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Agedashi Tofu

Delicious Agedashi Tofu with Crispy Perfection at Home

Agedashi Tofu is a delightful Japanese appetizer featuring crispy fried tofu in a savory umami sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Tofu
  • 1 block Firm Tofu (Momen Tofu) Use a firm variety for a crispy exterior.
  • 1/2 cup Potato Starch (Katakuriko) Extra-crispy coating essential for texture.
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour can be substituted.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Opt for kosher or sea salt.
For the Coating
  • 1 teaspoon Water Helps form ‘hailstones’ with potato starch.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Dashi Stock Substitute with shiitake and kombu dashi for vegetarian version.
  • 1/4 cup Japanese Soy Sauce (Koikuchi Shoyu) Adds depth and saltiness.
  • 2 tablespoons Mirin Mix sugar and water if out of mirin.
  • 2 tablespoons Sake Can be omitted if preferred.
Optional Garnishes
  • 2 tablespoons Finely Chopped Green Onions Adds a fresh touch.
  • 1/4 cup Grated Daikon Radish Provides a pleasant crunch.
  • 1 teaspoon Shichimi Togarashi Add for a hint of heat.

Equipment

  • Medium-sized pot or deep fryer
  • Thermometer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Bowls

Method
 

Preparation and Cooking
  1. Drain the firm tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to press out excess moisture. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then cut into 3cm cubes.
  2. In a bowl, mix equal parts potato starch and all-purpose flour. Carefully coat each tofu cube in this mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly covered.
  3. Blend the remaining potato starch with about 1 teaspoon of water to form small clumps known as 'hailstones.'
  4. Heat oil to 170°C (340°F) over medium heat. Monitor the temperature closely.
  5. Roll the coated tofu cubes in the hailstones before frying.
  6. Fry the tofu cubes for about 3 minutes, turning halfway through until light golden brown.
  7. In a saucepan, combine dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then thicken with a potato starch slurry.
  8. Serve the fried tofu in a bowl, drizzled with warm umami sauce and garnished as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 8gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 10mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Press tofu thoroughly for optimal crispiness. Monitor oil temperature, and serve immediately for the best texture.

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