Zosui (Japanese Rice Soup) Recipe – Japanese Special
Zosui (雑炊), also known as Japanese rice soup, is a comforting and nourishing dish made by simmering cooked rice in a flavorful broth with vegetables and seasonings. It’s often enjoyed during colder months or when seeking a light, easy-to-digest meal. The simplicity and warmth of zosui make it a go-to comfort food in Japanese cuisine.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Total Time25 min
For the Zosui:
- 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
- 4 cups dashi (or substitute with chicken or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu (optional)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms (shiitake or enoki, sliced)
- 1/2 cup carrots, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon miso paste (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sake or mirin
Salt to taste
- 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into strips (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Prepare the Broth:
In a medium pot, bring the dashi (or broth) to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Add soy sauce, miso paste (if using), and sake or mirin, stirring until well combined.
Cook the Vegetables and Protein:
Add the carrots and mushrooms to the simmering broth and cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
If using chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add it to the broth and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Add the Rice:
Rinse the cooked rice under warm water to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
Gently add the rice to the broth, stirring occasionally to break up any lumps.
Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
Incorporate the Egg:
Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the soup while stirring gently.
Let the egg cook for about a minute until it forms delicate ribbons.
Serve:
Remove the pot from heat and ladle the zosui into bowls.
Garnish with chopped green onions, nori strips, and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Japanese rice soup.
Recipe Notes :
Rice Choice: Use short-grain Japanese rice for its sticky texture, which helps the soup become heartier.
Broth Options: Traditional zosui uses dashi, but chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
Protein Add-ins: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein and richness.
Vegetable Variations: Customize with vegetables like shiitake mushrooms, carrots, or spinach to enhance nutrition and taste.
Egg Incorporation: For a silky texture, slowly drizzle a beaten egg into the simmering broth, stirring gently.
