Description
This Japanese Clear Mushroom Soup is a light and flavorful broth-based dish featuring a mix of fresh mushrooms simmered in traditional dashi stock. Enhanced with soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of sesame oil, this soup offers a delicate umami taste, perfect as a starter or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 cups dashi stock (instant dashi powder or homemade)
Mushrooms and Vegetables
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced (or mixed mushrooms such as oyster, enoki, or button)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions (scallions)
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp white pepper (optional, for mild heat)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Dashi Stock: In a medium pot, bring the dashi stock to a gentle simmer over medium heat to prepare the soup base.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the simmering stock and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and have infused the broth with their rich flavor.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the soy sauce, mirin, optional sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce or salt as preferred.
- Simmer to Blend Flavors: Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld harmoniously.
- Add Green Onions: Just before serving, stir in the thinly sliced green onions, then remove the pot from heat promptly to preserve their fresh flavor.
- Serve with Garnish: Ladle the clear mushroom soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy its delicate warmth.
Notes
- Use a variety of mushrooms for a more complex flavor profile.
- Dashi stock can be made from scratch using kombu and bonito flakes or substituted with instant dashi powder for convenience.
- Adjust soy sauce and salt carefully as dashi and soy sauce contribute to the saltiness.
- Sesame oil is optional but adds a subtle nuttiness; omit if preferred.
- Serve hot to best enjoy the clear broth and fresh ingredients.
