If you love the comforting flavors of restaurant-style broth but want to create it easily in your own kitchen, you’ve absolutely got to try making Japanese Hibachi Soup (Clear Onion Soup) – Benihana-Style at Home. This beautiful, crystal-clear soup features a delicate yet rich broth infused with the sweetness of onions and the savory depth of mushrooms, all finished off with that satisfying crunch of fried onions. It’s the perfect bowl to warm your soul, impress your family, and bring a touch of hibachi magic into your home entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Japanese Hibachi Soup (Clear Onion Soup) – Benihana-Style at Home lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role in crafting a broth that’s clear yet deeply flavorful, with just the right balance of textures and aromas that invite you to savor every spoonful.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory, rich base that forms the heart of the soup.
- 2 cups water: Lightens the broth to keep it clear and delicate.
- ½ large onion, roughly chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
- ¼ cup carrot, roughly chopped: Brings subtle earthiness and a touch of color to the simmering pot.
- ¼ cup celery, roughly chopped: Offers a gentle aromatic freshness that balances the broth.
- 1 clove garlic, chopped: Infuses a mellow garlic undertone without overpowering the soup.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming the delicate balance.
- 1 cup fried onions: The crowning glory, lending irresistible crunch and a toasted onion aroma just before serving.
- ½ cup mushrooms, thinly sliced: Choose button or shiitake mushrooms for a burst of umami.
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped: Freshly chopped to add brightness and a pop of green color in every bowl.
How to Make Japanese Hibachi Soup (Clear Onion Soup) – Benihana-Style at Home
Step 1: Combine the Broth and Vegetables
Start by grabbing your largest stockpot or a big saucepan and place it over medium-high heat. Toss in the roughly chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic alongside the chicken broth, water, and salt. Don’t worry about cutting the veggies too finely; these chunky pieces will infuse the broth beautifully and get strained out later.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil and Simmer Gently
Let the mixture come to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to let it simmer gently. This simmering step, lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes, is where the magic happens. As the onion turns translucent, all those sweet and savory flavors meld into the broth, creating the base for your Japanese Hibachi Soup (Clear Onion Soup) – Benihana-Style at Home.
Step 3: Strain the Broth
Once the broth has fully developed its flavor, carefully pour it through a fine-mesh sieve or strainer to remove the chunks of vegetables. You want your soup clear and refined, just like at your favorite hibachi restaurant. You can save the strained veggies for another use or discard them—the broth is the true star here.
Step 4: Add Mushrooms and Prepare for Serving
Before serving, spoon the clear broth into bowls, then place a few slices of your thinly sliced mushrooms right on top. They bring an earthy, umami richness that complements the light broth perfectly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle a generous handful of crispy fried onions and chopped green onions on the soup. This finishing touch gives a wonderful textural contrast and an aromatic lift, turning each bowl of Japanese Hibachi Soup (Clear Onion Soup) – Benihana-Style at Home into a feast for the senses.
How to Serve Japanese Hibachi Soup (Clear Onion Soup) – Benihana-Style at Home
Garnishes
I always recommend finishing your bowl with crispy fried onions—that golden crunch is absolutely essential. You can use store-bought fried onions for convenience or take a moment to fry thin onion slices at home until perfectly crispy and golden for that fresh, homemade flair. The chopped green onions add a refreshing bite and pop of color, making every spoonful feel lively and fresh.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with classic hibachi sides, such as fried rice, grilled vegetables, and teriyaki chicken or steak. Because Japanese Hibachi Soup (Clear Onion Soup) – Benihana-Style at Home is so light and delicate, it acts as a perfect palate cleanser between bites of richly glazed meats and savory sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your soup in small, elegant bowls as an appetizer at dinner parties, garnished with finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or a dash of toasted sesame seeds. You could even float tiny swirls of chili oil for a subtle kick, adding visual interest while enhancing flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Japanese Hibachi Soup (Clear Onion Soup) – Benihana-Style at Home in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for a quick appetizer or light meal on busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze the clear broth without the fried onion garnish for up to 2 months. Be sure to use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the clarity and flavor of the broth. Avoid boiling again, as this can alter the delicate balance and texture. Add fresh mushrooms and garnish right before serving to keep everything tasting fresh.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and omit any animal-based garnishes. Using shiitake mushrooms will boost the umami flavor and provide that satisfying depth vegan versions often crave.
What if I don’t have fried onions on hand?
No problem! You can easily fry thinly sliced onions in a little oil on the stove until crispy and golden. This homemade touch makes the soup extra special.
Is it okay to use pre-sliced mushrooms?
Yes, pre-sliced button or shiitake mushrooms work great for convenience. Just be sure to add them at the end so they stay tender but still retain a bit of texture.
Can I prepare the broth in advance?
Definitely! The broth can be made up to 2 days ahead. Just strain and refrigerate it without the garnishes, then reheat gently before adding mushrooms and fried onions.
Why is the broth clear and not cloudy?
The broth is strained to remove all vegetable pieces and impurities, which keeps it crystal clear, just like the authentic Japanese Hibachi Soup (Clear Onion Soup) – Benihana-Style at Home you enjoy at restaurants.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and elegant about a bowl of Japanese Hibachi Soup (Clear Onion Soup) – Benihana-Style at Home that it makes every meal feel a little more special. Plus, it’s deceptively simple to make with those straightforward ingredients and this easy method. So, go ahead, bring this classic hibachi restaurant favorite into your kitchen, and savor the delightful warmth and flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
PrintJapanese Hibachi Soup (Clear Onion Soup) – Benihana-Style at Home
Warm up with this delicious Hibachi Soup featuring a rich, flavorful broth infused with crispy fried onions, thinly sliced mushrooms, and fresh green onions. This simple yet comforting American-style soup is perfect for a light meal or starter and comes together quickly on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Broth and Vegetables
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- ½ large onion, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup carrot, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup celery, roughly chopped
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
Garnishes
- 1 cup fried onions
- ½ cup mushrooms, thinly sliced (button or shiitake)
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Broth: Begin by placing a large stockpot or saucepan over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- Add Ingredients: Add the roughly chopped onion, carrot, celery, chopped garlic, salt, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Large chunks of vegetables work well here, stir everything to combine.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and flavors meld.
- Strain Broth: Carefully strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vegetables. The vegetables can be discarded or saved for another use.
- Serve: Ladle about one cup of the clear broth into serving bowls. Top each bowl with a few fried onion pieces, thin mushroom slices, and freshly chopped green onions. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with beef, vegetable broth, or a combination for a richer flavor. Low-sodium broth is a good option if watching salt intake.
- Don’t skip the crispy fried onions on top—they add essential texture and flavor. Use store-bought or fry your own thinly sliced onions until golden and crispy.
- The soup benefits from a slow, gentle simmer; you can simmer for up to 45 minutes if you have additional time.
- Thinly sliced button or shiitake mushrooms provide savory umami notes. You may also simmer some mushrooms in the broth for increased depth.
- Skim off any fat or foam on top when straining to keep the broth clear and light.