Introducing my Ozoni Soup recipe, a traditional Japanese New Year soup that’s not just delicious but also symbolizes good health and prosperity for the year ahead! This delicate soup combines tender chicken, shiitake mushrooms, and shirataki noodles in a nourishing dashi broth, creating a comforting and auspicious start to the new year. Let’s dive in and discover the tradition of Japanese New Year in every soothing spoonful!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes my recipe so special is its delicacy and the delightful tradition it carries! Ozoni Soup, a cherished Japanese New Year’s delight, takes center stage as part of the symbolic osechi meal. Imagine a savory, umami-packed broth infused with the essence of tender chicken thigh and the delightful melt-in-your-mouth mochi, creating a flavor profile that shares a very similar taste with my Japanese Chicken Soup, Japanese Vegetable Soup and Japanese Meatball Soup recipes!
It’s a heartwarming bowl of pure comfort, perfect for those who appreciate the subtle flavors of Japanese cuisine. If you’re eager to experience the authentic taste of Japan, my recipe is your gateway to a truly satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Chicken Thigh – boneless and skinless cut into bite-size pieces.
- Dashi – fish broth made from steeping kombu and bonito flakes with boiling water. Can also use Hondashi mixed in water for instant dashi.
- Shirataki Noodles – Shirataki Noodles made from konnyaku or konjac plant. Can be found at Asian grocery stores.
- Mochi – optional Japanese rice cakes that comes in blocks and an be found at Japanese grocery stores.
- Dried Shiitake Mushrooms – Dried Shiitake Mushrooms that is packaged and can be found at Asian grocery stores.
- Carrot – freshly prepared and sliced.
- Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
- Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Green Onion – freshly chopped.
Extra Add Ins
Consider adding sliced kamaboko fish cake. It complements the flavors and textures of the dish.
🥢 Dashi Pro Tip
You can simplify the dashi preparation by using Hondashi mixed with water.
🍗 Chicken Note
Use High-Quality Free-Range Chicken Thigh, not chicken breast, for this recipe. The soup’s base relies on fresh chicken broth, and the oils from chicken thigh are essential for its flavor.
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
Make sure to use a Large Pot for this recipe. It will provide ample space for the ingredients to slow cook and infuse their flavors effectively.
Step 1 Bring Dashi to a boil and then add in cubed chicken, sliced carrots, dried shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, Japanese sake, and salt.
Step 2 Cook the soup for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through under medium-high heat.
Step 3 Add shiitake noodles or mochi and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mochi melts to your desired consistency. Serve and garnish with fresh green onions
🥢 Mochi Pro Tip
Add Only Mochi You Plan to Serve to prevent them from melting and clumping together.
🥄Taste Adjustment Pro Tip
Adjust the taste with Salt only. Avoid adding more soy sauce.
🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip
For a traditional presentation, garnish your dish with Mitsuba.
Pairing Recommendations
When serving this ozoni, pair it with grilled fish like red sea bream, Japanese Baked Salmon or Baked Hamachi Yellowtail. For a traditional drink, consider a Japanese Matcha Latte. These choices complement the soup’s delicate flavors perfectly!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is osechi and why do people in Japan eat it?
Osechi is a traditional first meal of the year in Japan. It typically includes dishes like ozoni soup, grilled red sea bream, and various side dishes. People in Japan eat osechi to kickstart the new year with a healthy meal, believing that it brings them good health for the rest of the year.
Can I adjust the seasoning to make it spicier?
If you desire a spicier flavor in your Ozoni Soup, you can enhance it by adding some togarashi or a red pepper blend to suit your taste preferences.
Are there any common mistakes to avoid when making this soup?
Common mistakes to avoid include using too much soy sauce, which can make the soup bitter. Instead, adjust the flavor with salt. Additionally, don't add all the mochi at once, as it can cause them to stick together. Add only what you plan to serve for the best results.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will remain fresh for 3-5 days in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in the microwave.
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Watch How To Make It
Ozoni Soup
Ingredients
- 1/2 l/b Chicken Thigh boneless and skinless
- 4 Cups Dashi
- 8 oz Shirataki Noodles
- 3-4 pieces Mochi optional Japanese rice cake
- 4 Pieces Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
- 1/2 Whole Carrot
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Japanese Sake can substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 Stalk Green Onion
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Make 4 cups of dashi.
- In the meantime, peel and finely slice carrots.
- Prepare shirataki noodles by straining prepacked liquid and washing noodles under cold water.
- Cut chicken thighs into 1/2 x 1/2 inch bite size pieces.
- Finely slice green onions.
- Bring dashi to a boil on high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and add chicken, sliced carrot, whole dried shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, salt and Japanese sake. Cook for 10 minutes.
- After simmering for 10 minutes, introduce the shirataki noodles and optional mochi. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mochi reaches your preferred consistency. Once done, transfer the flavorful mixture to a serving bowl and top it with sliced green onions and optional toppings.
Nutrition