Want a warm, comforting meal that’s simple and tasty? Enter: Tonjiru Recipe – A heartwarming, savoury Japanese soup for any season! This dish of pork and vegetables in a miso broth has the power to bring my family together, at least for a meal. It’s made from a few basic ingredients that, together, taste so much more complex than the sum of its parts, all of which makes it great for an energy-saving weeknight dinner or lazy weekend meal.
If you have had regular miso soup before, then Tonjiru is like a more comforting version of it. Between the deeper flavours and yes, pork: Like a bowl of comfort and joy! The best part? You can make this comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen. And in just five simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on your table.
So, what are you waiting for? Give this Tonjiru recipe a go! It is fast, simple and promises a heartwarming dish for the entire family. And if you enjoy comforting and nourishing soups such as the classic Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll find yourself in familiar territory with Tonjiru!
What is Tonjiru?
What exactly is Tonjiru? (Not for nothing does “o” mean oh and “naka” translate to insides.) It’s a Japanese soup most commonly served as a soul-warming, life-saving meal. The word “Tonjiru” itself is a combination of “ton (pork)” and jiru (“soup”), so it’s pork soup. But not just any pork soup! It’s bursting with miso, vegetables and tender pork slices, a flavour-rich bowl that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. You know that old saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, Tonjiru could be the dish that’ll make just about anyone at your table a happy camper. After all, who could possibly resist falling in love with this rich, umami-filled treat?
Now that you know a little about its origins, how about trying it yourself? It’s the perfect dish to impress your family or guests with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Tonjiru Recipe
So why should you bother making this Tonjiru recipe? Well, for one thing, it’s comfort food to end all comfort foods. The broth, based on miso, is deep and strong with flavours that work well in every slurp. If you enjoy testing out new recipes and dabbling in Japanese home cooking, I think Tonjiru is a wonderful recipe to try.
It’s not only tasty, but it’s also cost-efficient to make Tonjiru at home! Making this yourself at home, and that’s money you’re saving on going out to eat, and hopefully a healthier, hearty homemade feast too. The pork contributes a nice richness, the vegetables add freshness, and the miso paste gives it a soothing umami wallop. You can add some scallions or tofu to give it even more texture!
You get all the umami of your typical miso soup, plus more depth and texture – it’s a thicker, heartier dish with pork and vegetables mixed in than its cousin that warms you up. So why not try it yourself? Your taste buds will be so happy!
How to Make Tonjiru
Quick Overview
This warm and comforting soup is a great dish to enjoy in the chilly weather. Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it’s also super satisfying. By simmering the pork along with miso and vegetables, flavours of the ingredients integrate, and a well-balanced umami-rich broth is achieved.” The best part? It whips up in 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Key Ingredients for Tonjiru:
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients to make your Tonjiru:
- Pork Belly (or pork shoulder) – 200g, sliced thinly
- Miso Paste – 2 tablespoons (white or red miso, depending on your preference)
- Carrot – 1 medium, sliced into rounds
- Daikon Radish – 100g, sliced
- Onion – 1 small, thinly sliced
- Shiitake Mushrooms – 4-5, sliced
- Tofu (optional) – ½ block, cubed
- Soy Sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Sesame Oil – 1 teaspoon
- Water – 4 cups (for the broth)
- Scallions – 2-3, finely chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Finish the Soup: Stir in the shiitake mushrooms and tofu, if using. Simmer another five minutes so that the flavours blend. When all are well-cooked, place the hot Tonjiru in a dish and garnish with scallions.
Prepare the Pork: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil to medium. Add the sesame oil and fry off the pork belly slices until just browning. Add soy and cook for 3-4 more minutes. Stir from time to time, so everything gets evenly cooked.
Add the Vegetables: To the same pot, add the carrots, daikon, and onions. Stir well, cooking for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
Simmer the Broth: Pour in water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Add the Miso:In a small bowl, blend the miso paste with a little bit of the hot broth to create a well-combined mixture. Add this to the pot and stir it well into the soup, then serve. Taste, and adjust with more miso or soy sauce if necessary.
