
This light, savory soup turns fresh corn silk into a delicate, comforting bowl with tender tofu and okra. Seasoned with light soy sauce, soup stock, and a drizzle of sesame oil, it is a simple Japanese-style soup that comes together quickly.
Rinse the corn silk well and keep only the fresh green-yellow strands. Discard any brown or dry parts, then cut the silk into short, bite-sized lengths.

Cut the tofu into small cubes. Trim the okra, remove the seeds if desired, blanch briefly in boiling water until just tender, then slice into small pieces.

Bring 500 ml water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the tofu, then stir in the Chinese soup stock powder and usukuchi soy sauce. Season lightly with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.

Add the corn silk and return the soup to a gentle boil. Stir in the okra, cook for a few seconds just to heat through, then turn off the heat.

Finish with sesame oil and ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot, with ra-yu on the side if you like a little heat.

Use only fresh, pale green to yellow corn silk for the best texture and flavor. Do not overcook the okra or it can become too soft. Soft tofu can be used instead of regular tofu for a more delicate soup. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 1 day and reheated gently.