Kakitamajiru is a delicate Japanese egg drop soup known for its light, silky texture and subtle flavors. Made with dashi broth, this soup is simple, comforting, and quick to prepare. The soft ribbons of egg create a beautiful swirl, while a touch of soy sauce and mirin adds depth and sweetness. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light starter to a Japanese meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 4 cups dashi broth (homemade or instant dashi)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
For the Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp water
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch (optional, for a silkier texture)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup baby spinach or mizuna (Japanese mustard greens)
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Shichimi togarashi (Japanese chili spice blend) or sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Dashi Broth:
- In a medium pot, bring the dashi broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add soy sauce, mirin, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with 1 teaspoon of water and 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch (if using). Beat well until fully combined.
- Cook the Optional Add-Ins:
- If adding mushrooms or greens, stir them into the simmering broth and cook until tender, about 2–3 minutes.
- Create the Egg Swirls:
- Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Slowly pour the beaten egg mixture into the soup in a thin stream, moving in a circular pattern around the pot. Stir gently with chopsticks or a spoon in a zigzag motion to create soft egg ribbons.
- Serve the Soup:
- Remove the pot from the heat immediately after adding the eggs to avoid overcooking.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi or sesame seeds, if desired.
This Japanese Egg Drop Soup (Kakitamajiru) is light, nourishing, and effortlessly elegant. It pairs beautifully with rice, grilled fish, or tempura for a complete Japanese meal. Its simplicity and refined flavors make it a timeless classic in Japanese cuisine.
