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Tonjiru Recipe

Tonjiru (Japanese Pork Miso Soup)

Tonjiru is a hearty and flavorful Japanese soup made with tender pork, miso paste, and a variety of vegetables, creating a satisfying and umami-rich broth. It's the perfect dish for a comforting meal and can be prepared in just 30 minutes. This soup is family-friendly, budget-friendly, and full of healthy ingredients like pork, carrots, daikon, and shiitake mushrooms. Serve it with steamed rice or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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)

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Stirring Spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Ladle for serving

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
Tonjiru Recipe