What to Serve Tonjiru With
Tonjiru is excellent with all kinds of side dishes. To make a meal of it, offer steamed white rice in bowls or pickled vegetables on the side, such as tsukemono. For something a bit heartier, pair it with Japanese-style noodles or string beans goma-ae (blanched spinach with sesame dressing). A cold beer – Japanese style or green tea would also have been great alongside this tasty soup.
Top Tips for Perfecting Tonjiru:
- Swap the pork belly for chicken: If you would prefer a leaner alternative, simply replace the pork with thighs or breast. Both will work and will provide the same flavour and texture.
- Substitute any vegetables: If you can’t find daikon, no sweat! Potatoes or kohlrabi make a fine swa . You can use them here with more or less the method and cook time for a similar texture and flavour.
- Don’t forget the miso paste: The thickness and richness of miso are what set Tonjiru apart, so don’t be stingy with it. If you can, splurge on high-quality miso for a rich, complex flavour.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Leftovers? No problem! Tonjiru can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days in a sealed container. To reheat, all you need to do is warm it back up gently on the stovetop over very low heat, with a touch of water or broth added if necessary to give it some slack. Tonjiru is also freezer-friendly; it will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just note that if you plan to store it for a long time, freeze the broth and pork separately.
Health Benefits of Tonjiru:
Tonjiru is not just delicious, but it is also very nutritious. Plus, with the hearty miso, you’ve got a good source of protein and fibre packed in the mix of veggies, so this is a great option for anyone wanting to stick to their eating plan. The pork gives good fats, and the miso paste has probiotics for gut health. And with a nourishing broth that hydrates and comforts, it’s an all-around excellent dish for your well-being.
Tonjiru (Japanese Pork Miso Soup)
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Small mixing bowl
- Stirring Spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Pork Belly or pork shoulder, sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons Miso Paste white or red
- 1 medium Carrot sliced into rounds
- 100 g Daikon Radish sliced
- 1 small Onion thinly sliced
- 4-5 Shiitake Mushrooms sliced
- ½ block Tofu optional, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 4 cups Water for the broth
- 2-3 Scallions finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced pork belly and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the sliced carrot, daikon, and onion to the pot. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften slightly.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the Miso: In a small bowl, mix the miso paste with a bit of the hot broth to create a smooth mixture. Add this to the pot and stir well to combine. Taste and adjust with more miso or soy sauce as needed.
- Finish the Soup: Add the shiitake mushrooms and tofu (if using) to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Once everything is cooked through, serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions.
Notes
- Pork Substitute: If you prefer leaner meat, chicken thighs or breasts work as good substitutes for pork.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap daikon for potatoes or kohlrabi if daikon is unavailable.
- Miso Paste: The type of miso you choose will affect the soup’s flavor. White miso is milder, while red miso is richer and more robust.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Tonjiru is an easy and delicious dish that anyone can make at home. Its numerous flavours and healthy ingredients are a real delight that anyone who loves to cook will appreciate. Whether or not you’re a kitchen veteran, this recipe will make you look like a pro in front of your fam and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Gather up your ingredients and get ready for some cooking – this dish will be to-die-for in no time at all.
Share Your Twist!
How about the originality of Tonjiru? You may have subbed in an extra special ingredient, traded out the pork for another meat or altered up the broth to make it even more decadent. We’d love to hear how you customised this recipe! Tell us how you’re doing it in the comments, or share your flavour combination with us on social media. Let’s share some amazing new ideas for this soothing Japanese soup!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Tonjiru?
Tonjiru is a hearty Japanese soup made with tender pork, miso paste, vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It’s perfect for a comforting meal that’s full of flavor!
Can I substitute the pork with another meat?
Yes! You can substitute the pork with chicken thighs or breasts for a leaner option. Both will still give you a satisfying texture and flavor.
What vegetables can I use instead of daikon radish?
If daikon is unavailable, you can use potatoes or kohlrabi as alternatives. Both will provide a similar texture and work well with the other ingredients.
Can I make Tonjiru vegan?
Absolutely! You can make Tonjiru vegan by using vegetable broth, tofu instead of pork, and substituting miso with a plant-based option.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.