10 Delicious Japanese Soup Recipes You Must Try

If you’re craving something warm and comforting, Japanese soup recipes offer a delightful array of flavors and textures to enjoy. From classic miso soup to hearty ramen, these recipes are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Let’s explore some delicious options that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!

Soba Noodle Soup with Dashi Broth

Soba noodle soup with dashi broth is a comforting dish that brings warmth and umami flavors to your table. The delicate buckwheat noodles soak up the rich, savory broth, creating a satisfying meal that’s both simple and satisfying.

This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy lunch. The combination of fresh ingredients and the aromatic broth makes it a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 4 cups dashi broth
• 200g soba noodles
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Optional: sliced mushrooms or tofu

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: In a pot, heat the dashi broth over medium heat. Add soy sauce and mirin to it, stirring gently to combine.
2. Cook the Noodles: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked soba noodles to the hot dashi broth and let them warm up for a minute. If using, add sliced mushrooms or tofu at this stage.
4. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Enjoy your warm bowl of soba noodle soup!

Yudofu: Silken Tofu Hot Pot

Yudofu is a comforting Japanese hot pot dish featuring silken tofu simmered in a light broth. Its delicate flavors highlight the smooth texture of the tofu, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. This dish is simple to prepare and ideal for those looking for a warm, wholesome option that doesn’t require extensive cooking skills.

When you take a bite of yudofu, you’ll experience the subtle, soothing taste of the tofu complemented by the umami from the broth. It’s often served with dipping sauces, allowing you to customize each bite to your liking. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or as part of a larger Japanese meal, yudofu is sure to please!

Ingredients

• 1 block of silken tofu
• 4 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Optional: ponzu sauce for dipping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: In a pot, bring the dashi broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Add Tofu: Carefully cut the silken tofu into cubes and gently add them to the simmering broth. Allow the tofu to heat through for about 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate Vegetables: Add the sliced green onions and shiitake mushrooms to the pot and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes.
4. Season: Stir in the soy sauce and mirin, adjusting to taste.
5. Serve: Ladle the yudofu into bowls, garnishing with sesame seeds. Serve with ponzu sauce on the side for dipping.

Miso Soup with Tofu and Seaweed

Miso soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s a staple in Japanese cuisine. It’s known for its rich umami taste, thanks to the fermented miso paste, combined with the soft texture of tofu and the subtle ocean flavor from seaweed. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also quite simple to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a soothing start to your day.

This soup is wholesome and nourishing, often enjoyed as a side dish or as part of a larger meal. The combination of silky tofu cubes and tender seaweed creates a delightful texture that complements the savory broth. Plus, it’s easily customizable—feel free to add more vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 4 cups dashi broth (or water)
• 3 tablespoons miso paste (white or red)
• 1 block of firm tofu, cubed
• 1 cup wakame seaweed (rehydrated if dried)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: In a pot, bring the dashi broth to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add Miso: In a small bowl, mix the miso paste with a bit of the warm broth until smooth, then stir it back into the pot. Avoid boiling the soup after adding miso to preserve its flavor.
3. Add Tofu and Seaweed: Gently add the cubed tofu and rehydrated wakame to the pot. Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Finish: Stir in the chopped green onions and soy sauce, if using. Serve hot and enjoy!

Udon Noodle Soup with Vegetables

Udon noodle soup is a comforting bowl of warmth that combines soft, chewy noodles with a flavorful broth and fresh vegetables. This dish offers a delightful umami taste from the broth, enhanced by the vibrant colors and crunch of the veggies. It’s not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal.

The beauty of udon noodle soup lies in its versatility. You can mix and match your favorite vegetables, and it easily adapts to whatever you have on hand. This recipe will guide you through creating a nourishing bowl that’s both satisfying and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups udon noodles
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup sliced zucchini
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add Vegetables: Stir in sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add Broth and Noodles: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add udon noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season: Stir in soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds before serving.

Ramen with Pork and Soft Boiled Eggs

This Ramen with Pork and Soft Boiled Eggs is a delightful bowl of comfort food. The rich, savory broth combined with tender pork and perfectly cooked soft-boiled eggs creates a warm and satisfying meal. It’s simple enough to prepare at home, making it a great option for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

The flavors of this dish come together beautifully, with the umami from the broth and the luscious yolk from the eggs enhancing each bite. Whether you’re a ramen expert or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 200g ramen noodles
• 250g pork belly, sliced
• 2 soft-boiled eggs
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon miso paste
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: In a pot, combine chicken broth, water, soy sauce, and miso paste. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Cook the Noodles: Add the ramen noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes.
3. Cook the Pork: In a separate pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add sliced pork belly and cook until browned and crispy.
4. Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, place cooked noodles followed by the broth. Top with crispy pork, halved soft-boiled eggs, and chopped green onions.
5. Garnish and Serve: Add fresh cilantro on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade ramen!

