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Japanese Hibachi Soup (Clear Onion Soup) – Benihana-Style at Home

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3.8 from 30 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Prepare Broth: Begin by placing a large stockpot or saucepan over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.