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Light Japanese Clear Onion Soup with Tofu and Mushrooms

light Japanese clear onion soup - featured image
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A light, comforting Japanese clear onion soup featuring silky soft tofu and earthy mushrooms in a delicate dashi broth, perfect for a quick and nourishing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 block soft tofu (about 14 oz / 400 g), cut into cubes
  • 1 cup shiitake or cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 cups Japanese dashi stock (950 ml)
  • 4-inch piece kombu (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the kombu in 4 cups (950 ml) of cold water in a pot. Let soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour if possible. Slowly bring to near-boil over medium heat. Remove kombu just before boiling to avoid bitterness. Add dashi powder if using instant stock and stir until dissolved.
  2. While kombu soaks, thinly slice onions and mushrooms.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil or a splash of water in a separate pan over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent but not browned, about 15 minutes.
  4. Add sliced mushrooms to onions during the last 5 minutes of cooking to soften and release aroma.
  5. Pour prepared dashi broth into the pan with onions and mushrooms. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon mirin. Taste and add salt if needed.
  7. Gently add cubed soft tofu into the simmering soup. Warm through carefully without stirring vigorously to avoid breaking tofu, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle thinly sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Do not rush cooking onions; slow cooking brings out natural sweetness. Remove kombu before water boils to avoid bitterness. Handle soft tofu gently to maintain silky texture. Use tamari for gluten-free version. Strain broth for extra clarity if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Japanese soup, clear onion soup, tofu soup, mushroom soup, light soup, healthy soup, dashi broth, easy Japanese recipe

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/light-japanese-clear-onion-soup-with-tofu-and-mushrooms-easy-homemade-recipe-for-healthy-comfort/