.jpg "Japanese New Year’s Ozoni Soup (Traditional Mochi Soup Recipe)")
Japanese New Year’s Ozoni Soup (Traditional Mochi Soup)
Ozoni is a comforting Japanese New Year soup featuring chewy mochi in a delicate dashi broth. It’s a traditional dish enjoyed across Japan, with regional variations in toppings and flavor.
Recipe Card
A simple, authentic-style Ozoni that’s easy to make at home—perfect for a cozy New Year meal.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time25 min
- Total~35 min
- Servings4
Ingredients
Broth
- 4 cups dashi (or light chicken/vegetable broth if needed)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (optional but traditional)
- Salt, to taste
Add-ins
- 4 pieces kirimochi (Japanese rice cakes)
- 1 cup napa cabbage, sliced
- 1 small carrot, thinly sliced
- 100–150g cooked chicken (or shrimp), optional
- 2–3 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Green onion, for garnish
Why This Recipe Works
- Dashi broth brings gentle umami without heaviness.
- Quick simmer keeps vegetables tender (not mushy).
- Toasted mochi adds a rich, slightly smoky aroma.
- Flexible toppings make it easy to adapt to your pantry.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the broth
Bring dashi to a gentle simmer. Stir in soy sauce and mirin. Taste and adjust salt.
Tip: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer—boiling can dull the flavor.
Cook vegetables
Add carrot and shiitake first (5–6 minutes). Then add napa cabbage and simmer 2–3 more minutes.
Toast the mochi
Toast mochi in a toaster oven or dry skillet until puffed and lightly golden.
Traditional touch: Toasting gives Ozoni a deeper aroma than boiling mochi.
Assemble & serve
Add cooked chicken (optional) into the broth to warm through. Place mochi into bowls, ladle soup over, and garnish with green onion.
Regional Variations
| Region | Common style | What you can try |
|---|---|---|
| Kanto (Tokyo area) | Clear soy-based broth | Add kamaboko (fish cake) + spinach |
| Kansai (Osaka area) | White miso-based broth | Swap soy for white miso (stir in at the end) |
| Coastal | Seafood toppings | Use shrimp or flaky white fish instead of chicken |
Nutrition Facts (Estimated)
Values vary based on toppings and broth used.
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~260 |
| Protein | ~14g |
| Carbs | ~32g |
| Fat | ~7g |
Storage & Make-Ahead
Best fresh: Ozoni is best served immediately, especially with mochi.
Make-ahead: Prepare broth + vegetables ahead, refrigerate up to 2 days.
Mochi: Toast and add right before serving (don’t store mochi in the soup).
FAQ
Can I use regular broth instead of dashi?
Yes. Use a light chicken or vegetable broth and keep seasoning gentle. Dashi is traditional, but broth works well in a pinch.
Do I have to toast the mochi?
No. Some versions simmer mochi directly in soup. Toasting adds aroma and helps the mochi hold shape longer.
Is Ozoni always the same across Japan?
Not at all—broth type, mochi shape, and toppings vary widely by region and family tradition.
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