ingredients: Water, Seaweed, Nori, Shimeji Mushrooms, Baby Spinach
Miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often served as a side dish with meals. This easy miso soup recipe uses just a few simple ingredients to create a clear and delicate broth that's filled with umami flavors. It's the perfect accompaniment to any Japanese dish or can be enjoyed on its own as a light and nourishing soup.
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Japanese Miso, Kale and Tofu Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, White Miso Paste, Garlic Cloves, Fresh
If you're looking for a healthy and flavorful soup, then this Japanese miso, kale, and tofu soup is a must-try. Packed with nutritious ingredients, including kale, tofu, and shiitake mushrooms, this soup is not only delicious but also good for you. The miso adds a depth of flavor and the tofu provides a creamy texture, making this soup a hearty and satisfying meal.
For all the spice lovers out there, this Japanese spicy miso ramen recipe is a game-changer. The broth is infused with spicy chili paste and miso, creating a fiery and flavorful base for the ramen noodles. Top it off with your choice of protein, such as pork or chicken, and a variety of veggies, and you've got a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Slow Cooker Japanese Pork and Ramen Soup
Main Ingredients: Onions, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Ginger, Vegetable Oil, Low
This slow cooker Japanese pork and ramen soup is the ultimate comfort food. The tender pork and flavorful broth are cooked low and slow, resulting in a rich and satisfying soup that will warm you up from the inside out. Plus, using a slow cooker means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying this delicious meal.
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Japanese Udon - Tofu Soup
Main Ingredients: Silken Tofu, Udon Noodles, White Miso, Bouillon
This Japanese udon soup with tofu is a vegetarian-friendly option that doesn't skimp on flavor. The udon noodles and tofu are cooked in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, mirin, and ginger, creating a delicious and well-balanced soup. You can also add your favorite veggies or protein to make it your own.
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Japanese Onion Mushroom Udon Soup
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame, Dressing, Cooking Sherry, Chicken
Onion and mushroom lovers, this one's for you. This Japanese onion mushroom udon soup is packed with savory and earthy flavors that will satisfy your cravings. The broth is made with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, and the udon noodles are cooked to perfection. Top it off with caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms for a delicious and hearty soup.
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Japanese Style Egg Drop Soup (Kakitama-jiru)
Main Ingredients: Dashi Stock, Light Soy Sauce, Salt, Cornflour, Egg
Egg drop soup is a classic Chinese dish, but this Japanese style egg drop soup, known as kakitama-jiru, puts a unique twist on it. The broth is made with dashi and miso, giving it a rich and complex flavor. The eggs are gently dropped into the soup and cooked to perfection, creating ribbons of creamy and savory goodness.
This Japanese vegetable miso soup is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies. It's made with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, mushrooms, and spinach, and the miso adds a delicious depth of flavor. It's a simple and healthy soup that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal.
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Mentsuyu (Japanese Noodle Soup Base)
Main Ingredients: Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Kombu, Bonito Flakes
Mentsuyu is a versatile Japanese noodle soup base that can be used to make a variety of soups, including udon, soba, and ramen. This recipe uses just a few basic ingredients, including dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, to create a flavorful and umami-packed broth. It's a must-have for any Japanese soup lover.
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Simple Miso Soup
Main Ingredients: Water, Miso, Garlic, Green Onions, Kale
If you're short on time but still want a delicious and nourishing soup, then this simple miso soup recipe is perfect for you. It only takes 15 minutes to make and uses just a few basic ingredients, making it a quick and easy option for a weekday meal. Plus, the miso and tofu provide a good source of protein, making it a well-balanced dish.
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Tori Zosui—Japanese Rice & Chicken Porridge
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Dashi Kombu, Coarsely Ground Black
Tori zosui, also known as Japanese rice and chicken porridge, is a comforting and hearty soup that's perfect for a chilly day. It's made with rice, chicken, and a variety of vegetables, and is often topped with a raw egg for added richness. This dish is popular for breakfast in Japan, but it can be enjoyed any time of day.
This Japanese noodle soup is a delicious and filling meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight. The broth is made with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, and the noodles are cooked to perfection. It's then topped with your choice of protein and veggies, making it a customizable and satisfying soup.
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Ume ochazuke (rice soup with Japanese pickled plums)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Green Tea, Nori, Pickled Plum, Wasabi
This unique soup, known as ume ochazuke, combines warm rice with a flavorful broth made from green tea and Japanese pickled plums. The result is a light and refreshing soup that's perfect for a quick and easy meal. You can also add your choice of toppings, such as salmon, seaweed, or pickled vegetables, to make it even more delicious.
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Japanese Eggplant Miso Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Extra Firm Tofu, Toasted Sesame Oil
Eggplant and miso are a match made in heaven, and this Japanese eggplant miso noodle soup is proof of that. The eggplant is roasted until tender and then added to a flavorful broth made with dashi, miso, and soy sauce. The result is a delicious and comforting soup that's perfect for any time of year.
Stock is the base of many Japanese soups and dishes, and this Japanese stock recipe is a must-have in any kitchen. Made with kombu, bonito flakes, and water, this stock is packed with umami flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes. It's also a great option for vegetarians, as it does not contain any meat products.
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Japanese Donabe Clay Pot Seafood Soup
Main Ingredients: Dashi, Mirin, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Scallions, Ice
Donabe clay pots are a traditional Japanese cooking vessel that is used to make a variety of dishes, including this delicious seafood soup. Packed with seafood, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this soup is a showstopper that's perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
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Nourishing Japanese Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Water, Dried Mushrooms, Medium Onion, Garlic, Large
Last but certainly not least, this nourishing Japanese vegetable soup is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies. It's made with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, mushrooms, and bok choy, and the broth is infused with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for added flavor. It's a simple and healthy soup that's perfect for any time of year.
History of Suimono
Suimono has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated from China and was introduced to Japan during the Nara period (710-794 AD). However, the soup didn't gain popularity until the Edo period (1603-1868 AD), when it became a part of the daily meals of the samurai class. Suimono was often served as a side dish to accompany rice and other dishes. Today, it is still a common dish served in Japanese homes and restaurants.
The Key Ingredients
The foundation of suimono is a clear broth made from dashi, a Japanese stock made from kombu (dried kelp) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes). This broth is then seasoned with soy sauce, mirin, and sake, giving it a delicate and umami-rich flavor. Other key ingredients include seasonal vegetables, such as daikon radish, carrots, and mushrooms, and protein options like tofu, chicken, or seafood. The type of ingredients used can vary depending on the season and region, making suimono a versatile and adaptable dish.
The Art of Presentation
In Japanese cuisine, presentation is just as important as taste. Suimono is traditionally served in a lacquer bowl, accompanied by a lid and a small bamboo ladle. The soup is then garnished with thinly sliced scallions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and maybe a few drops of yuzu juice for a citrusy kick. The result is a visually pleasing and appetizing dish that reflects the simplicity and elegance of Japanese culture.
Making Suimono at Home
While suimono may seem like a complicated dish, it is actually quite simple to make at home. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to follow the proper techniques. Start by making the dashi broth and then add your desired vegetables and protein. Let the ingredients simmer until they are cooked through, then season the broth with soy sauce, mirin, and sake to taste. Serve the soup in a traditional lacquer bowl and enjoy it while it's hot.
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