Onion Soup from Benihana features caramelized onions simmered in a savory beef broth, topped with melted Gruyere cheese and toasted croutons, delivering a comforting blend of rich flavors and a golden, bubbly crust.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Soup bowls (oven-safe, if broiling cheese)
- Baking sheet
- Broiler (or oven with broil setting)
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 2 large yellow onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 baguette
- 8 oz Gruyere cheese
Using yellow onions is essential for achieving the authentic caramelized sweetness that defines Onion Soup from Benihana. Combining beef and chicken broth creates a balanced depth of flavor, so ensure you have quality broths to enhance the soup's richness. Gruyere cheese must be freshly grated for melting perfectly into a golden, bubbly crust, while a fresh baguette sliced into croutons adds the ideal crunch. Salt and black pepper should be adjusted to your taste to complement the herbs like bay leaf and thyme without overpowering the broth. You can recreate the iconic Onion Soup from Benihana copycat menu with these key ingredients and proper preparation.
Instructions
- Slice onions thinly using chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Grate Gruyere cheese with cheese grater.
- Cut baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Melt butter and olive oil in large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions; cook slowly, stirring often, until deeply caramelized (about 30-40 minutes).
- Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme; add bay leaf.
- Pour in beef broth and chicken broth.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Meanwhile, toast baguette slices on baking sheet under broiler until golden on both sides.
- Discard bay leaf from soup.
- Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Top each bowl with toasted baguette slice(s).
- Sprinkle generous amount of grated Gruyere cheese on top.
- Place bowls on baking sheet under broiler; broil until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Carefully remove bowls and serve hot.
Substitution
Onion Soup from Benihana copycat menu can be adapted by substituting beef broth with all vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version while maintaining depth of flavor. If Gruyere cheese is unavailable, Swiss or Emmental cheese works well for that signature rich, melty topping. When toasting the baguette slices, use a skillet if a baking sheet or oven broiler is not accessible to achieve a crispy texture. You can caramelize onions slower on low heat to enhance sweetness if you prefer a deeper flavor profile. Avoid overcrowding the pot during caramelization to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
Tips
Caramelizing onions slowly over medium heat is crucial for developing the deep, rich flavor characteristic of Benihana's Onion Soup; rushing this step can result in bitter or underdeveloped taste. Use oven-safe soup bowls for broiling the cheese to avoid cracking or breaking, ensuring safe handling while achieving the perfect golden crust. Be sure to discard the bay leaf before serving, as its texture is tough and unpleasant to eat. Your toasted baguette slices should be golden and crisp to provide a satisfying contrast to the savory, melted Gruyere topping.
Nutritions
Onion Soup from Benihana provides a balanced combination of carbohydrates from the toasted baguette and protein from Gruyere cheese, which also contributes essential calcium and vitamin A. The caramelized onions add dietary fiber and antioxidants such as quercetin, supporting your immune system and heart health. Beef and chicken broths are excellent sources of protein and minerals like iron and zinc, enhancing nutrient density and flavor depth. This soup's moderate fat content comes from butter, olive oil, and cheese, offering essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins to support overall nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover onion soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness. Keep the toasted baguette slices and Gruyere cheese separate to prevent sogginess; re-toast baguette and re-melt the cheese under the broiler before serving. When reheating, warm soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat to preserve the caramelized onion flavor and prevent the broth from becoming bitter.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute Gruyere with Emmental or Swiss cheese for a milder, nutty flavor while maintaining a nice melt. For a vegetarian twist, replace beef broth with rich mushroom broth or vegetable stock without compromising depth of flavor. Try slow-cooking onions in a combination of butter and a splash of sherry or white wine to add complexity to the caramelization process. Toasting baguette slices with garlic butter before adding cheese enhances the crunch and infuses subtle garlicky notes to your soup.
Allergies
Your Onion Soup from Benihana may cause allergic reactions due to several common allergens, such as dairy from Gruyere cheese and butter, and gluten from the baguette croutons. People with sensitivities to onions or certain spices like thyme should be cautious as well. Always check ingredient labels or consult with your server if you have a history of food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Benihana's Onion Soup is loved for its rich, savory broth infused with caramelized onions, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and umami that delights the palate. The soup's signature blend of beef stock, melted cheese, and crispy fried onions adds a unique texture and depth of flavor that is both comforting and indulgent. You'll appreciate making the copycat version at home to enjoy this restaurant-quality experience anytime while customizing ingredients to your taste. Replicating this iconic dish allows you to capture Benihana's authentic dining charm right in your kitchen.