Teresa's Recipes
Tonjiru (Japanese Pork Soup)
Tonjiru is a heartwarming Japanese pork soup that envelops you in its rich umami flavors, making it the perfect dish for chilly days. This soul-soothing bowl is brimming with tender pork belly, vibrant vegetables like daikon radish, carrots, and potatoes, as well as the unique texture of konjac noodles. Originating from the Kumamoto region, Tonjiru is a testament to the beauty of rustic Japanese home cooking, where simple ingredients are transformed into a nourishing and fulfilling meal that warms both body and spirit. Enjoy this delightful soup as a comforting dinner or a flavorful appetizer that will surely leave your guests craving more.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Toasted sesame oil
- 300 grams, sliced Pork belly
- 1, thinly sliced Onion
- 1, sliced Carrot
- 1, diced Potato
- 1, peeled and sliced Daikon radish
- 1/4 head, chopped Green cabbage
- 100 grams, trimmed Enoki mushrooms
- 200 grams, rinsed Konjac noodles
- 4 cups Dashi stock
- 3 tablespoons Miso paste
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Mirin
- 2, chopped (for garnish) Green onions
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 18g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the toasted sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced pork belly and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the sliced onion, carrot, potato, daikon radish, konjac noodles, chopped green cabbage, and enoki mushrooms. Stir fry for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- In a small bowl, combine the miso paste, soy sauce, and mirin with a ladleful of the dashi stock to create a smooth paste. This will ensure the miso dissolves evenly without clumping.
- Add the miso mixture to the pot and stir well to combine with the vegetables and pork.
- Pour in the remaining dashi stock and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions on top.
Tips
- For a spicier version, add a few slices of fresh ginger or a dash of chili paste to the pot.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach based on your preference or seasonal availability.
- Konjac noodles can be swapped for udon or soba noodles if you prefer a different texture.