As I cradle the smooth lacquer bowl in my hands, the aromatic steam rising from the savory broth is a sensory invitation to immerse myself in the rich culinary heritage of Japan. The milky white hue, courtesy of deposits of fat and collagen, teases the senses, drawing me in with its intensely savory aroma. A polite slurp of the noodles acknowledges the pleasure that awaits.
My mind, however, remains preoccupied – I’m seated at my favorite ramen restaurant, brainstorming ideas for this column, and coming up woefully short. Love for ramen is universal, but it’s hardly the only Japanese soup worth exploring. In fact, 19th-century Chinese traders introduced ramen to Japan, making it an import worthy of consideration. As I fidget with my chopsticks, the restaurant owner, remarkably spry for her age, wanders over, collagen-lined complexion radiating a sense of vitality.
Her solution to my creative block is a weighty hardback held reverently to her chest – ‘Japanese soups,’ she says, nodding sagely. My savior, and yours. From ramen to udon, potage, and more, this list promises a culinary adventure that’s sure to leave you craving for more.
Kenchinjiru: Japanese Vegan Soup
Legend has it that the monks at Japan’s oldest Zen Buddhist temple, Kenchō-ji, conjured up this humble yet sublime soup. The essence of its simplicity is unmistakable – from the restrained use of salt to the subtle infusion of sake, every component is a masterclass in understated elegance. This unassuming dish embodies the very spirit of culinary asceticism.
Nikujaga: Beef And Potatoes In Broth
Forget any notion of traditional cooking methods – instead, trust your senses and adjust ingredients on-the-fly. Your eyes, nose, and mouth will guide you as you taste and refine each dish in real-time. The art of Nikujaga is all about embracing flexibility and responding to the nuances of flavor and texture with each bite. A subtle splash of sake adds a delicate bitterness, while a pinch of salt harmonizes the entire palette – a refreshing departure from rigid recipe-following.
As you navigate this cooking style, you’ll need to consider not only the main course, but also the appetizers that will precede it.
Corn Potage
What we’ve grown to love about oatmeal has been surpassed by a new breakfast obsession: this rich and comforting soup. The velvety texture and cozy warmth make it hard to resist, especially when it’s spent the day in the fridge, developing an irresistible mushiness that pairs perfectly with the leftover cold sausage for a satisfying lunch.
Dashi, The Easiest Japanese Stock
The cornerstone of Japanese cuisine’s renowned clear broths and consommés is Dashi, a culinary foundation that can be defined simply as ‘stock’. While there are numerous variations of Dashi, the classic combination of light konbu (seaweed) and musky katsuobushi (bonito) serves as the quintessential blueprint. This versatile stock is capable of elevating an array of dishes, its rich umami flavor expertly amplifying the essence of any ingredient it’s paired with.
Ramen Udon Broth
Savoring the flavors of a rich and aromatic broth, this recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a good comfort food. The best part? It only gets better with time. To bring out its full potential, simply pop it on the hob a day ahead and let it simmer until it reaches a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld together in harmony.
Ramen With A Taste Of The Ocean
The seemingly intimidating process of crafting this ramen belies the joy that lies within. As you stir the broth and prepare the ingredients, the anticipation builds, making the journey just as rewarding as the final product. This weekend recipe is designed for minimal fuss, requiring only occasional stirring to bring everything together. Meanwhile, a purposeful visit to your local fishmonger will yield the freshest catch of the day.
To complete this culinary masterpiece, look for a delightful Japanese dessert to pair with your treasure.
Japanese Broth With Soba Noodles And Tempeh
The harmonious union of nanami togarashi (Japanese hot peppers) and tempeh creates a fascinating contrast in this iconic Japanese noodle soup. The spicy kick from the nanami togarashi is beautifully balanced by the nutty flavor of the tempeh, producing a culinary symphony that will tantalize your taste buds. Meanwhile, the toasted sesame oil adds a subtle depth to the dish, its smoky undertones only apparent to those with a discerning palate.
To complete this masterpiece, simply add the noodles and finish with a burst of citrusy lemon juice and a sprinkle of flaky salt for added texture and flavor.
Ginger Miso Soup
For those who value their time in the kitchen, this recipe offers a speedy solution. It’s a bowl of instant satisfaction, ideal for late-night cravings or busy morning routines when every minute counts.
Cooking Insight: For adventurous cooks, consider crafting your own miso from scratch. Simply source koji online and substitute alternative beans and grains if soybeans are unavailable.
Japanese Donabe Clay Pot Soup
Savoring each spoonful of this exquisite soup is akin to experiencing a sensory delight, as the aromatic goodness wafts up to greet your senses. The dish’s effortless elegance belies its simplicity, as the subtle flavors seamlessly meld together to create a rich, satisfying broth that will leave you feeling nourished and content.
Tonkatsu Ramen At Home
Forgo the convenience store pizza on weekends and indulge in the savory goodness of homemade ramen instead. This mouth-watering alternative offers the freedom to tailor the dish to your personal taste preferences, with our favorite addition being thinly sliced daikon radish, its crunch adding a delightful textural element.
Japanese Tomato Noodle Soups
Savoring noodles in a warm bowl of soup, anywhere in the world, is a culinary experience that’s hard to beat. The key to this comforting dish lies not only in its ingredients but also in the art of preparation. While some might view the unrefined sesame oil as an unnecessary indulgence, it’s precisely these subtle nuances that elevate the overall taste and aroma of the soup, making every spoonful a satisfying treat.
Kitsune Udon Soup
Kitsune udon’s moniker stems from the presence of seasoned fried tofu on top of the dish, a nod to the mythical fox’s supposed fondness for this ingredient. This popular Japanese noodle soup boasts an undeniable charm, earning it the distinction as the cutest of all Japanese broths.
Refreshing Cold Noodle Soup
Indulge in the refreshing taste of these yuzu-coated noodles, best savored at room temperature or chilled. The subtle woody and sweet notes from the shichimi togarashi – Japanese for ‘seven flavor chili pepper’ – add an unexpected depth to each bite. If you’re craving a culinary experience that’s anything but ordinary, this dish is sure to delight. It may not be sushi soup, but it’s definitely the most exciting thing you can put in a bowl.
The bottom line
Japanese stews may appear deceptively simple at first glance, with their clear broths and hearty noodles. However, scratch beneath the surface and they reveal a depth of umami flavors and spicy notes that leave a lasting impression. The beauty of these soups lies in their adaptability, allowing you to add an array of ingredients to create unique flavor profiles. Why not try incorporating Korean Gochujang for a bold Asian fusion twist? So, how do you take your soup?
Are you a fan of the classics or do you like to experiment with new flavors and ingredients? Whatever your preference, there’s something on this list that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. And yes, ramen is delicious, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Japanese soups. From udon and potage to a host of other mouthwatering options, you won’t want to miss out on these culinary delights.
