How to Make Japanese Nabe Soup with Mushrooms
Japanese Nabe soup, often enjoyed during colder months, is a comforting and nutritious dish. One of its most beloved variants includes an assortment of mushrooms, making it both flavorful and healthy. Below is a simple guide to making this delicious Japanese Nabe soup with mushrooms.
Ingredients
- 4 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 200g shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 200g enoki mushrooms, trimmed
- 200g oyster mushrooms, sliced
- 150g tofu, cubed
- 1 small napa cabbage, chopped
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional)
- Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or shiso) for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, bring the dashi broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works perfectly for this recipe. Once simmering, stir in the soy sauce and mirin. If you want a richer flavor, you can add miso paste as well, mixing until fully dissolved.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Carefully add the sliced carrots and chopped napa cabbage to the pot. Allow them to cook for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 3: Incorporate the Mushrooms and Tofu
Once the vegetables are slightly tender, add the sliced shiitake, enoki, and oyster mushrooms along with the cubed tofu. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until all the ingredients are cooked through but still crisp.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Add the chopped green onions to the pot and give everything a gentle stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce, if necessary.
Step 5: Serve
Once ready, ladle the Nabe soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or shiso, for an extra layer of flavor. Serve the soup while hot with a side of steamed rice or dipping sauce.
Tips for Making the Perfect Japanese Nabe Soup
- Quality ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality mushrooms for a rich taste.
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins like chicken or fish to suit your preferences.
- Leftover magic: Nabe soup is great for leftovers. The flavors deepen and become even more delicious the next day!
Japanese Nabe soup with mushrooms is not just a meal but an experience. With its aromatic broth and wholesome ingredients, it brings warmth and comfort to any table. Enjoy crafting this traditional dish and savoring its delicious flavors!