Fragrant Spring Vegetable Inari Sushi & Tofu Cake
Fragrant Spring Vegetable Inari Sushi & Tofu Cake
Spring Vegetable Tofu Cake and Spring Vegetable Inari Sushi for Entrance Celebrations
Celebrate new beginnings with a vibrant tofu cake and charming inari sushi made from fresh spring vegetables. This delightful meal captures the essence of spring, pleasing both the palate and the eyes, making it perfect for an entrance celebration feast.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 block Tofu (approx. 150g)
- 2 sheets Square Fried Tofu Pouches (Inari)
- 1 handful Korean Wild Chives (Dalrae) (approx. 30g)
- 1 handful Stone Crop (Donnamul) or Bean Sprouts (approx. 30g)
Spring Vegetable Miso Dressing- 1 Tbsp Miso Paste
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce (or Brewed Soy Sauce)
- 1 tsp Perilla Oil
- 1 tsp Plum Extract
- 1 Tbsp Miso Paste
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce (or Brewed Soy Sauce)
- 1 tsp Perilla Oil
- 1 tsp Plum Extract
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, to celebrate a special occasion like an entrance ceremony, we’ll be making a ‘Spring Vegetable Tofu Cake’ and ‘Spring Vegetable Flower Bouquet Inari Sushi’. Get ready for a special recipe filled with vibrant colors and the fresh aroma of spring vegetables.
Step 2
First, let’s prepare the spring vegetables: Korean wild chives (dalrae) and stone crop (donnamul). Wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, drain them well in a colander. This step is crucial for maintaining the freshness of the vegetables.
Step 3
Once the vegetables are drained, finely chop them into bite-sized pieces. Avoid chopping them too finely; a slightly coarser cut will help retain the crisp texture and fragrant aroma characteristic of spring vegetables. You’ll taste the essence of spring with every bite.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the delicious miso dressing! In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of miso paste, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce (or brewed soy sauce), 1 teaspoon of nutty perilla oil, and 1 teaspoon of sweet plum extract. Mix everything well. Can you already smell that wonderful aroma of perilla oil? It’s making me hungry!
Step 5
Add the chopped spring vegetables to the prepared miso dressing and gently toss them together. It’s important to mix gently so the dressing coats the vegetables evenly without crushing them. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the vegetables mushy.
Step 6
Gently tossing the spring vegetables ensures that their fresh, slightly pungent aroma is preserved, leaving a subtle, pleasant fragrance. The combination of the crisp vegetables and the savory miso dressing will create a delicious spring vegetable salad.
Step 7
Prepare half a block of tofu. Place it in a pot with 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt, then boil it. Boiling the tofu makes it firmer, which is ideal for shaping. It also helps to remove any potential raw taste.
Step 8
After boiling, let the tofu cool slightly to allow the steam to escape. Then, we’ll shape it into rounds. You can use various tools, but today we’ll use the round lid of a teapot to create perfectly uniform circles. This method makes it easy to achieve consistent shapes.
Step 9
Spread a thin layer of the miso-dressed spring vegetable mixture over the round tofu shapes. The vibrant colors of the spring vegetables combined with the savory miso dressing create an appealing visual.
Step 10
Layer two round tofu pieces to create a sandwich, then sprinkle black sesame seeds over the top, crushing them slightly with your fingers as you sprinkle. This creates a charming, cake-like decoration. (Tip: You can also use white sesame seeds or sunflower seeds for a different look!)
Step 11
Voila! A beautiful and appetizing tofu cake is complete. It looks just like a cake that children would love, but it’s made with healthy ingredients, making it even more special.
Step 12
Finally, generously top the tofu cake with the spring vegetable mixture dressed in miso. Your ‘Spring Vegetable Tofu Cake’, brimming with the freshness of spring vegetables, is ready to impress!
Step 13
You can slice and serve this just like a cake. Enjoy this healthy and delicious ‘Spring Vegetable Tofu Cake’ that both children and adults will adore. Doesn’t it look elegant, just like a real cake?
Step 14
Now, let’s make ‘Spring Vegetable Flower Bouquet Inari Sushi’, which kids will especially love. First, simmer the square fried tofu pouches (inari) in a mixture of 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon oligo-syrup, and 1/2 cup water until the liquid is reduced. This simmering process makes the tofu moist and adds a delicious flavor.
Step 15
For the sushi rice, we’ll use barley. Soak the barley in cold water for about 1 hour beforehand. Then, rinse it and mix it with your regular rice before cooking. The barley will make the rice nuttier and healthier.
Step 16
Don’t season the barley rice separately. The seasoned spring vegetable mixture already has enough flavor, so the rice will be delicious without any added seasoning.
Step 17
Carefully open the simmered fried tofu pouch and fill it with a moderate amount of barley rice. Then, generously pile the miso-dressed spring vegetable mixture on top of the rice. Finally, tie the inari sushi with a strand of Korean wild chive to create a beautiful flower bouquet shape. (Tip: If you don’t have dalrae stems, blanched green onions or scallions can also be used.)
Step 18
Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds lightly over the finished inari sushi. Your ‘Spring Vegetable Inari Sushi’ will be complete, looking just like a charming flower bouquet. It’s a dish that offers both visual delight and delicious taste.
Step 19
Wow, the appetizing flower bouquet-shaped inari sushi is ready! The combination of fresh spring vegetables, nutty barley rice, and the sweet and savory tofu will burst with flavor in your mouth.
Step 20
If you have a child who is starting school this year, why not surprise them with this thoughtfully made and fun dish? It will be a wonderful memory that makes their special day even brighter. Enjoy your cooking!
