Crispy Outside, Silky Inside! Hearty Japanese Fried Tofu (Agedashi Tofu)
Crispy Outside, Silky Inside! Hearty Japanese Fried Tofu (Agedashi Tofu)
Simple Recipe for Japanese Fried Tofu ‘Agedashi Tofu’
With just mentsuyu (soba noodle dipping sauce, etc.) and grated daikon radish, you can whip up this Japanese fried tofu, ‘Agedashi Tofu’! Using silken tofu and not much oil, it’s a simple yet exceptionally flavorful dish. It’s comforting and satisfying, perfect for pleasing even the most discerning palates. While best served warm, it’s also delightfully refreshing when chilled in the summer, so feel free to enjoy it according to your preference.
Main Ingredients- 1 block (approx. 300-400g) firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons potato starch or cake flour (texture will vary depending on the type used)
- 5 tablespoons cooking oil (for frying, ensure enough to generously coat the pan)
- Grated daikon radish (prepared by grating)
- Chopped scallions (for garnish)
Sauce- 50ml mentsuyu (soba noodle dipping sauce)
- 200ml water
- 50ml mentsuyu (soba noodle dipping sauce)
- 200ml water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the tofu. Take one block of firm tofu. Lightly sprinkle the tofu with salt for seasoning, then wrap it in paper towels. Gently press down to absorb as much moisture as possible. This step helps prevent oil splattering during frying and ensures the tofu becomes extra crispy. Once drained, cut the tofu into 4 equal pieces.
Step 2
Next, we’ll coat the tofu for frying. Evenly and thoroughly coat the surface of each tofu piece with potato starch (or any starch like rice flour, all-purpose flour, or tempura flour). The type of starch used will slightly affect the texture and appearance of the fried tofu, so choose one you prefer. Coating it well is key to achieving a satisfying crispiness.
Step 3
Now it’s time to fry the tofu. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Once the oil is sufficiently hot, carefully place the starch-coated tofu pieces into the pan. Fry the tofu, turning it occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and nicely browned. Frying until golden ensures a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender interior.
Step 4
While the tofu is frying, prepare the grated daikon radish to serve alongside. Finely grate the daikon radish. Grated radish helps to cut through the richness of the fried tofu, adding a fresh and balanced flavor. If you prefer, you can drain some of the excess liquid from the grated radish using a sieve.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce to accompany the fried tofu. In a small pot, combine 50ml of mentsuyu and 200ml of water, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Alternatively, if using a microwave, place the mentsuyu and water in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warm. This sauce is also wonderfully refreshing when served chilled, especially during summer, so adjust the temperature to your liking.
Step 6
Finally, let’s assemble and serve this delightful dish! Arrange the golden-brown fried tofu pieces on a serving plate. Generously top with the grated daikon radish. Garnish with finely chopped scallions for a pop of color and enhanced flavor. For an even richer taste, consider adding some simmered shishito peppers or bonito flakes as optional toppings.
