Homemade Crispy Atsuage Tofu

Ingredients

• 2 blocks (400g) of firm tofu 2 blocks (400g) of firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Drain the tofu and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut each block into 8 equal-sized pieces.
2. 2.
   In a shallow dish, combine the soy sauce, mirin, and grated ginger. Place the tofu pieces in the marinade and let them soak for 15 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   Place the cornstarch in a separate shallow dish. Remove the tofu from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, and coat each piece evenly with cornstarch.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the tofu pieces into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. 6.
   Once cooked, transfer the tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Crispy Atsuage Tofu with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, dashi, and green onions.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tofu — Make sure to drain and pat dry the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture, as this will help achieve a crispier texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, you can double-coat the tofu by dipping it in the cornstarch batter twice before frying.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as ponzu or sesame sauce to add variety to the dish.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the crispy tofu before serving.
• Serve the Crispy Atsuage Tofu with a side of steamed rice and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Leftover tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the oven or toaster oven to regain its crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Atsuage Tofu as an appetizer or as part of a main course. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an added visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Atsuage Tofu on a platter, placing the dipping sauce in a small bowl alongside it. Add a sprig of fresh herbs or a lemon wedge for an elegant touch.