Nabeyaki Udon with Tempura

Nabeyaki Udon is a comforting Japanese noodle soup that warms both the body and soul. This dish features thick udon noodles served in a rich broth, typically accompanied by a variety of toppings, including shrimp tempura and seasonal vegetables. The combination of savory flavors and the delightful texture of the udon make it a favorite among many.

This recipe is relatively simple to make, perfect for a cozy night in or to impress guests at dinner. With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of Nabeyaki Udon right at home!

Ingredients

• 200g udon noodles
• 4 cups dashi broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 100g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 100g chicken breast, sliced
• 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Tempura batter (for shrimp tempura)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: In a pot, combine the dashi broth, soy sauce, and mirin. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
2. Cook the Noodles: In a separate pot, cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Add Ingredients: To the simmering broth, add the chicken, shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and tofu. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the shrimp turns pink.
4. Fry the Tempura: Prepare the tempura batter and heat vegetable oil in a frying pan. Dip the shrimp in the batter and fry until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble the Bowl: In a serving bowl, place the cooked udon noodles. Pour the hot broth and toppings over the noodles. Top with tempura, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
6. Serve: Enjoy your homemade Nabeyaki Udon hot!

Chawanmushi: Savory Egg Custard Soup

Chawanmushi is a delightful Japanese dish that combines the simplicity of egg custard with a variety of savory ingredients. This silky smooth soup is light yet rich, offering a comforting taste that warms the heart. Made with eggs, dashi broth, and fillings like mushrooms, shrimp, and chicken, it’s an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, chawanmushi is versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Its subtle flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite among many. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups dashi broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon mirin
• 1/2 cup cooked shrimp
• 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup chicken, diced
• Salt to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, dashi broth, soy sauce, and mirin until well combined. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to ensure smooth custard.
2. Add Fillings: Divide the shrimp, mushrooms, and chicken evenly into small cups or ramekins. Pour the egg mixture over the fillings, leaving some space at the top.
3. Steam the Custard: Place the cups in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover with a lid and steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until the custard is set.
4. Serve: Remove the cups from the steamer and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving warm.

Tom Yum Ramen: A Fusion Delight

Tom Yum Ramen brings an exciting twist to traditional ramen by combining the bold flavors of Thai Tom Yum soup with Japanese ramen noodles. This dish is known for its zesty, tangy, and aromatic profile, making it a perfect comfort food for those chilly nights or when you’re in need of a pick-me-up. It’s surprisingly simple to make, taking just a few steps to whip up a delicious bowl of fusion goodness.

The balance of spicy, sour, and umami flavors in this soup is sure to awaken your taste buds. Fresh herbs, vibrant lime juice, and hearty noodles come together for a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easily accessible and perfect for any night of the week!

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon Tom Yum paste
• 200g ramen noodles
• 200g shrimp or tofu
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 red chili, sliced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: In a pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer. Stir in the Tom Yum paste, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves.
2. Cook the Noodles: Add the ramen noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions until tender.
3. Add Proteins and Veggies: In the last few minutes of cooking, add the shrimp or tofu and mushrooms. Cook until the shrimp is pink and cooked through or the tofu is warmed.
4. Finish with Lime: Remove the pot from heat and stir in lime juice and sliced chili for an extra kick.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Clear Soup with Fish and Greens

This Japanese clear soup is a delightful and light dish that shines with fresh flavors. The combination of tender fish and vibrant greens creates a comforting bowl that’s perfect for a quick meal or as a starter for a special occasion. With its simple preparation, this soup is both satisfying and easy to make, making it a great choice for any home cook.

The clear broth, enriched with the essence of fish and aromatic greens, offers a soothing and refreshing experience. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or looking for a nourishing dish, this soup hits the spot.

Ingredients

• 4 cups dashi broth
• 200g white fish fillets (like cod or salmon)
• 1 cup spinach or bok choy
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: In a pot, heat the dashi broth until it’s steaming but not boiling. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil.
2. Add the Fish: Gently place the fish fillets into the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
3. Incorporate the Greens: Add the spinach or bok choy to the pot and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
4. Season: Taste the broth and adjust with salt if needed.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with chopped green onions before enjoying.

Japanese Vegetable Soup with Daikon

This Japanese Vegetable Soup featuring daikon is a delightful bowl of warmth and comfort. It’s light yet satisfying, combining tender vegetables with a savory broth. The delicate flavors make it a soothing option for any meal, and it’s incredibly simple to whip up, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends.

The star of this soup is the daikon radish, which adds a subtle sweetness and unique texture. Along with a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup is not only nourishing but also a great way to use up leftover produce. You’ll love how quickly it comes together!

Ingredients

• 1 medium daikon radish, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (like cilantro or basil)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the daikon, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
2. Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mushrooms and soy sauce.
3. Simmer: Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, mixing occasionally until all the vegetables are tender.
4. Season: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh herbs before enjoying!