Japanese Onion Soup Remedy for Colds: Anti-Inflammatory, Immune-Boosting & Comforting

 

Japanese Cold Remedy: Healing Onion Soup to Soothe Coughs & Boost Immunity

As temperatures fluctuate and the sound of coughing and sniffles fills the office, many people look for comforting remedies to fight off seasonal colds. While Western families often turn to chicken soup when they feel under the weather, Japanese mothers rely on a warm, nourishing bowl of onion soup.

This simple homemade recipe typically includes onions, ginger, garlic, and sometimes an egg—making it a soothing, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting dish perfect for chilly days.

Why This Soup Works: The Power of Onion, Ginger, and Garlic

Ginger

In traditional East Asian medicine, ginger is a warming ingredient that helps dispel coldness from the body. Compounds like gingerol and shogaol have strong antioxidant effects, which support immunity. In fact, ginger’s antioxidant capacity is far higher than many root vegetables such as potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps inhibit the growth of various bacteria and viruses, making it a powerful ally during cold season.

Onion – the star of the recipe

Onions are rich in quercetin, a natural antioxidant that can reduce inflammation, alleviate allergy-like symptoms, and support immune function. Adding onions to your winter meals can help ease cold symptoms and improve overall wellness.

You can also customize your onion soup by adding white wine or tomatoes, giving it richer flavor and extra nutrients—perfect for cozy winter nights.

◎ Japanese-Style Onion Soup

Ingredients

• 300 ml water

• 1 egg

• ½ onion

• Ginger, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves

• Potato starch (for thickening)

• Seasonings of your choice (soy sauce, bouillon, mirin, etc.)

Instructions

1. Slice the onion thinly; smash the garlic and chop the ginger.

2. Bring water to a boil and add the onions.

3. When the onions are softened, add garlic, ginger, and seasonings.

4. Pour in the beaten egg and gently swirl.

5. Thicken with a small amount of potato starch slurry and serve hot.

◎ Onion Soup with White Wine

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1 onion

• 2 garlic cloves

• 300 cc white wine

• 250 cc water

Instructions

1. Slice the onion and garlic.

2. In a pot, heat 100 cc of white wine over low heat and add the onion, stirring until fragrant.

3. Add a little sugar and continue cooking until the onions are golden brown.

4. Add garlic, then pour in the remaining white wine and water. Add bay leaf or thyme if desired.

5. Simmer for 5 minutes until softened, remove herbs, and season with salt and pepper.

6. Finish with grated cheese on top.

◎ Tomato-Garlic Onion Soup

Ingredients

• Tomato, onion, garlic

• A little pasta sauce

• Salt and pepper

• 250 cc water

Instructions

1. Roughly chop the ingredients and blend until smooth or to your preferred texture.

2. Pour into a pot with seasonings and water, then bring to a boil.

3. Serve with basil or fresh herbs on top.

Kitchen Tips

How to Cut Onions Without Tears

1. Cut the root end last to reduce irritation.

2. Chill the onion in the freezer briefly before slicing.

3. Microwave halved onions for 2–3 minutes to reduce tear-inducing compounds (not for salads).

4. Slice onions under cold water.

How to Choose the Best Onions

1. Pick heavier onions—they are juicier and fresher.

2. Choose purple or yellow onions for higher sulfur compounds, which provide stronger antioxidant benefits.
   These compounds decrease with heat, so enjoy onions raw or lightly cooked when possible.