Best 2 Chilled Tofu Japanese Style Recipes

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Chilled tofu, known as hiyayakko in Japanese cuisine, is a refreshing dish that showcases the inherent flavors of tofu. It is a popular summer dish, often served as an appetizer or as part of a multi-course meal. Whether you are a tofu enthusiast or a curious culinary explorer, this article will guide you through the process of creating a delectable chilled tofu dish, inspired by traditional Japanese culinary techniques. We will explore the subtleties of selecting the right tofu, preparing it, and pairing it with a variety of delicious toppings and sauces. From the classic simplicity of soy sauce and grated ginger to the bold flavors of ponzu and shiso leaves, you will discover a world of possibilities to transform your chilled tofu into a culinary masterpiece.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHILLED TOFU, JAPANESE-STYLE



Chilled Tofu, Japanese-Style image

With this dish, you can orchestrate the flavor of each bite by choosing from a variety of savory condiments.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 packages (12 ounces) extra-firm silken tofu, liquid drained
1/4 cup mirin (rice wine), or sake
3 tablespoons natural soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh ginger juice
1/2 teaspoon wasabi powder
Fresh cilantro, leaves whole
Crushed red pepper flakes
Cucumber, diced
Ginger, grated
Nori, toasted, cut into 1-inch-by-1/2-inch strips
Pea tendrils, torn into bite-size pieces
Radishes, sliced, cut into thin strips
Red chile peppers, thinly sliced
Scallion greens, thinly sliced
Sesame seeds, toasted
Snow peas, blanched, thinly sliced
Wasabi paste

Steps:

  • Cut tofu in half widthwise. Keep the pieces stacked and cut lengthwise into thirds (creates 6 rectangles), and then cut the tofu horizontally (slicing parallel to work surface) into quarters to create 24 cubes, each about 1 inch. Repeat with second package of tofu for a total of 48 pieces. Place tofu in a serving bowl and nestle the bowl in a larger bowl filled with crushed ice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, place dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well blended; set aside.
  • Prepare 5 or more condiments and place each in a separate bowl or dish. Serve tofu family style in its chilled bowl with condiments, dipping sauce, and individual serving dishes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 136 g, Fat 3 g, Protein 14 g

JAPANESE CHILLED TOFU



Japanese Chilled Tofu image

Silken tofu is sometimes packaged in shelf-stable boxes, rather than refrigerated. Garnishes such as bonito flakes, shiso, and nori can be found at Asian supermarkets such as 99ranch.com.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Time 12m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 green onion, thinly cut crosswise and separated into thin rings (about 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon)
1 pound silken tofu, medium tofu, or tofu pudding, chilled
1 tablespoon finely grated, peeled fresh ginger
Japanese soy sauce or seasoned soy concentrate
2 tablespoons dried bonito flakes (Katsuobushi)
2 tablespoons finely shredded fresh green shiso leaves
1 full-size sheet toasted nori, briefly held over an open flame to recrisp, then snipped into 2- to 3-inch-long thin strips

Steps:

  • Put onion in a small bowl; add water to cover. Let soak for 10 minutes. Drain well; pat dry with a paper towel.
  • Prepare tofu: Open tofu and invert onto a plate. Use paper towel to blot away excess liquid. If using medium tofu, drain on lint-free towel or 2 stacked sheets of paper towel on a plate.
  • Cut medium or block tofu into 1-inch cubes or 1-inch-thick dominoes; arrange in a shallow bowl or individual dishes. (If using tofu pudding, scoop up large shards with a metal spoon, putting into shallow bowl or individual serving dishes.) Before serving, pour off any whey.
  • Drizzle with soy sauce. Top with green onion, ginger, and optional garnishes (or leave tofu naked and let diners choose their own toppings).

Tips:

  • Choose firm or extra firm tofu for the best texture. Medium or soft tofu will not hold its shape as well.
  • Press the tofu to remove excess water. This will help the tofu absorb the marinade better and result in a more flavorful dish.
  • Use a variety of marinades to flavor the tofu. Some popular options include soy sauce, mirin, sake, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
  • Chill the tofu for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Serve the tofu with a variety of toppings, such as grated ginger, scallions, bonito flakes, and seaweed.

Conclusion:

Chilled tofu is a refreshing and delicious dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It is also a very versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you are looking for a light and healthy appetizer or a flavorful main course, chilled tofu is a great option.

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