Harusame Soup
Savory Harusame Noodle Soup with Pork and Miso
This recipe is very similar to Tantanmen noodle soup, a popular and flavorful Japanese dish with Chinese origins. This dish is characterized by its rich and spicy broth, typically made with a combination of ground meat, sesame paste, soy milk and some spices. This Harusame Soup is non-creamy, non-spicy version of the soup. Additionally, I used the gluten free Harusame noodles, Japanese glass noodles made of bean starch, instead of Ramen noodles which also makes the dish very light. Let’s dive into this savory and satisfying soup recipe!
RECIPE
Servings: 3-4
Time: 15 min
Ingredients:
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 tbsp grated ginger
2 cloves of garlic, smashed
scallions
sesame oil
3 cups water
2 tbsp miso
2 bunches harusame, Japanese glass noodles
Instructions:
Grate the ginger, thinly slice the scallions, and smash the garlic cloves.
In a pot, heat a drizzle of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground pork, sliced scallions, grated ginger, and smashed garlic. Stir-fry the mixture, breaking up the pork with a spoon, until the pork is browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in the water, then add miso paste and Chuka dashi (torigara soup base).
Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat. As the broth heats up, you may notice somse foam forming on the surface. Use a skimmer or a spoon to carefully skim off any foam that rises to the top.
Once the broth is boiling and clear, it's time to add the Harusame noodles. Allow them to cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they become tender and translucent.
Garnish with additional sliced scallions for a fresh and vibrant touch.
What is Harusame?: Harusame, also known as "glass noodles" or "cellophane noodles," is a type of thin, transparent noodle commonly used in Japan. These noodles are made from various starches, such as mung bean starch, potato starch, or sweet potato starch. The name "harusame" is of Japanese origin and translates to "spring rain," which describes the delicate and translucent appearance of these noodles.
Adjust the Taste: The amount of miso paste you use can be adjusted to your personal preference. If you like a stronger miso flavor, feel free to add more. While this recipe is simple and delicious as is, you can also add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bok choy to make it even more nutritious. Also, if you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Rayu, chili oil to give your soup a spicy kick.