Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

How to Cook Tofu: 11 Japanese Style Tofu Recipes

Login to Save
2.7K views👍 47
Chef JA Cooks
Chef JA Cooks
56 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow Chef JA Cooks to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipes in this Video

3 recipes

Agedashi Tofu is a classic Japanese dish originating from the Edo period, where it was served in izakayas as a comforting appetizer. The dish showcases the delicate texture of tofu, fried to a crispy golden exterior while remaining soft within, and is traditionally served in a warm dashi broth. Today, it is enjoyed in various forms around the world, often adapted with different sauces or toppings, reflecting the global love for Japanese cuisine.

Ingredients

  • tofu
  • potato starch
  • dashi
  • soy sauce
  • mirin
  • green onions
  • daikon radish
  • ginger

Instructions

  1. 1Drain tofu and press to remove excess moisture for 15 minutes.
  2. 2Cut tofu into cubes or triangles.
  3. 3Coat tofu pieces in potato starch evenly.
  4. 4Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. 5Fry tofu in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  6. 6Remove tofu and drain on paper towels.
  7. 7In a saucepan, combine dashi, soy sauce, and mirin; bring to a simmer.
  8. 8Serve fried tofu in a bowl and pour hot dashi sauce over it.
  9. 9Garnish with chopped green onions, grated daikon, and ginger.

Ingredient Alternatives

tofu

Healthier: firm tofu

Cheaper: silken tofu

Firm tofu holds its shape better during frying.

dashi

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water + soy sauce

Vegetable broth provides a lighter flavor while maintaining depth.

mirin

Healthier: rice vinegar + sugar

Cheaper: white wine + sugar

Rice vinegar + sugar mimics mirin's sweetness and acidity.

daikon radish

Healthier: carrots

Cheaper: regular radish

Carrots provide a similar crunch and sweetness.

Techniques

fryingsimmering

Equipment

deep panslotted spoonpaper towelssaucepan
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoy

Also Known As

Agedashi Dofu

Tofu Katsu is a plant-based variation of the traditional Japanese katsu, which typically features breaded and fried meat. This dish caters to vegetarians and vegans, reflecting the growing interest in plant-based diets in Japan and worldwide. It is often served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce and can be accompanied by rice or salad, making it a versatile meal option.

Ingredients

  • tofu
  • panko breadcrumbs
  • flour
  • egg
  • salt
  • pepper
  • oil
  • tonkatsu sauce

Instructions

  1. 1Press tofu to remove excess moisture.
  2. 2Slice tofu into cutlet shapes.
  3. 3Season flour with salt and pepper.
  4. 4Dredge tofu in flour, then dip in beaten egg.
  5. 5Coat tofu in panko breadcrumbs.
  6. 6Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  7. 7Fry tofu cutlets until golden brown on both sides.
  8. 8Drain on paper towels.
  9. 9Serve with tonkatsu sauce.
  10. 10Garnish with shredded cabbage if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

tofu

Healthier: tempeh

Cheaper: firm tofu

Tempeh is more nutritious, while firm tofu is budget-friendly.

panko breadcrumbs

Healthier: whole wheat breadcrumbs

Cheaper: regular breadcrumbs

Whole wheat breadcrumbs offer more fiber, while regular breadcrumbs are often cheaper.

egg

Healthier: flax egg

Cheaper: egg substitute

Flax egg is a healthier vegan alternative, while egg substitute can be more economical.

Techniques

fryingbreading

Equipment

panknifecutting boardmixing bowlfrying pan
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoyglutenegg

Also Known As

Tofu CutletKatsu Tofu

Soboro Don, a comforting Japanese rice bowl, features seasoned ground meat typically served over rice. Originating from home kitchens, it embodies the simplicity and balance of Japanese cuisine. Today, variations abound, with different proteins and toppings reflecting personal tastes and regional influences.

Ingredients

  • ground chicken
  • soy sauce
  • sugar
  • mirin
  • ginger
  • sesame oil
  • carrot
  • green onions
  • rice
  • nori
  • egg
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cook rice according to package instructions and keep warm.
  2. 2Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. 3Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  4. 4Stir in soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and grated ginger; cook until liquid reduces slightly.
  5. 5Add grated carrot and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. 6Season with salt and pepper to taste; remove from heat.
  7. 7In a separate pan, scramble eggs until just set; season with salt.
  8. 8Prepare serving bowls with rice as the base.
  9. 9Top rice with the ground chicken mixture and scrambled eggs.
  10. 10Garnish with chopped green onions and shredded nori.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground chicken

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

mirin

Healthier: rice vinegar + sugar

Cheaper: white wine + sugar

Rice vinegar with sugar mimics mirin's sweetness and acidity.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is a healthier fat, while canola is often cheaper.

nori

Healthier: spinach leaves

Cheaper: cabbage

Spinach adds nutrients, while cabbage is a cost-effective wrap.

Techniques

sautéingscrambling

Equipment

skilletrice cookerspatulabowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilksoywheat

Also Known As

Soboro DonburiGround Meat Bowl

Other Takes on Tofu

(24 videos)

Similar Japanese Videos

(23 videos)

Similar Recipes From Other Cuisines

(24 videos)