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.
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CHILLED TOFU, JAPANESE-STYLE
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
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
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
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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