Soups & Curries

Japanese Tempura Soup

Name: Japanese Tempura Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups dashi broth; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water; 1/4 cup grated daikon radish; 1/4 cup sliced green onions; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups vegetable oil

By Dahlia Greenwood · June 19, 2026 · Soups & Curries

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had Japanese Tempura Soup at a small restaurant in Tokyo. The combination of crispy tempura bits and a savory broth was love at first sip. As a home cook, I was determined to recreate this delicious dish in my own kitchen. After months of experimentation, I finally nailed the recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine and wants to try something new and exciting. The best part is that it's relatively easy to make and requires minimal special ingredients. So, if you're looking for a delicious and authentic Japanese Tempura Soup recipe, you've come to the right place.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of traditional Japanese ingredients, such as dashi broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil, to create a rich and savory broth. We'll also be making our own tempura bits from scratch, using a light and airy batter that's easy to make and fry to perfection.

So, let's get started and dive into the world of Japanese Tempura Soup. With this recipe, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic dish that's sure to impress your friends and family.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine and wants to try something new and exciting. So, let's get cooking and make some delicious Japanese Tempura Soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal special ingredients.
The tempura bits are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicate texture that's not too greasy or heavy.
The broth is rich and savory, with a depth of flavor that comes from using a combination of dashi broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine and wants to try something new and exciting.
The dish is relatively quick to make, with a total cooking time of under 30 minutes.
This recipe is also budget-friendly, with most ingredients being relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
The recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Japanese Tempura Soup is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the tempura bits to the right temperature. The batter should be light and airy, and the oil should be hot enough to fry the tempura bits to a golden brown. The broth should be rich and savory, with a depth of flavor that comes from using a combination of dashi broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Another important factor is to not overcook the tempura bits. They should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicate texture that's not too greasy or heavy. To achieve this, it's essential to fry the tempura bits at the right temperature and to not overcrowd the pot.

Finally, the broth should be served hot, with a sprinkle of green onions and a side of steamed rice. This allows the flavors to meld together and the tempura bits to stay crispy, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.

By following these tips and using high-quality ingredients, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic Japanese Tempura Soup that's sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Japanese Tempura Soup, you'll need a few key ingredients, including dashi broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as flour, eggs, and vegetable oil. Don't worry if you can't find dashi broth at your local grocery store - you can easily make your own at home using just a few ingredients.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality options that are fresh and flavorful. This will help to ensure that your soup turns out delicious and authentic. Some key ingredients to look for include fresh green onions, sesame oil, and Japanese-style soy sauce.

2 cups dashi brothDashi broth is a traditional Japanese cooking stock made from dried kelp and dried bonito flakes. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or make your own at home using just a few ingredients.
1/2 cup soy sauceJapanese-style soy sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe, adding a rich and savory flavor to the broth. Look for a high-quality option that's low in sodium and made with just a few ingredients.
2 tablespoons sesame oilSesame oil adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the broth, and is a key ingredient in many Japanese dishes. Look for a high-quality option that's cold-pressed and made from sesame seeds.
1 cup all-purpose flourAll-purpose flour is used to make the tempura batter, and should be sifted before using to ensure it's light and airy.
1/2 cup cornstarchCornstarch is used to thicken the tempura batter and help it stick to the ingredients. Look for a high-quality option that's made from corn and is free of additives.
1/2 cup ice-cold soda waterIce-cold soda water is used to make the tempura batter, and helps to create a light and airy texture. Look for a high-quality option that's made from natural ingredients and is free of additives.
1/4 cup grated daikon radishGrated daikon radish adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavor to the broth, and is a key ingredient in many Japanese dishes. Look for a high-quality option that's fresh and flavorful.
1/4 cup sliced green onionsSliced green onions add a fresh and oniony flavor to the broth, and are a key ingredient in many Japanese dishes. Look for a high-quality option that's fresh and flavorful.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is used to season the broth and add depth of flavor. Look for a high-quality option that's made from natural ingredients and is free of additives.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is used to season the broth and add depth of flavor. Look for a high-quality option that's made from natural ingredients and is free of additives.
2 cups vegetable oilVegetable oil is used to fry the tempura bits, and should be a high-quality option that's made from natural ingredients and is free of additives.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or wokDeep frying thermometerInstant-read thermometerWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsSifterCutting boardChef's knife

