Japanese Glass Noodle Soup (Harusame Soup)

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Japanese Glass Noodle Soup, or Harusame Soup, is a comforting and light dish that features delicate glass noodles (harusame) in a flavorful broth, often made with a combination of dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. This soup is typically served with vegetables, mushrooms, and sometimes thinly sliced meat or tofu, creating a warm, savory meal that’s both satisfying and light. The glass noodles soak up the delicious broth, making each bite full of umami flavor.

I first made Harusame Soup when I was craving something warm and nourishing but not too heavy. The glass noodles were light yet filling, and the broth had a savory depth that was both comforting and refreshing. I loved how quickly the soup came together, and how customizable it was—adding in some fresh greens or tofu made it even more satisfying.

What’s great about this Japanese Glass Noodle Soup is how easy it is to make, with just a few simple ingredients, but it’s full of flavor. You can make it as light or as hearty as you like by adjusting the vegetables or adding protein. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch, a soothing dinner, or a starter, Harusame Soup is a simple yet delicious dish that will warm you up in no time!

Perfect for:

• Light meals
• Appetizers
• Family dinners
• Weeknight meals
• Fans of Japanese cuisine

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Japanese Glass Noodle Soup will become your go-to recipe:

• Delicate Flavors: The broth is light yet full of umami, creating a perfect balance for the glass noodles.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for a busy weeknight.
• Light and Refreshing: A perfect meal for when you’re craving something light but satisfying.
• Healthy Ingredients: The combination of vegetables and glass noodles makes this soup nutritious and filling.
• Versatile: Customize the soup with your favorite veggies or protein, like tofu or shrimp.
• Comforting Yet Healthy: A warm bowl of this soup feels like a hug but won’t leave you feeling heavy.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with just one pot to wash after making this delicious soup.
• Gluten-Free Option: The glass noodles can be swapped with a gluten-free variety for a gluten-free dish.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store it in the fridge for a quick, healthy lunch throughout the week.
• Mildly Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add chili flakes or fresh chili for an extra kick.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 3g

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1-2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced

For the Vegetables and Noodles:

• 100g glass noodles (harusame)
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup bok choy or spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
• 1/4 cup baby corn (optional)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro or parsley
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced chili (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Glass Noodles: These translucent noodles are light, soft, and absorb the flavors of the broth beautifully.
• Mirin: A sweet rice wine that enhances the umami flavor of the soup.
• Ginger and Garlic: Add depth and warmth to the broth, creating a comforting base.
• Bok Choy: A mild and crunchy green vegetable that pairs perfectly with the soft noodles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Soup Base:

1. Heat Broth: In a medium pot, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add Flavors: Stir in soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Cook the Noodles and Vegetables:

3. Soak Glass Noodles: In a separate bowl, soak the glass noodles in hot water for about 5-7 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.
4. Prepare Vegetables: While the noodles soak, prepare the vegetables: julienne the carrot, slice the mushrooms, chop the bok choy, and slice the scallions.
5. Add Vegetables to Broth: Add the carrots, mushrooms, and baby corn (if using) to the simmering broth. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
6. Add Bok Choy: Stir in the bok choy or spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.

Combine Noodles and Broth:

7. Add Noodles: Add the soaked glass noodles to the broth and stir to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Serve:

8. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and sliced chili if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Japanese Glass Noodle Soup:

• As an Appetizer: Serve as a starter for a larger Asian-inspired meal.
• With a Side of Rice: Pair the soup with steamed white rice for a more filling meal.
• For a Light Dinner: Enjoy this soup as a light, yet satisfying dinner option.
• With Tofu or Shrimp: Add your choice of protein, like tofu cubes or shrimp, to make the soup heartier.
• On a Cold Day: The warm broth is perfect for chilly evenings.
• For Meal Prep: Make a large batch for easy lunches during the week.
• With Soy Sauce: Add a splash of soy sauce to taste for an extra umami boost.
• With Chili Paste: Stir in chili paste or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• With Pickled Vegetables: Serve alongside pickled vegetables to add a tangy contrast.
• As a Light Snack: Enjoy a small bowl as a refreshing, light snack any time of day.

Additional Tips

• Adjust Broth Flavor: If you prefer a stronger flavor, increase the soy sauce or mirin to taste.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, to customize the soup.
• Serve Immediately: Glass noodles can absorb too much broth if left too long, so serve the soup right after cooking.
• Add a Protein: Tofu, chicken, or shrimp are excellent additions to make the soup a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken broth and use vegetable broth for a completely plant-based version.
• Spicy Harusame Soup: Add extra chili paste or fresh chili slices to make the soup spicier.
• Miso Harusame Soup: Add a tablespoon of miso paste to the broth for a richer, more savory flavor.
• Noodle Substitution: Swap the glass noodles for rice noodles or soba noodles for a different texture.
• With Egg: Add a soft-boiled egg on top for extra protein and creaminess.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari for a gluten-free option.

Special Equipment

• Medium Pot: For cooking the broth and vegetables.
• Strainer: To drain the soaked glass noodles.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the vegetables and garnishes.
• Serving Bowls: For serving the soup in individual portions.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular noodles instead of glass noodles?
   Yes, you can use rice noodles or soba noodles if you prefer a different type.
2. How long does this soup last in the fridge?
   The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
3. Can I freeze the soup?
   Glass noodles don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy the soup fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
4. How can I make the soup spicier?
   Add more chili paste, fresh chili, or a pinch of chili flakes to the broth to heat things up.
5. Can I use frozen vegetables?
   Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, though fresh vegetables provide a better texture.
6. Can I add meat to the soup?
   Absolutely! Chicken, turkey, or beef can be added for a heartier dish.
7. How do I prevent the glass noodles from getting soggy?
   Serve the noodles right after adding them to the soup, as they can absorb too much liquid if left too long.
8. Can I make the soup ahead of time?
   Yes, but it’s best to add the noodles just before serving to prevent them from getting too soft.
9. Can I add more broth?
   If you like a more soupy dish, simply add more broth or water to adjust the consistency.
10. Can I use instant glass noodles?
    Yes, instant glass noodles work perfectly for this recipe—just follow the instructions on the package.

Conclusion

Japanese Glass Noodle Soup (Harusame Soup) is a light and comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. The translucent, slightly chewy glass noodles are the star of this soup, absorbing all the flavors of the broth while providing a satisfying texture. The broth itself is typically made from a simple combination of dashi (Japanese soup stock), soy sauce, mirin, and a dash of sesame oil, creating a savory and umami-rich base. Often, the soup is garnished with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and green onions, as well as protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp.

What makes Harusame Soup so special is its simplicity and the delicate, clean flavor of the broth, which allows the noodles and fresh ingredients to shine. The glass noodles are light yet filling, making this soup a wonderful choice for a warm, cozy meal or a refreshing starter.

I can’t wait to see how your Japanese Glass Noodle Soup turns out! Snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging me so I can admire your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made it your own—I’d love to hear about your personal twist on this comforting, savory dish!