Elegant Japanese Soup

Elegant Japanese Soup Recipe - Chicken Broth, Scallops, and More

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Elegant Japanese Soup is a light and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. This soup is made with a clear chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, and a touch of dry wine for added depth of flavor. It is then filled with vegetables, seafood, and garnished with lemon slices and green onions for a beautiful presentation.

History

Japanese cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple preparation techniques. This Elegant Japanese Soup recipe reflects those principles, with a focus on highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients used. The combination of seafood, vegetables, and citrus in this soup is a classic Japanese flavor profile that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

6 cups clear chicken broth
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp light soy sauce (or use the Japanese Soy)
5 tbsp medium dry sherry (or madeira wine)
6 green onions, cleaned, white part with 1 inch of green left on
6 mushrooms, cleaned, thinly sliced, stems removed (Use 1" mushrooms)
0.5 cup carrots, thinly sliced on the diagonal (slices approximately 1" across)
6 slices of lemons
12 medium prawns
12 small scallops or 6 large scallops, cut in half

How to prepare

Bring the broth to a boil.
Add mushrooms and carrots, simmer for 2 minutes.
Add raw prawns and scallops, simmer until the prawns are just pink.
Stir in the lemon juice, soy sauce, and sherry.
Strain the broth into 6 soup bowls and arrange some carrots, mushrooms, 2 prawns, and 2 scallops in an artistic manner.
Place a slice of lemon and a green onion in each bowl. Serve.
Note: To clarify the broth, whisk an egg white into one cup of cool broth. Whisk this mixture into the rest of the cooled broth and heat it to boiling, whisking continuously. When the broth comes to a boil, remove it from heat and let it rest for 20 minutes. Then, scoop off the frothy top to obtain a clear broth.

Variations

Feel free to customize this soup with your favorite vegetables, such as snow peas, bok choy, or bamboo shoots. You can also add tofu or chicken for additional protein options.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure a clear broth, be sure to follow the instructions for clarifying the broth with egg whites.

- Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough and rubbery.

- Feel free to customize this soup with your favorite vegetables or seafood options.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Elegant Japanese Soup as a starter for a Japanese-inspired meal, or as a light main course with a side of rice or noodles.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is to simmer the seafood gently until just cooked through, to ensure a tender and flavorful result.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. You can also use vegetable broth as a substitute for chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the broth and vegetables ahead of time and add the seafood just before serving to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This Elegant Japanese Soup pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light Japanese beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

3g per serving

Proteins

18g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (prawns and scallops) and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Elegant Japanese Soup is a light and nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in protein. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Elegant Japanese Soup is a light and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. This soup is made with a clear chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, and a touch of dry wine, and filled with vegetables and seafood for a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy this soup as a starter or a main course for a taste of Japanese cuisine at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Elegant Japanese Soup. It was a crisp autumn day, and I had just finished a yoga class at the local community center. As I was gathering my things to leave, I overheard two women chatting excitedly about a new Japanese restaurant that had opened in town. They were raving about the delicious food and unique flavors, especially a soup that one of them described as "elegant and comforting."

Intrigued by their conversation, I couldn't resist asking them for more details about this mysterious soup. They were kind enough to share the ingredients and a rough idea of the preparation process with me, but they couldn't remember the exact measurements or techniques. Determined to recreate this dish at home, I thanked them profusely and headed straight to the grocery store to pick up the necessary ingredients.

Back in my cozy kitchen, I laid out the ingredients on the counter and took a deep breath. The recipe seemed simple enough - a combination of dashi broth, shiitake mushrooms, tofu, green onions, and a few other key ingredients that would give the soup its unique flavor profile. I carefully measured out each ingredient, remembering the recommendations of the women I had met earlier that day.

As the soup began to simmer on the stove, the aroma of the dashi broth filled the kitchen, transporting me back to that Japanese restaurant the women had described. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product and see if I had successfully recreated the elegant and comforting soup they had raved about.

After a few minutes of gentle cooking, I ladled the soup into a bowl and took my first spoonful. The flavors were delicate yet complex, with the umami richness of the mushrooms and tofu blending perfectly with the savory dashi broth. I closed my eyes and savored each spoonful, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me.

From that day on, Elegant Japanese Soup became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time I prepared it, I would think back to that chance encounter at the community center and the kind women who had shared their love for Japanese cuisine with me.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, experimenting with different variations and techniques to make it truly my own. I added a touch of mirin for sweetness, a sprinkle of nori for a hint of sea saltiness, and a dash of soy sauce for depth of flavor. Each new iteration brought me closer to the perfect balance of ingredients that would make the soup truly elegant.

As I shared my recipe with friends and family, they too fell in love with the delicate flavors and comforting warmth of Elegant Japanese Soup. They would ask for the recipe, and I would gladly pass it along, knowing that it would bring them as much joy and satisfaction as it had brought me.

And so, this simple yet elegant soup became not just a dish, but a symbol of the connections we make through food. It was a reminder of the power of shared experiences and the joy of discovering new flavors and traditions. I was grateful for that chance encounter at the community center all those years ago, for it had led me to a recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary journey.