How to Make Japanese Tempura Soup

1
In a large pot or wok, combine the dashi broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2
While the broth is simmering, prepare the tempura batter by whisking together the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.
3
Slowly pour in the ice-cold soda water, whisking constantly to create a smooth and airy batter.
4
Add the grated daikon radish and sliced green onions to the batter, and stir to combine.
5
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature.
6
Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the tempura batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
7
Fry the tempura bits until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tempura bits from the oil and drain on paper towels.
8
Once the tempura bits are fried, add them to the simmering broth and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through.
9
Season the broth with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve hot with a sprinkle of green onions and a side of steamed rice.
10
To ensure the tempura bits stay crispy, serve the soup immediately after cooking. You can also make the tempura bits ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
11
Reheat the tempura bits in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown, before adding them to the broth.
12
To make the dish more substantial, you can add cooked noodles or vegetables to the broth, such as soba noodles or sliced carrots.
13
For a spicy kick, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce, such as sriracha or gochujang, to the broth.
14
To make the dish more authentic, you can use a combination of dashi broth and soy sauce to create a rich and savory flavor profile.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the tempura bits, as they can become greasy and heavy.
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for frying.
Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the tempura bits, as this can cause them to stick together.
Serve the soup immediately after cooking to ensure the tempura bits stay crispy.
Experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to make the dish your own.
Consider making a double batch of the tempura batter to freeze for later use.
For a lighter version of the dish, you can use less oil and add more vegetables to the broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the pan when frying the tempura bits, which can cause them to stick together.
Not using a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for frying.
Overcooking the tempura bits, which can make them greasy and heavy.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not serving the soup immediately after cooking, which can cause the tempura bits to become soggy.
Not experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings, which can make the dish more exciting and flavorful.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding cooked noodles or vegetables to the broth, such as soba noodles or sliced carrots.
Using a combination of dashi broth and soy sauce to create a rich and savory flavor profile.
Adding a few dashes of hot sauce, such as sriracha or gochujang, to the broth for a spicy kick.
Using different types of protein, such as shrimp or chicken, to make the dish more substantial.
Adding some grated ginger or garlic to the broth for added depth of flavor.
Using a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to add color and texture to the dish.
Serving the soup with a side of steamed bok choy or other Asian greens for added nutrition and flavor.

What to Serve With Japanese Tempura Soup

This Japanese Tempura Soup is perfect for serving as a main course or as a starter for a special occasion. You can serve it with a side of steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables, and add some sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include adding some cooked seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, to the broth for added protein and flavor. You can also add some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the broth for added texture and flavor.

Steamed riceSoba noodlesSliced green onionsSesame seedsGrated daikon radishPickled ginger

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Japanese Tempura Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply heat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

If you want to make the tempura bits ahead of time, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown, before adding them to the broth.

To freeze the soup, simply cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label and date the container or bag, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Some tips for storing and reheating the soup include using airtight containers to prevent spoilage and contamination, and reheating the soup to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dashi broth and where can I find it?

Dashi broth is a traditional Japanese cooking stock made from dried kelp and dried bonito flakes. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or make your own at home using just a few ingredients.

Can I use a different type of oil for frying the tempura bits?

Yes, you can use a different type of oil for frying the tempura bits, such as peanut oil or avocado oil. However, vegetable oil is a good all-purpose option that works well for this recipe.

How do I prevent the tempura bits from becoming greasy and heavy?

To prevent the tempura bits from becoming greasy and heavy, be sure to not overcrowd the pan when frying, and don't overcook them. You can also try using a lighter batter or adding some cornstarch to the batter to help absorb excess oil.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it. Simply cool the soup to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to reheat. Reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

Some variations you can try with this recipe include adding cooked noodles or vegetables to the broth, using a combination of dashi broth and soy sauce to create a rich and savory flavor profile, or adding some grated ginger or garlic to the broth for added depth of flavor.

How do I store and reheat the tempura bits?

To store the tempura bits, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, simply heat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown, before adding them to the broth.

Can I freeze the soup and reheat it later?

Yes, you can freeze the soup and reheat it later. Simply cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label and date the container or bag, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

What are some tips for making the tempura bits crispy and golden brown?

Some tips for making the tempura bits crispy and golden brown include using a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for frying, not overcrowding the pan when frying, and not overcooking the tempura bits.

The Full Recipe

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