Instant Pot Japanese Steakhouse Onion Soup

Introduction

Bring restaurant flavors into your own kitchen with this Instant Pot Japanese Steakhouse Onion Soup—a dazzling blend of deeply savory broth, sweet onions, and delicate mushrooms. Renowned for its clear, aromatic base and umami-rich punch, this soup is undeniably a crowd-pleaser at Japanese steakhouses and now, effortlessly achievable at home.

Perfect as a starter or a light lunch, this recipe offers a restaurant-quality dish ready in a fraction of the time, made possible by using your Instant Pot.

Flavorful and Simple Japanese Steakhouse Onion Soup

What makes this soup so special is its delicate balance of flavors. The onions become tender and sweet, the broth turns deeply savory, and each bowl is finished with fresh scallions and mushrooms for texture and extra umami. Unlike heavy cream-based soups, this classic Japanese staple is light yet satisfying—making it ideal for a wide variety of occasions.

Prepping Your Vegetables With Ease

To create that signature clear broth, precise knife work is key. But if you want to save time and get uniform slices every time, reach for a reliable vegetable chopper. The Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is perfect for quickly dicing onions and slicing mushrooms perfectly, helping you maintain the refined presentation expected from a steakhouse soup.

Remember, consistent size means even cooking—and a more beautiful finished bowl.

Making Japanese Steakhouse Soup in the Instant Pot

Utilizing the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart not only speeds up the simmering process but also ensures that the onion and mushroom flavors meld perfectly with the broth. You’ll achieve the depth of flavor typical of hours-long simmering in just about 30 minutes.

Before pressure cooking, use the sauté function for added depth—sweating the onions to develop sweetness that underpins the soup’s character.

Serving and Storing Your Steakhouse Onion Soup

Serve the soup straight from the pot, garnished with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and a few extra mushrooms. This soup is excellent for meal prep; portion it into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy lunches or quick starters throughout the week.

For the full restaurant experience, pour the soup into traditional bowls and serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed rice.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings, each coming in at under 70 calories. It’s light, low-fat, and loaded with antioxidants from onions, making it a guilt-free comfort soup—perfect for those watching their calorie intake or seeking a wholesome starter.

Instant Pot Japanese Steakhouse Onion Soup

With minimal effort, this Instant Pot Japanese Steakhouse Onion Soup delivers true restaurant flavor in your own kitchen. The combination of expertly prepped vegetables, a simple yet savory broth, and the reliable speed of your Instant Pot yields a warm and satisfying soup that’s sure to become a staple for cozy nights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 garlic clove, smashed
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 cup cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 green onion, sliced thin, for garnish
1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional, for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prep all vegetables. For perfectly uniform slices, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for onions, mushrooms, celery, and carrots.
2. Select ‘Sauté’ on the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker. Add sesame oil, then the onions. Stir for about 5–7 minutes until onions are soft and translucent, but not browned.
3. Add garlic, celery, and carrot. Cook an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Pour in beef broth and chicken broth. Stir in soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Add the sliced mushrooms last.
5. Lock the Instant Pot lid and select ‘Soup’ or Manual/Pressure Cook on high for 10 minutes. When time is up, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then finish with a quick release.
6. Open the lid, taste for seasoning, and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or a splash more soy sauce if desired.
7. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh green onions and crispy fried onions if using. For storing, portion into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers after the soup cools slightly.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (including pressure build/decompression)
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy the clean, deep flavors of Japanese steakhouse onion soup—made effortlessly thanks to your Instant Pot and a few simple tools.