Tofu is an international food these days. People eat tofu in many ways. They are unique and
imaginative and I love them.

I introduced one of the most popular, authentic Japanese tofu dishes at our previous workshop. If you go to Izakaya (café or bar) in Japan, you will definitely see ‘agedashidōfu’ on the menu. It’s another staple food for us.

There are different varieties of tofu at a range of prices in Japan. The cheap ones are about 60 cents
and the expensive one cost $500 for 300g! I haven’t eaten such tofu but even cheap ones in Japan
are sooo delicious.

Tofu is rich in nutrients and has tremendous powers. Tofu lower cholesterol, prevent
cancer, reduce menopause symptoms, protect bones, weight loss, and make gut clean
which means make skin clean and beautiful.

Agedashidōfu is easy to cook, and I guarantee you, it’s delicious!

Please enjoy this recipe series which was developed as part of our ‘Itadakimaaasu! Japanese Cooking Workshop’ that was held at the Co-op in July when winter (and not COVID) was in fuller flight! Agedashi-dōfu is the third ‘okazu’ or side-dish in the published series. Next up, a classic winter sweet!

Ingredients with an ‘*’ are available for purchase at The Food Co-op (when in season)! Order them online here.

Recipes quantities are for serving 2 people.

Ingredients:

*Silken/’original’ tofu – 150 g

*Sunflower oil – 500 ml

*Shouyu (soy sauce)/Tamari (wheat-free ‘strong’ soy sauce) – 1 Tbls

*Mirin – ½ Tbls

*Dashi-shiru – ½ cup

*Sugar – ½ tsp

*Ginger – small knob

*Spring onion    – 1 

*Corn/potato/tapioca starch – 1 Tbls

Method:

1. Drain tofu, then wrap it in paper-towel. Heat it in a microwave for 90 seconds.
2. Once the paper is saturated, refresh it with a new piece (you may need to do this a couple of times). Let the tofu sit for 30 mins.
3. Put dashi, shouyu, mirin, sugar into a pot and bring it to simmer.
4. Put the oil in a frypan and turn it on to start heating.
5. Cut tofu into 6 pieces, pat them dry with paper-towel and coat with starch.
6. When oil is hot (170 degrees) deep fry pieces of tofu until the colour turns a golden brown.
7. Grate ginger and cut spring onions into small pieces.
8. Put fried tofu in bowls and spoon some sauce over it. Garnish with the fresh ginger and spring onion, enjoy!