Benihana French Onion Soup Recipe

Benihana French Onion Soup Recipe is made with chicken broth, beef broth, onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, butter, soy sauce, and topped with crispy fried onions and green onions for garnish. This light and flavorful [Benihana French Onion Soup Recipe] creates a delightful starter soup that takes about 35 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Benihana French Onion Soup Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2-3 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade, for garnish)

Optional:

• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Benihana French Onion Soup Instructions

1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large saucepan or stockpot over medium heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize.
3. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 2 cups beef broth. Stir to combine.
4. Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
5. Add the thinly sliced mushrooms during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. (Optional) Strain the soup to remove the vegetable solids for a smoother, restaurant-style broth. Leave unstrained if you prefer keeping the vegetables in the soup.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy fried onions, chopped green onions, and additional mushrooms if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Add a touch of umami: A small amount of miso paste, fish sauce, or Worcestershire sauce can elevate the soup’s savory profile.
• Thinly slice the vegetables: Ensure all vegetables are thinly sliced to cook evenly and blend seamlessly with the broth’s texture.
• Prepare garnishes fresh: Fry crispy onions just before serving for maximum crunch, and chop green onions fresh to preserve their flavor and color.

How To Store Benihana French Onion Soup

Refrigerate: Cool the Benihana French Onion Soup completely before storing. Transfer the soup to an airtight container or cover the pot tightly with a lid. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: To freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Be sure to leave a little space for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.

How To Reheat Leftover Benihana French Onion Soup

On the Stovetop: Pour the leftover soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Heat for 5-10 minutes, or until the soup is hot all the way through.

In the Microwave: Transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

In a Slow Cooker: For larger portions, transfer the soup to a slow cooker. Heat on the “low” setting for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.

What To Serve Benihana French Onion Soup

Benihana French Onion Soup Recipe pairs well with garlic bread, buttered toast, crackers, and salads. It also can be served alongside grilled chicken, steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and sushi for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to strain the soup before serving?

Straining is optional. Straining gives you a smooth, restaurant-style broth, while leaving the vegetables adds texture and makes the soup heartier.

What can I use as a substitute for crispy fried onions?

If you don’t have crispy fried onions, you can use toasted breadcrumbs, croutons, or even grated Parmesan cheese for a similar garnish effect.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken and beef broth with vegetable broth and ensure the soy sauce used is vegan-friendly. The flavor will be lighter but still delicious.

Try more recipes:

• Beef Macaroni Soup Recipe
• Zucchini Leek Soup Recipe
• Bennigan’s Baked Potato Soup Recipe