Agedashi Tofu Recipe
Agedashi Tofu is a classic Japanese appetizer featuring crispy fried tofu cubes served in a warm, savory dashi-based broth. This dish combines the delicate texture of firm tofu with a flavorful sauce enriched by soy sauce, mirin, and dashi stock, garnished with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, and optionally grated daikon and cilantro for a refreshing finish. Perfect as a light starter or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu
- 1 block firm tofu
Coating and Frying
- 1/4 cup potato starch (or cornstarch)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1/2 cup dashi (Japanese stock)
- 1 tsp grated daikon radish (optional)
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Drain the tofu and gently press it to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture when fried. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes for even cooking and easy serving.
- Coat the Tofu: Evenly coat each tofu cube with potato starch (or cornstarch), which creates a light, crispy outer layer when fried.
- Fry the Tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. Fry the coated tofu cubes for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown, crispy crust. Remove the tofu and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. Gently bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the fried tofu cubes in a serving dish and pour the warm dashi-based sauce over them, infusing each piece with savory flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the tofu with optional grated daikon radish, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro if desired, adding texture and brightness to the dish.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu thoroughly before frying helps achieve maximum crispiness and reduces oil splatter.
- Potato starch provides a lighter, airier crust, but cornstarch is a good substitute if unavailable.
- Adjust soy sauce and mirin quantities according to taste to balance saltiness and sweetness in the sauce.
- Grated daikon radish adds a refreshing detail but can be omitted if unavailable or undesired.
- Serve agedashi tofu immediately to enjoy the contrast between crispy tofu and warm broth.
Keywords: Agedashi Tofu, Japanese Tofu Recipe, Fried Tofu, Japanese Appetizer, Dashi Sauce, Vegetarian Japanese Dish
Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/agedashi-tofu-recipe/
