Nourishing Lettuce Tomato Soup Recipe Inspired by a Japanese Tomato Nabe

When you think of nourishing Japanese soups, miso soup is probably the first that comes to mind. But there’s another comforting and refreshing option that’s lesser known — Lettuce Tomato Soup.

This simple yet flavorful soup was inspired by a memorable tomato nabe (Japanese hot pot) experience at a restaurant in Tokyo. Unlike the traditional soy-based or miso-based hot pots, the tomato broth offered a refreshing and slightly tangy twist that felt both hearty and light. That unique experience inspired me to recreate a similar dish at home — easy enough for a weekday meal, yet comforting like a cozy Japanese hot pot.

What Is Lettuce Tomato Soup?

This soup combines thinly sliced pork, juicy tomatoes, and tender lettuce in a light tomato-infused broth. The combination may sound unusual, but it’s incredibly satisfying — the lettuce softens just enough to soak up the umami-rich broth, while the tomatoes give it a gentle sweetness and acidity.

Think of it as a Japanese-style tomato soup with a nabe (hot pot) twist — nourishing, quick to make, and perfect for any season.

RECIPE

Servings: 4-5

Time: 15 min

Ingredients:

1/2 lb thinly sliced pork belly
1/2 head of lettuce
2 pcs tomato
1 pc garlic
4 cups water
1 tbsp torigara (chicken broth powder)
salt and pepper
sesame oil

Instructions:

Prepare the ingredients:
Slice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
Mince garlic.
Cut the pork belly if it’s too large.
Cook the pork and tomatoes:
Heat a pot over medium heat and drizzle in a bit of sesame oil.
Add the garlic, pork and season lightly with salt.
Stir-fry until the pork is no longer pink.
Add tomatoes and stir.
Make the broth:
Pour in the water, making sure the pork is fully covered.
Add torigara (Japanese chicken broth powder), and simmer.
Add the lettuce:
Add the torn lettuce and cook for about 1 minute — just until the leaves start to wilt.
Finish and serve.
Ladle the soup into individual bowls.
Drizzle a few drops of sesame oil and sprinkle freshly ground black pepper before serving.

My Kitchen Tool:

Cooking Pot

Staub Pot is my favorite when making soup dishes

ingredients shopping

Tips & Variations

Replace pork with chicken or tofu for a lighter version.
Add mushrooms or shirataki noodles to make it more filling.
For extra depth, stir in a spoonful of miso paste at the end for a tomato miso nabe flavor.

Delicious Ways To Eat Lettuce:

Both raw and cooked lettuce can offer unique flavors and textures.

Raw lettuce leaves have a refreshing crunch that adds texture to salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Also it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients in salads and cold dishes. Additionally, raw lettuce requires minimal preparation and is ready to eat straight from the garden or grocery store, making it a convenient option for quick meals and snacks.

Cooking lettuce, whether grilling, sautéing, or simmering, can soften its texture and mellow its flavor, making it more suitable for warm dishes and soups. It has sweetness and imparts a deeper, richer flavor profile. Cooked lettuce can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, including soups, stir-fries, grilled dishes, and even smoothies, adding depth and complexity to recipes.