How to Make Japanese Vegetarian Tofu Dishes

Japanese cuisine offers a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes, particularly those featuring tofu, which is a staple in many Japanese meals. Tofu is not only nutritious but also highly versatile, making it an ideal ingredient for creating satisfying vegetarian options. Here’s how to make some delightful Japanese vegetarian tofu dishes.

1. Agedashi Tofu

Agedashi Tofu is a popular Japanese appetizer that showcases deep-fried tofu paired with dashi broth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block of firm tofu
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup dashi (or vegetable broth)
  • Soy sauce to taste
  • Mirin (sweet rice wine) to taste
  • Green onions, chopped for garnish
  • Grated daikon or bonito flakes (optional, exclude for strict vegetarian)

Instructions:

  1. Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. Cut into cubes.
  2. Coat each tofu cube in cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly covered.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the tofu until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  4. In a separate pot, combine dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. Heat until warm.
  5. Serve the tofu in a bowl, drizzle with the warm broth, and garnish with green onions and optional toppings.

2. Mapo Tofu (Vegetarian Version)

This vegetarian version of Mapo Tofu maintains its rich and spicy flavor while being meat-free.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block of silken tofu
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup green onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (spicy bean paste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
  • Ground Sichuan pepper (optional, adjust to taste)

Instructions:

  1. In a pan, heat vegetable oil and sauté ginger, garlic, and green onions until fragrant.
  2. Add doubanjiang and soy sauce, stirring for about a minute.
  3. Gently add the silken tofu, cutting it into cubes. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a simmer.
  4. Once heated through, add the corn starch mixture to thicken the sauce and mix gently.
  5. Sprinkle ground Sichuan pepper before serving. Enjoy with steamed rice!

3. Tofu Teriyaki

This tofu teriyaki recipe is a savory, sweet delight, perfect for those seeking quick and easy dinner options.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block of firm tofu
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Cooking oil for frying
  • Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Drain and press tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into thick slices.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, maple syrup, and sesame oil to make the teriyaki sauce.
  3. Dredge the tofu slices in cornstarch. In a pan, heat cooking oil and fry the tofu until crispy on both sides.
  4. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the tofu and let it simmer for a few minutes, ensuring the tofu absorbs the sauce.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

4. Tofu Salad with Goma Dressing

This refreshing salad combines tofu with fresh vegetables topped with a delicious sesame dressing.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block of soft tofu
  • 2 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, etc.)
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced