Tofu is a versatile ingredient that takes on the flavors of a dish rather than overpowering it. Made of soybeans, tofu is an excellent protein source and can replace meat or dairy in many meals because of the variety of consistencies tofu comes in.
“Fried Tofu in Dashi” is a classic sake shop or tavern food that is delicious even when cooked at home. Try it, courtesy of “Japanese Home Cooking” (Firefly Books) by Chihiro Masui & Hanaé Kaédé.
Fried Tofu in Dashi
Ingredients for 4
2 blocks of firm tofu (11⁄3 lb)
3⁄4 cup dashi (Japanese soup stock)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
11⁄2 tablespoons mirin
Daikon
1 piece of ginger
Flour
Oil for deep frying
Peel the daikon and the ginger, and grate them. Cut each of the blocks of tofu in 6 equal parts.
Leave the tofu to drain on absorbent paper for 20 minutes. While you are waiting, heat the dashi, the soy sauce and the mirin in a saucepan.
Dust the pieces of tofu with flour. Brush off the excess. Heat the oil for deep frying.
Fry the pieces of tofu. Add the tofu in small batches, to avoid lowering the temperature of the oil. When they are lightly browned, they are done.
Arrange the tofu pieces in four individual bowls, and pour the dashi over them. Garnish with grated ginger and daikon, and serve hot.
Recent Comments