Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 pieces of koya-dofu (freeze-dried tofu)
- 2 tablespoons of white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of mirin
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Special equipment needed:
- Mortar and pestle or a spice grinder
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Soak the koya-dofu in water for 10-15 minutes until it becomes soft.
2. In a dry pan, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned. Transfer to a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder and grind until it becomes a coarse powder.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, sugar, and water until well combined.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the soaked koya-dofu and cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer the koya-dofu to a serving plate and drizzle the sesame dressing over it.
6. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 2-4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of koya-dofu, you can use regular tofu or fried tofu.
- Instead of white sesame seeds, you can use black sesame seeds or a combination of both.
Variations:
- Add sliced cucumbers or carrots for a refreshing crunch.
- Top with sliced boiled egg or grilled chicken for a more filling meal.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to soak the koya-dofu long enough to soften it.
- Toasting the sesame seeds brings out their nutty flavor.
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent the koya-dofu from sticking.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover sesame dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, microwave the koya-dofu for 30 seconds or until warm.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a bed of lettuce or mixed greens for a colorful presentation.
Garnishes:
- Thinly sliced green onions or chopped cilantro.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of steamed rice or miso soup.
Suggested side dishes:
- Edamame or pickled vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sesame dressing is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the koya-dofu thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Koya-dofu is a traditional Japanese ingredient made by freeze-drying tofu. It has a spongy texture and is often used in soups and stews.
Flavor profiles:
- Nutty, savory, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or a light lunch.
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Region: Japanese