Prepare to be transported to the delicate world of Japanese cuisine with this incredibly simple yet profoundly flavorful Clear Onion Soup. Imagine a light, translucent broth that captures the sweet essence of slowly caramelized onions, delivering a comforting warmth that dances between subtle and satisfying. This isn't just a soup—it's a culinary journey that proves sometimes the most extraordinary flavors emerge from the simplest ingredients.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Sesame oil, for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Thinly slice the two large onions and set them aside. Grate the ginger and keep it ready for later use.
- In a large pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions to the pot.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes or until they become soft and translucent. Avoid browning the onions; the goal is to gently caramelize them to bring out their sweetness.
- Once the onions are softened, add the 4 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of water to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
- Next, add the 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and the 1 teaspoon of grated ginger to the pot. Stir to incorporate all the flavors.
- Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce for additional saltiness or more ginger for a stronger flavor.
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls for serving. Drizzle a small amount of sesame oil on top of each bowl for added flavor and aroma.
- Garnish with any additional toppings you prefer, such as chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Japanese Clear Onion Soup!
Tips
- Slice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Use medium heat when caramelizing onions to prevent burning and achieve a gentle, sweet flavor.
- Choose a high-quality chicken broth, as it forms the base of your soup's flavor profile.
- Don't rush the caramelization process—patience is key to developing rich, deep onion sweetness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- The sesame oil drizzle is crucial—it adds a nutty, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and temperature experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
