There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? It takes me back to childhood memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of simmering broth floated through the air. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for Japanese Glass Noodle Soup, also known as Harusame Soup. This dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to whip up, making it the perfect weeknight meal or a soothing option when you’re feeling under the weather.
Why You’ll Love Japanese Glass Noodle Soup (Harusame Soup)
- Fast: You can have this delightful soup ready in just about 20 minutes.
- Easy: With simple steps, even beginner cooks can feel like pros in the kitchen.
- Giftable: This soup makes a lovely “get well soon” gift or a comforting dish for potlucks.
- Crowd-pleasing: It’s a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy, even picky eaters!
Ingredients
- 100g glass noodles (harusame): These delicate noodles soak up flavors beautifully.
- 4 cups dashi broth: This essential Japanese stock adds umami depth to the soup.
- 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms: Their earthy taste complements the other ingredients.
- 1 cup sliced carrots: They bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup chopped bok choy: This leafy green adds freshness and crunch.
- 2 green onions, sliced: They provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: A dash of savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon mirin: This sweet rice wine balances the flavors beautifully.
- Salt to taste: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): A sprinkle adds a fresh touch.
How to Make Japanese Glass Noodle Soup (Harusame Soup)
Follow these simple steps to create your cozy bowl of soup:
- Soak the glass noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes or until softened. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring the dashi broth to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and carrots to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the chopped bok choy, soy sauce, and mirin. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add the softened glass noodles to the soup and heat through for another 2 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Harusame Soup!
Substitutions & Additions
If you’re looking to mix things up, here are a few ideas:
- Swap out the bok choy for spinach or kale for a different green.
- Add protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Use vegetable broth instead of dashi for a vegetarian option.
- Feel free to throw in other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pointers to ensure your soup turns out perfectly:
- Don’t overcook the glass noodles; they only need a minute or two in the hot broth.
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time to make cooking a breeze.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; everyone loves a different level of saltiness!
How to Store Japanese Glass Noodle Soup (Harusame Soup)
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The soup will stay fresh for about 3 days. Just be aware that the noodles may absorb some of the broth, so you might want to add a splash of water when reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of dashi and skip any meat additions.
How spicy is this soup? This recipe is not spicy, but you can add some chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a kick!
Can I freeze Harusame Soup? While you can freeze it, the texture of the glass noodles may change upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
And there you have it—your cozy bowl of Japanese Glass Noodle Soup is just a few steps away! For more delicious recipes, check out the delightful Japanese Apple Salad or the comforting Potato Leek Soup for treats you will love!
Don’t forget to share your experiences with this recipe! And for more inspiration, follow us on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyWashoku/


Japanese Glass Noodle Soup (Harusame Soup)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Soak the glass noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes or until softened. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large pot, bring the dashi broth to a boil over medium heat.
- Step 3: Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and carrots to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Step 4: Stir in the chopped bok choy, soy sauce, and mirin. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the softened glass noodles to the soup and heat through for another 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Season with salt to taste and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if desired.
- Step 7: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Harusame Soup!