Japanese Glass Noodle Soup (Harusame Soup)
Introduction
Japanese Glass Noodle Soup, also known as Harusame Soup, is beloved for its clear, delicate broth paired with the satisfying, slippery texture of glass noodles. Light yet deeply flavorful, this soup strikes a harmony between nutrition and taste, making it perfect as a comforting appetizer or a wholesome, quick meal. Its adaptability ensures it pleases both traditional palates and modern health-conscious eaters.
The Allure of Harusame Soup
What makes Harusame Soup stand out is its beautiful simplicity and the ability to take on a variety of flavors and ingredients. The glass noodles—made from mung beans or potatoes—remain perfectly toothsome in a hot broth. Pair them with vibrant vegetables and tender proteins for a warming dish that can be tailored with whatever you have on hand. This easy, versatile recipe also adds elegance to any meal, sure to impress family and guests.
Essential Ingredients and Prep Tips
A good Harusame Soup combines clear, savory broth, crisp vegetables, and melt-in-the-mouth noodles. For best results, slice your vegetables finely and uniformly for even cooking and beautiful presentation. A handy tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes prep effortless, saving you time while ensuring each bite looks restaurant-worthy.
The beauty of this soup is its flexibility: swap the suggested vegetables for whatever is in season, and add cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a protein boost if desired.
How to Cook the Perfect Glass Noodle Soup
Start by soaking the glass noodles in warm water until softened. Meanwhile, craft a savory broth using dashi, chicken, or vegetable stock. Gradually add your aromatics and vegetables, simmering gently until just tender. The softened noodles are added last, ensuring they absorb the broth’s flavor but maintain their prized texture.
A non-stick pan such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch is invaluable if you want to sauté aromatics or proteins before adding them to the soup, preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze.
Serving Harusame Soup
Harusame Soup is best served hot. For a convenient, leak-proof option to take your soup on the go, try the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl. Dress up each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a dash of shichimi togarashi for an authentic Japanese touch.
Pair the soup with sushi, steamed rice, or a light salad for a balanced meal. Its elegant clarity and layers of umami ensure your guests will love every slurp.
Nutritional Highlights and Portions
A typical serving of this soup is very light, usually around 120-180 calories per bowl without added protein. It’s naturally gluten-free and easily customizable for vegetarians and vegans. The recipe below serves four but can be doubled or halved as needed.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the harusame glass noodles in warm water for 10 minutes or until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare all vegetables using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for consistent slices.
- In a large pot, heat the broth over medium heat. Add soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the carrots, mushrooms, and napa cabbage. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until just beginning to soften.
- Gently add the tofu (if using) and rehydrated glass noodles. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls, garnishing with sliced green onions and, if desired, a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi or sesame seeds.
- If packing for lunch, pour into a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for easy transport without spills.
Prep and Cook Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Japanese Glass Noodle Soup (Harusame Soup) – A Quick Recap
Harusame Soup is a celebration of pure, delicate flavors and graceful textures. Its simple yet nourishing qualities make it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something warming and light. With a few kitchen helpers like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch and Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, you’ll find this soup as simple to prepare as it is delightful to eat. Enjoy a bowl for comfort, nutrition, and the gentle flavors of Japan.